Imagine two kindergarten age kids:
Pretty much everyday... Boy: Do you like me?
Girl: No, and I never will. Stop asking.
Boy: If I stop asking will you like me?
Girl: No!
Boy: Why don't you like me?
Girl: I just don't! And I'm not going to change my mind. I don't even want to play with you because you say stuff like that.
And occasionally...
Boy: Do you like this toy?
Girl: Yeah, it's pretty cool.
Boy: You can have it.
Girl: Are you sure?
Boy: Yeah.
Girl: Thanks.
Boy: Now do you like me?
Girl: No! And I never will, even if you give me your toys. I don't even want it if you're going to say stuff like that.
One time she told him that she hated him. After that the script went more like...
Boy: Why do you hate me?
Girl: I've already told you, I don't hate you. I just don't like you.
Boy: But you said that you hate me.
Girl: I was just annoyed. Sometimes you're even fun to play with, as long as you don't start saying stuff like that.
And a few times...
Boy: Do you think we're going to end up getting married when we grow up?
Girl: No. Why would that happen? I told you I don't like you and I never will.
This went on for years, if that makes a difference.
What do you think?