Homosexuality is still broadly seen as a social taboo

DEAR DEIDRE I TOLD my boyfriend I love him the other night.

I didn’t plan to say it – it just sort of slipped out.

 I can't stop thinking about how boyfriend didn't say 'I love you' back
I can’t stop thinking about how boyfriend didn’t say ‘I love you’ back

We are gay men. I am 27 and he is 33.

He replied that he cares for me and I’m special to him but he is not yet ready to talk about love.

He said he likes to be sure of his feelings before using the “love” word.

I understand and wouldn’t want to pressure him but I now find myself acting ­differently with him.

Every time I kiss him or have sex with him it is playing on my mind that I am doing them out of love and he doesn’t feel the same.

We took a chance and moved in together when coronavirus first appeared but this is making me pull back emotionally.