The meaning of I appreciate you is that they are grateful for you or for what you've done.
I appreciate you is a way of saying thank you to someone and means that you may have done something good for that person or they just enjoy you being around or helping them.
If someone tells you they appreciate you, you know that it is a personal thing for them to say.
It's not something that is just said or done because society told them it needed to be done for one another- but rather a message the person values you for being in their life.
An appropriate way to provide a response to "I appreciate you" would be "Thank you, I appreciate you too." or "I'm glad you feel that way, thank you."
This shows gratitude and reciprocates the sentiment expressed by the other person.
When someone says that they appreciate you it means that they value you and appreciate the things that you do for them It is a sweet way of saying thank you.
I had a friend at that to me a few days ago and it melted my heart.
Appreciating someone makes the person feel valued and drives them to do their best.
It also helps with wellbeing and mental health, so it really can make a difference.