The expression "I grew to love" means that over a period of time, someone developed feelings of love or affection for something or someone. The word "grew" implies a gradual process of change or development, suggesting that the feelings of love were not immediate but rather developed and strengthened over time.
For example, if someone says, "At first, I didn't like classical music, but over the years, I grew to love it," it means that initially, they didn't have an affinity for classical music, but as they exposed themselves to it and became more familiar with it, they eventually developed a deep appreciation and love for it.
The phrase can be used to describe the evolution of emotions towards a person, an activity, a hobby, a place, or even a particular type of food. It highlights the idea that love can be a transformative experience that evolves and deepens with time and exposure.