Why would a person pretend that he doesn't love someone when he really does?

[DubiousIntentions]

I suppose there are reasons why someone would do this. Maybe you can come up with scenarios in which a person who loves someone would make like they didn't. 🤷‍♀️

[Chazmatazz269]

Well, there is a difference between loving someone and being in love. Especially for men, it’s an absolute necessity to deny the expression of unrequited love. For men and women both, there is no rejection more painful than that. Even if you’re not that far gone, giving yourself completely to someone who doesn’t love you back is so far beyond vulnerable that it’s stoopid. There aren’t many people on the planet that won’t take advantage of that kind of devotion. That’s literally what “the friend zone” is. One person receiving all of the benefits of being the love of another’s life, and offering nothing in return. Unless you’re some kind of masochist, that’s a great reason to not express your love.
To be fair, most people hold back in this way more often than not. This is at the heart of the debate “Who should say ‘I love you’ first?”. If you’re feeling it and not saying it, you’re playing the same game, just at a different level. Where there’s risk of rejection or being taken advantage of, there’s natural and justifiable reticence.

[AmeerX]

I have loved a number of girls. I don't go tell that to every other girl.

Reason.

1. I love you has an intrinsic and heavy value. You can't just go say around and not feel like a stupid brain dead person. You only say to special people.

2. For a girl's own reputation. I mean I know some girls like attention and compliments. But look some girls are really sweet and innocent. They will be ostracized as bitches and sluts if I or others kept approaching them. They don't deserve it.

[surebruh]

To protect themselves from being vulnerable , possibly from past negative experiences and or hoping to not be hurt by someone they love.

[Sparkie460]

They've probably been hurt several times in past relationships when they tell the person they are in love with them. Because of this they hide their feelings from the other person.

[Alchemizt]

I fell for someone who is way beyond my reach. We have a huge gap between us. I know that I love that girl, but I pretend not to because I don't want to get hurt.

[DubiousIntentions]

This probably happens more than you know.

[Alchemizt]

Happened to you?

[DubiousIntentions]

Not yet.

[Sixgunsound]

Social pressure not to be, family pressure not to be, prior knowledge thar it would be one sided, etc.

[Andres77]

To avoid being hurt by rejection?

[DubiousIntentions]

Could be.

[Rockstarrrrr]

They're insecure...