<human>: Provide a brief overview of the text.

Where do I start?  We have been dating 1 year and have been living together for 7 months.  I am in love with my SO and have verbally expressed this to him on several occasions over the last 2 months.  He does not reciprocate any verbal affirmation or 'emotions' as he puts it.

He has told me that because of his childhood (verbal abuse from family, etc) that it's very hard for him to open up and express his feelings towards me.  I have no doubts that he has strong feelings for me even with the lack of communication.

My last relationship (ending about 2 years prior to us being together) was long distance where our feelings were expressed quite often.  This is something I miss greatly in my current relationship and every time I try and express that desire he seems to shut down / shut me out.

This is not an issue that I will end the relationship over though I would like advice on how to adapt and cope with the lack of verbal affirmation.  Perhaps even advise on how to have a conversation about this without him shutting down.
<bot>: No verbal affirmation from SO in relationship and I'm having a hard time dealing with this. Looking for advise to cope and perhaps how to have a conversation without the SO shutting down.