I learned it is not always the best always to tell. I personally want to be very open about my feelings for people, but there are some bad people out there that will take advantage. They will use your emotions against you. It is a sad reality. Be careful.
It's kinda-of hard for a man to say that 4-letter word. I am still waiting for my Dad to tell me that. He was so old-fashioned. Lol! He would tell me you know if he didn't care you wouldn't be in the house with him. Lol! But I did know that he really loved me.. Hahaha!
Even when you know it, it's still so nice to hear that other person say it. I have been working on that issue between my two brothers. I know they would do anything for each other, but it's like an unwritten code or something that guys aren't supposed to tell each other "I love you". Don't give up - keep encouraging him in subtle ways. :-) I'm still manning a sneak attack on my brothers.
Please forgive me, I didn't realize he was passed on. I know you are right - that he loved you. Sometimes words can't mean as much as actions. One time I was in a wreck - and I wasn't the one who called my parents to tell them. My Dad knew that wasn't like me -- so he was really worried. When we got home, my Dad grabbed me and squeezed me so hard I thought he was going to crush me. He was crying too. Words could have never said "I love you" any better.
I learned it is not always the best always to tell. I personally want to be very open about my feelings for people, but there are some bad people out there that will take advantage. They will use your emotions against you. It is a sad reality. Be careful.