Love is a beautiful word. We should use it when we mean it and I think it's awesome you had the courage to. I understand the reaction, wanting to take it back and you don't have to ever say it again if you don't feel like it. It's not an obligation. Not a contract. It doesn't mean you owe him anything or need to spend time with him as he wants to. You still get to decide how far you are willing to go with him and whether or not to draw back. Using the L word doesn't negate that. It's your decision.