<human>: Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?

Okay, we are definitely serious, and he's more introverted and doesnt' like to discuss 'emotions'.  But I am the kind of gal that likes to hear I love you b/c I do have issues and while they are better now, it still triggers a slight panic when I say those words to him and he doesn't say them back.  I don't tell him every waking minute of the day that I love him, but I am currently away from him, and I tell him on the phone that I love him, he says thanks, or yep.

I've asked him why he doesn't say it back, if it's because he doesn't love me anymore.  (I'm sick of playing head games, I'm ready to settle down, and he is aware of it and wants the same things as I do)  His response is:  "I only like to say I love you on special occasions because it has more meaning"  I guess it could the moment more exciting? or romantic? BUT why with hold that?  I remember comparing it to the physical act of making love, as in 'save it for special occasions' or 'everyday' but he claimed the comparison wasn't the same...  Not sure how to deal with it, I have faith in him, and if I ask him do you love me he always says yes...  I don't want to question him though, I can tell he gets slightly annoyed by it.

 What am I dealing with here?  

Is this normal? 

Should telling your loved one less often that you love them, make them feel more special when your loved one hears it?  

Isn't it better to express yourself?
<bot>: We've gone past the point of I love you but now I'm away for a month and he won't repeat it... DAE have this mentality ?