The Experiment: We rarely tell male friends we love them. We rarely tell casual friends we love them. It's reserved for partners or parents, or drunk nights.

I will text 10 different people "I love you man" or "Love you" at 2 PM on a Tuesday. No context.

> SUBJECT 1: THE BEST FRIEND (MALE)

TYPE: DEFLECTION
I love you man.
You drunk? It's 2pm.
No. Just appreciating you.
Lol. Gay. Love you too bro.

Analysis: Men have to frame emotion as a joke or potential intoxication before accepting it.

> SUBJECT 2: THE WORK FRIEND (FEMALE)

TYPE: PANIC
Hey! Just wanted to say I love you and appreciate you.
...omg are you dying?
Is this a suicide note? Pick up the phone.

Analysis: Random affection is seen as a warning sign of mental instability.

> SUBJECT 3: THE CHILDHOOD FRIEND (DISTANT)

TYPE: RECIPROCAL
Thinking about you. Love you dude.
(3 hours later) Wow. Need this. Tough week. Love you too.

Analysis: This was the best one. Sometimes people are waiting to hear it.

> SUBJECT 4: THE EX (RISKY)

TYPE: ERROR
I still have love for you. Hope you are well.
Please don't.

Analysis: ABORT MISSION. DO NOT DO THIS.

> THE DATA

responses breakdown:
Concerned (Am I dying?): 40%
Reciprocal (Love you too): 40%
Awkward/Ignored: 10%
Hostile: 10%

> CONCLUSION

It is sad that genuine expression of platonic love is so rare that people assume you are either drunk, dying, or hacked.

But the 40% who reciprocated? It strengthened the bond instantly.

Send the text. But maybe add "I'm not dying" context.