What's a proper way to answer to an "I love you" from a friend?

Telling someone you love them is a direct kindness. So rare. If someone told me they loved me, I’d be ecstatic. I definitely would not try to avoid the sentiment for any reason.

I don't say "I love you" to any friend.
Those three words are too heavy for me.
Love means love.
If a girl tells me she loves me, she'll find herself in a romantic situation.

I think your answers are proper.
In my culture it's a thing to address them as "brother"or "sister" to emphasize the non-romantic nature of the friendship.

I love me too if you're not comfy reciprocating

Often on websites I doubt the sincerity. Especially on newer acquittances at best.

For me love has a time component, a gender component, as well as a relationship type of component.

So the very definition of love is far too broad in the English language. Some even on this post have come close to saying it when they mention family or partners or friends.

There truly is many types of love. So how should the phrase "I love you" be taken?

It's this unclarity that I find uncomfortable with. And that can only be judged over time when not explicitly stated.

So when some say love, yet really mean the Latin equivalent of "agape" yet say it like the greek version of "agapo", I have some serious problems with that. The two are two different languages and mean two different things.

I always tell friends I love them. It’s the ultimate show of respect and loyalty

Stop being gay you gaylord

That would be my exact reaction and they would know it means I love you too

Maybe just a smile or pat them in the head/shoulder (whatever works) haha. Idk. For girl peers, it isn't an issue. But I guess it could be seen differently coming from the opposite gender. Maybe say 'Thanks. I care about you as a friend too' or something like that.

I've never had a friend who said "I love you". I wouldn't feel obliged to say that back if I were you, if you don't feel comfortable saying so.

One good response would be something like "I love you like a sister, I'd do anything for you" or something of that nature.

“I love you too, goofy ball”
“I love you too, muddy head”
“I love you too, princess”
Etc.

Well I would fall for it because I catch feelings easily. 🤪

I just say it back if I genuinely do love that person

Idk, horrible person

Move in for a kiss

Ha ha

Just kidding

I love you too

Hopefully the framework will have already been set with the boundaries of the relationship already firmly in place