Saying "I love you"

[Blueberry77]

I was just curious about at what stage various people say "I love you" in a relationship?
I've been dating someone for 8 months, both in 40s, and I said it about a month ago, knowing he wouldn't say it back, but it's how I really feel and just wanted to express it. I understand everyone reaches that stage at a different point.
But, we were joking around on text this morning and he said something about me loving something too much & I responded "I love you too much" & he replied with a gif of a man running away. I was a bit hurt about his response but I feel irrational about feeling that way!
If I say something "nice"/something that I would want to hear, he would respond with "you're so cheesy" or a 🤢 emoji.
Do I Ignore and grow a thicker skin, or does he just not care for me that way? (In which case I may be wasting my time)
He does drive 3.5hrs each way to see me for the weekend every 2 weeks & is very regular with his good morning/goodnight texts and daily phone calls

I'm a romantic at heart. I couldn't be with someone who either needed to 'warm up' to me or was undemonstrative. Regardless of this man's early life experience, you shouldn't feel you have to fight for his affection. At this stage it should be offered without such awkwardness and childish dismissal. Not for me. I hope you find what you're looking for OP

What a prick. The gif was bad enough but the messages saying that he'll behave how he wants regardless of your feelings is shit.

I think that if after 8 months you don't know if you love someone it is because you don't.

However, when my bf told me he loved me before I felt it, I responded a lot more warmly telling him how it takes me a while, that I think he is amazing and how much I enjoy being with him.

@Aprilx

I think you are wasting your time here, if he is not in love after eight months then I doubt he will ever be.

I think that’s fair actually tbh

I think you need to end it and move on op.
It sounds like he is not interested in anything more than being FBs.
His childhood experiences are his shit to resolve, not yours.
Find someone who values you.