This guy I like said that he...?

Question

I've known this guy for about 4 years, and I've had a crush on him for the longest time. We have a friendly/teasing relationship, we arent the closest of friends but we know each other to a certain extent.

The place I met him is in a outside activity environment. We have a three year age difference and I don't ever think he would ever be interested in me.

But out of the blue he told me he loved me, of course the way he meant it was that he didnt want me to get hurt and he said that as a answer to my question of why I couldnt do something. I assumed that it just slipped out and there was a small awkward pause where I just took it as a slip of the tongue.

Well later on he said it again, in a you did something cute way.

I smiled and went on, and now I know that isn't a slip because he said it a third time.

What made him say that, and how could I respond?

I don't think he meant that he actually loved me, but it's a bit strange to say that to friend that isnt very close.

He doesn't show a lot of affection or say things like that to me, so its a really big surprise that he said such a thing.

Any comments or help on why he said it or anything?

Answer 1

There are different types of love.  You love your dog, your grandma, your i-pod.  Next time he says it, check him on it by saying I like you too.  Then watch for his response.  If he acts rejected, then he wants a deeper relationship with you.  If he laughs and moves easily onto the next sentence , he is just wanting to be your friend and loves his friend.  

Answer 2

Your best thing to do is talk about it with him. Its very easy to mistake someone's words to mean something else. Thats why they say actions speak louder than words.