I'm sorry you're struggling NP. That phrase would bother me, too.
I like CNS's analogy. The problem with the word 'love' is it has so many meanings. So we all love differently. It just is. The only way to figure out what he meant is to ask him. And it's so hard opening up to a sensitive question that you've already been hurt by.
I also agree with LT about both of you defining love. L and I did that and now we have a shared language of the meaning.