If not saying ILY to him makes you feel better, then don't.
But you've stated that he is not a particularly verbally affectionate person before I think, so if you are going to focus on anything, I'd say focus on his actions. He gets up and makes you breakfast, wakes Marc up, cuddles on the couch with you, etc. Maybe he likes to hear ILY but is not comfortable saying it.
Maybe you should just ask him whether he likes to hear it or would rather you demonstrate your affection in other ways. And/or just calmly state at some point that you didn't think his "thank you" response was appropriate.
Why are you still letting your fear control you? Courage isn't about not feeling fear, it's about acting in spite of it. Tackle some of these issues with yourself and with him. If you want to say ILY, then say it with no expectation that he is going to say it back, or will only do so infrequently.
(((Michelle)))
Michelle - Proud DR Rockette S: 28JUL07, D'd: 29OCT09 http://tinyurl.com/27j9qo2
