Hey, Brandon. From personal experience, I have to agree that saying "I love you" is sometimes obligatory and that love is sometimes withheld to support prejudice. I'm sorry you had to experience the brunt of it all.
I saw your book, "Tell Me No Secret," featured at the top of your profile page. You may want to check out a new publication on Medium, Free Amazon Reviews for Your Featured Book. These are "verified customer reviews," which satisfy Amazon requirements, and will cost us Medium authors nothing.
We are just beginning to list books to be reviewed. Would you like to join us?