When did you realize you loved her?

I have been with my bf for 6 months and we’ve gotten very close. We have never had a conflict because everything that comes up is resolved in a way we both feel is fair. Never an argument. Every minute we spend together, we are cuddly and affectionate. This is not an exaggeration, sitting in restaurants we always have arms around each other or at least hands on each others legs, walk with arms around each other. I’m sure people think it’s excessive. Haha. My point is, we consistently show each other affection. He prioritizes time with me any time he has any to spare, and texts and calls when we can’t be together. He compliments me, brings me flowers on movie night at home, and is fully present. I have never seen his eyes wander to anyone, let alone another woman (my previous bf had a terrible wandering eye so this is refreshing). He says he loves time with me, thinks I’m sexy, can’t wait to have me in his arms again. He says thinks I am amazing and prefers to stay in vs going out so we can snuggle and talk, always wrapped up in each other. When we fall asleep, he does not let go, holds me the entire night. And then when he goes home, he reminds me again how much he loves being with me.

But he has never said he loves me. I have told him even if he isn’t there, I love him.

Men, are these acts of love just lacking the words to match? Or can you be with someone you think everything is wonderful with and still not feel love? Thinking back to being in the dating phase, when did you realize you took the leap from “she’s really great and I like her a lot” to “I love her”? And how long did you wait to tell her?