You know Rachel some guys/girls find it really easy to say those 3 little words that mean so much. But usually to those people it is just that...words. Words to make the other person comfortable and for them to get what they want. Others have a very hard time saying it. It isn't because the feeling are not there and not valid but it is because they are. It is a big very big deal to them to say something so profound. In my husband's culture (he's italian) Ti amo (I love you) in not used a lot. They have other words to express the feeling but they are not so deep and meaningful. Even a lot of couples and married people do not say Ti amo 'I love you'. For some it is a big step and the meaning is very deep. You guys are happy. You know he loves you...he shows you and you know you love him. You will see that over time he will feel more and more comfortable and eventually when he feels the time is right those words will come out. And believe me they will mean so much more. I think for Mike those words are connected to a very strong, deep and profound emotion. I think he feels he has some control as long as the words say unsaid. But like I said you will see he WILL say them.

(((HUGS)))
Enjoy your time together with family. It is obvious your grandma thinks he is pretty special already without ever having met him and I am sure Mike will be very touched.

Michelle