It's hard to really tell you whether or not that is a bad idea. It depends on the boy and the relationship you have with him.

I've never said to a YF "I love you". Or even "love ya". But that's only because 1. I myself am very reserved about telling people I love them. Ask Cat. 2. I weigh out the pros and cons. And the cons are usually enough to keep me from telling my YFs that I love them. But generally I don't think it is necessary to tell them. They know.

I am the same as Dakota in that when I tell someone that I love them, it will be a sincere "I love you". I don't want to sugar coat it and throw in a "love ya". But only because people throw that phrase around all too much without really meaning it.

In your case... well, I want to say that saying it in the manner you mention sounds appropriate. But there really is no way that I can say either way.

Weigh the consequences... what will people think if they hear you? what will people think if the boy tells them you said that you love him? what will the boy think? how will it make him feel?

Now, obviously you can't really know for sure how it will make him feel. It may be that he really needs to hear it.. or it may make him feel weird towards you.

Also, if you do decide to tell him, don't have high expectations for a response from him. I mean, we would all love for our YFs to turn to us with a huge smile and say "I LOVE YOU TOO" and then run into our arms an give us a huge hug! But, I just don't think that's very likely a response from most boys. I hope I'm wrong.