My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a year, and we're currently in a long-distance relationship. The issue is, he's not very verbal or expressive with his emotions, which is really difficult for me since words of affirmation are a big part of how I feel loved especially with the distance between us.

He's much more into physical touch and sexual intimacy when we're together, and he always makes sure I'm satisfied, we also always have a good laugh together which is great. But when that's all we have, I sometimes feel like we're more exclusive friends with benefits than an actual couple. He jokes that saying "I love you" too often is cringy, and he doesn't like overly romantic or cheesy talk.

I've explained to him that I'm a hopeless romantic and that I find verbal reassurance and love confessions very cute and romantic. He understands to some extent and has told me he struggles with showing emotions because his family wasn't very emotionally attentive when he was growing up. He even asked me once, "What do people say these days that's considered romantic?" While I appreciate him trying, I don't want to spoon-feed him what to say just so he can repeat it to me, it feels forced that way.

I’m at a loss because I can’t feel his love the way I need to, and on bad days, I start doubting if it even exists. I’m wondering if there’s a way I can bridge this gap, or if this is just something I’ll have to accept.

Any advice on how to navigate this would be really appreciated