When someone says they love you, should you say it back?

Okay...if your boyfriend/girlfriend tells you for the first time that they love you - should you say it back? If you don't love them but you do really like them, is it best to be honest bout it or is that really horrible?

I was in the situation where...

me and my boyfriend went through a rough patch but we are all good now. Last night we were in bed and he said Theres something I need to tell you and I was like Yea...? and he goes I love you baby. Now my reaction was Really? and he goes Yes, I've fallen in love with you. And as I've never had a guy say that before, I did NOT know how to react! I felt so bad. I didn't say it back cause I do like him but I don't know if it's love. I kind of giggled then gave him a hug - gah! I felt like such a b*tch. Then he goes That wasn't the reaction I was expecting.. and I ALMOST just told him I love him too but I didn't want to lie...I feel like such an immature teenager even asking bout this but like I said, I haven't been in the situation before

don't tell someone you don't really love that you love them, cause if the truth would come out, it'd crush em'.

just be honest with this guy and say exactly what you said in this question. that you've never been told that before, plus, you were unsure how to respond considering your rough patch, he should understand that. and if not...he's the immature teenager.

love is a powerful word and shouldn't be thrown around jes like that. tell him how you really feel since he loves you he should understand. you dont want to rush things if you're not ready.

Yeah but only if you truley love them

U may have looked a little hard but you were right. Dont say It till its real. you would not want someone to tell you Untill they meant it.

Good Job.

Yes you did the right thing in telling the truth, if he did'nt hear the words he was expecting he should at least be grateful you like him enough to be there in bed with him, it's too easy sometimes to say yes I love you too, just to make someone feel good , but its a lie, no matter how noble the reason for saying it, two people dont always fall in love at the same time, and when they do its quite often one loves the other more. Just continue telling him the truth, that you've never heard a guy say that to you before, and you dont exactly know what it is you feel, like or love, and if he really does love you, he'll love you more for your honesty, and look forward to the day you do say you love him, then he'll know you mean it 100%.
Franklyn