Boyfriend hasn't said I love you after 1 year and 5 months? Where do we stand?

blueyedcutie
My boyfriend and I have been together for 1 year and 5 months. I love him, but am confused as to where I stand with him. He hasn't said he loves me. He is a gentleman, caring, affectionate, attentive and treats me like gold. He makes me so happy! We both enjoy the time we spend together and always make plans for another date. I have met his entire extended family on two occasions and his parents and he has met mine. He says I'm an important part of his life and I am special to him, but no I love you yet. I don't want him to say anything he's not comfortable with, but I also want to know where we stand. His actions say he loves me, but I am wondering if it's just that he cares deeply about me. He recently invited me to his birthday party with his extended family too, which I am very excited for. We made plans to go on the Gateway Clipper for his birthday and he said he was really excited. I love him, but just don't get it. Will he ever love me back? Any thoughts would be appreciated! PS: I don't want to say it first because I don't want to risk messing up what we already have if he doesn't feel the same way yet.
Boyfriend hasn't said I love you after 1 year and 5 months? Where do we stand?
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