The only thing I have learned about love is that saying it means little on its own. The ones I love should feel they are loved and that’s what counts. So I rarely use the word love, but if the ones I really care for feel loved, my words are worth it.
Don’t underestimate the power of words, though. Granted, the phrase ‘I love you’ has become ritualised and confined only to romantic relationships. But that is the context that the people using it have brought to it. You can change it whenever you want.
Words are intentions, clearly stated commitments that you send out into the world. How could they be irrelevant?