>>2 I agree with you.
Don't say "I love you" just because that's what they do in the movies. I've been together with my boyfriend for almost 4 years now and I said it..uhm, less than ten times, I would say. So did he.
The first time I told him that I LOVE him was at our first anniversary. It felt awesome. Of course - before I said stuff like "That's just because I love you so much" etc. - but looking him deep into the eyes and whisper "I love you", wow, that was something.
So kitschy! But sometimes we need some kitsch in our lifes, right.

I want to save these words for special moments. I wouldn't want them to become dull and meaningless because they're being used to often.

One question: English is not my first language - what would be the moderated form of "I love you"? What would you say instead? "I'm fond of you"? Sounds a bit weird. "I like you" might be a bit weak. Or isn't there any proper phrase?