<human>: been dating a wonderful girl for over a year and have learned throughout the duration that she just isn't into responding to sweet things, compliments, talking about feelings for each other, etc. It's not that I'm the sappy type but I do like showing my affection verbally a lot of the time. I've spoken to her about it multiple times and she always comes back with "i just don't know how to deal with emotional things like that, I don't know how to respond back." I know she cares about me and likes me. This leads me to why I haven't told her I loved her yet because I'm afraid the feeling won't be reciprocated or she'll get too freaked out. i've been told she's a commitment-phobe, so the fact that she's been dating me for a year is a definitely a positive thing. I just wish she could meet me halfway sometimes or not make me feel like I have to hold back telling her what I feel for her. she's a highly independent woman that likes to deal with things on her own so I've also learned that if she's in a bad mood or doesn't want to talk, I give her space and let her figure things out (not a problem, but just giving more backstory). i feel like I'm at a standstill and it makes me wonder if i should back off emotionally so i don't get burned in the future. any suggestions since I'm not making any headway?

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<bot>: not sure how to deal with a girl who doesn't respond to verbal affection. thinking i should back off and put up a wall.