I've been with DP for nearly a year and a half. He was my best friend before we got together and I am so so lucky I found him.
About 6 months into our relationship he told me he loved me. Well actually, I had to guess for myself and then ask him 
he then got angry that I hadn't guessed!
Neither of us are the lovey dovey type at all - we both value our independence but love each others company and are extremely attracted to one another.
He has said I love you periodically throughout our time together, but only every few months or so.
I have no doubt that he loves me and cares for me deeply. But he has told me saying 'I love you' makes him cringe.
It means that I now cringe slightly when he does say it and find it difficult to say it back!
I have no doubt about either his or my feelings for each other and I understand this is a bit of a non issue and it doesn't particularly bother me.
Does anyone else hate saying I love you?!