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

I want you to take in consideration gender roles, that the people are of opposite sex.
I personally never know how to answer to that, to not shift any boundaries, even though I'd like to say it back 'cause I love my friends too. Actually you know what, thats how I normally answer, by saying general stuff like, I love my friends too, or everyone loves you too, or we all love u too, or just say nothing and continue the convo about whatever we were talking about.
I just feel like there is something better to say on a personal level, from a guy to a girl and it to be seamless.

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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

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.

Dan193 · 31-35, M

@DeWayfarer aw I love you too

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@Dan193 and there you go. Because I really don't know you at all! 🤷🏻‍♂️

So I have to assume it as insincerity.

Dan193 · 31-35, M

@DeWayfarer I know, I just think I'll go with that, for friends