I grew up in a family that never said "I love you", and I think it's made it difficult for me to develop deep relationships
Not even the other iterations, like just saying "love you", or even "love ya". I've managed to work up to those iterations with my wife, but even with her the full "I love you" is like internal nails on a chalkboard. My parents and siblings weren't particularly cold, but we were also never that form of close. We'd talk about anything, but there was never any touching or real signs of affection.
I realize they're just words, but I really do feel it's deeper than that. Seems like an unwillingness to be vulnerable, but maybe that's just me looking into it too much. Been married for years, so relationships are still possible, just feels like one of the deeper layers of them are mentally blocked off. What do you guys think? I don't suppose this is particularly rare, but I also don't think it's the norm.
Anyway, want to get over this hurdle, though in truth I'm not even sure where to start. Perhaps this is more in the territory of seeing a counselor, though I'm always curious for input on things.