Situation · Partners and dating

“He's not affectionate and never says I love you”

What could be going on

Love languages: He may show love through acts or time rather than words; check what he does for you.

Emotional inhibition schema: Fits if he holds back feeling across life, not just affection.

Childhood emotional neglect: Check whether he grew up in a family where affection wasn't shown.

Dismissive-avoidant attachment: Fits if closeness seems to make him uncomfortable or he pulls back after it.

Alexithymia: Fits if he struggles to identify or talk about any feelings.

Sensory processing sensitivity (highly sensitive person): Some people find touch overwhelming; check whether he's sensitive to sound, texture or crowds.

Looking at the last week, which small things did he do for me without being asked?
What do I need the words to tell me, on the days I most want to hear them?