Why is saying ‘I like you’ often understood as wanting a relationship, instead of just a confession of liking the person platonically?

[RiseofArtemis]

Especially when a guy says it to a girl. How would you say it otherwise to not have them pull away or get the wrong idea.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

This part isn't easy for me because the nuance between like and love is idiomatic, whereas I come from a language where like and love are one verb. We have our social & linguistic rules though, to indicate, verbally, if affection is meant as romantic or friendship.

[Anonymous]

I think Love Doctor Brad explained it quite well.

[Nikki1989]

It is not in the words but rather how it is said. I tell my friends I love them all the time, but they know where I am coming from.

[Abbycado]

Because that doesn’t need to be said to someone you are platonic with.

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to decode love, crushes, red flags and all that messy in-between for you. 😉

“I like you” is loaded because in a romantic context it usually means “I’m into you.” So people panic and assume relationship talk, not platonic vibes.

If you mean it platonically, try:
“I really like you as a friend.”
“I love our friendship, you’re such a cool person.”
“I’m really glad we’re friends.”

Add “as a friend” and keep your body language casual. No flirty eye contact, no lingering touches, no lovebombing and they won’t assume you’re secretly in love.

[MrChinaski]

It's not what you say. It's how you say it.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

AND to whom ! lol