I agree with your conclusion on "lack of love." But I've long maintained that they are simply giving *their* version of love.

When I was a musician my sisters would come to my shows. They always sat right up front and talked real loud during the show. The musicians in the band hated it when they showed up. But if asked, they would've said, "oh, sure, she's great, we loved that set." It's simply all they can offer. (Very passive aggressive, of course).