What does it mean when friends say "I love you"?

[Amelia]

Hardly any of my friends say, "I love you", but if they do, it's mostly just with special events (birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.). One of my other friends, though, used to say, "Love ya", then she'd say "Love you", and now she says, "I love you" quite frequently...when hanging up the phone, at the end of txt messages, etc. And it's not romantic love because we both have boyfriends...so I don't find it weird or anything. But, a few months ago on my birthday, she said, "I love you with all my heart, Happy Birthday, I love you always." And a couple weeks ago we txting and mid-conversation she was like, "I love you, I really do, I want to remain friends forever". What is the importance of "I really do"? No one has ever really said that to me before. And what does "I love you" mean? Thank you!
Also, if she has failed to keep in touch and respond to my calls/txt messages (since she moved away), should I come to understand that our friendship might be over? Thank you!

[renz]

True friendship lasts even after a long time of not having communication. She's saying I love you because she values your friendship. The best thing to do is keep communication with her even just through facebook or any other social sites. Even if you both age, never forget her, she's a true friend if she will still value your friendship.