How do you react if any one suddenly say "I love you"?

I had a time when I was shocked to hear somebody saying 'I love you' unexpectadly. Those shocks were big because I have never thought of such a thing and never beehave in such a way that somebody will say that to me. Now, I am married and I don't care if a random guy say 'i love you' to me unexpectedly.

"Love", what a strong word. When I hear the words "I Love you" it makes me feels all different types of ways. For example, If I hear it from my parents or my siblings I immediately reply with I love you too and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction I feel inside. When a close friend says the words "I love you", I tend to feel a deep appreciation for their friendship and commitment in our relationship. When a girl that I really like says the words "I love you", I immediate feel excitement because that usually means the relationship is getting serious. It also shows that her feelings for me are becoming more complicated and true. All of this being said when a girl that I view as a friend or a random hook up says the words "I love you", I begin to feel uneasy and nervous. I don't know how many men can relate to this but it's always awkward when someone you considered a hook up says I love you. First of all how do you respond to that? I mean I don't love her back and I don't want to lie to her. This situation often ends horribly because I choke and end up hurting the girl's feelings. No one likes to put themselves out there only to be shut down and rejected. I find this very interesting because it has happen to me twice now and both times was a horrible experience for both me and the girl. What do you guys think? How do you feel when someone you consider a friend with benefits all of sudden says "I love you?"? Is it just me or has the situation ended horribly? -John

Well, that would be weird no matter who said it. Unless it's a family member or a close friend of course. In that case, I'd feel happy and touched that they felt it strong enough to actually say it. But if it was a total stranger, it would be freaky. I'd just go away. If it was a friend but not a close one, I'd just smile and say thank you. :P