At six years old he doesn't know how obnoxious he seems so no, I would not tell a six year old that I don't like him. I agree with another poster who suggested just answering his question with another question. If anything he'll answer those questions and you might start to see what he considers "love". SS4 has a bad habit of telling me he loves me or flattering me right after I give him something he wants (like playing xbox as soon as he wakes up). I tell him "that's not what love is" and I explain to him what love means to me and what it should mean to him. There are other times he tells me he loves me randomly which I encourage and respond to but I've raised him more than both his parents put together unfortunately so it would be kind of heartless if I didn't feel something for a child I've raised since before he was one.

I did lie at first. My husband asked me too. He knew I didn't love my sd then (and was ok with that) but asked me to reciprocate when she started telling me she loved me or missed me or whatever. He felt it was important for her to feel accepted. I did it for him. It did feel awkward at first, but I did at least like her on the whole. I do love her now so can say it truthfully these days.

It is up to you what to say on the love front, but remembering that for him love is not yet a fully formed construct in his mind but something people close to you say. I would also avoid saying you do not like him outright but if saying you like him is not an option for you, you could try to pick out somethings about him that you do like. if you wanted you could then temper it with a 'but I find it frustrating when you do...,because I know you are a good boy really.' Positive reinforcement can work wonders.