I know there's the old random, "I love you," but sometimes I think it's used to much and doesn't mean as much as it should, so how do you really tell her you love her in this day and time?
I agree with the actions speak louder than words bit but if you want to use words.
I have told girls I was close with that "To me there are different levels of love (I really believe this). When I say I love you, its more I care a lot about you and you are important to me, but I love my friends and my family. When we are to the point that I am ready and know you are maybe the one I will tell you I am IN love with you. "
I know it seems silly that one word can make something mean so much more, but I don't throw the "in love" phrase around a lot. Usually girls understand that you can love them with out being "in love" with them.
Showing her that you love her, in a personal, unique way, will go 100 times farther than saying "I love you. " And by showing, I don't mean physical intimacy. It could be as simple as being there whenever she asks for your help with something, and staying the heck out of her way when she doesn't. It could be remembering a simple song she mentioned long ago in passing, that really cheers her up, and playing it for her when she feels down. I don't know - It really depends. Know the girl, and you'll know how to love her.
Actions speak louder than words. If you really love the girl you should know a lot about her. Do something along the lines of this: 1) get her favorite appetizer from her favorite restaurant 2) get her favorite entree from her favorite restaurant 3) get her favorite desert from her favorite restaurant (if the foods she like all come from different restaurant well go do it anyways) 4) after getting all of the items bring them all together into a picnic basket and go to the place you guys first met (if it's indoors well do it anyways or outside the facility) and enjoy the picnic. Oh yea don't tell her what you got planned either make it a surprise.
What pickup lines do you use to start a conversation with someone you are attracted to?
I usually try to use humor to break the ice (no not stupid jokes or creepy sexual innuendos) I'll usually ask her a question about a class (if she is in one of my classes) or about something else. I might also comment on her clothing or smile, or something.
Once after that I'll tell her my name, and get a conversation, I'll usually tease her a little to ease any tension
How do they typically respond?
Well, it's worked 2 times and I've used it 2 times.. so 100% so far!
In one case there was girl in my class and she worked at the bookstore. I asked her if she liked the class and she said she didn't know. So I teased her about not knowing her own opinion, (nothing mean, just light humor) after that we got talking and I ended up getting her number.