When the 'I Love You' isn't mutual

Can a relationship survive one person saying 'I love you,' despite the other person not feeling the same way? Not to dig too deeply into your business (unless you'd like to share ), but has this ever happened to you? Where your partner (or you) volunteered an ILY, while you (or your partner) just wasn't at that point yet?

I've been in three relationships were there were "I love you's". One guy said it way too early on. I can't remember what I felt, but I knew I didn't love him. I told him I loved him too, so I wouldn't hurt his feelings, but I didn't truly feel love. The other two men I was in love with, so it wasn't a problem. To answer your first question, I think a relationship can survive an "I love you" unreturned, although not for long. One thing for sure though, I never, ever have been or will be the first to say it. Never.

I've never said it first either (that's a lie, I did once); but in my latest experience, my girlfriend was very sneaky with it. She 'jokingly' said I Love You first, then I 'jokingly' said it back. After that the ice was broken.

I think it depends. Feelings can develop later, but if things don't change, it's very hard to be in a one-sided relationship.

No, no and no.

well... someone has to be first... it is easiest to say "thank you" if the feelings are not reciprocated. In time tho, you either have to say/feel it or leave... relationships can't survive without true feelings