My [18/f] boyfriend [22/m] does not reciprocate affection or enjoy "spontaneity" because he's already "done all the lovey dovey stuff" in his past relationships

Ditto, I'm 40, married 10 years. My husband unironically calls me "princess" or "gorgeous" (we compromised because I didn't like "mushroom", "sausage" or some of his other terms of endearment). We tell each other "I love you" multiple times a day, including every time one of us is leaving the house. We kiss or hug each other whenever we run into each other around the house.

When we first met (around age 28) he used to write me love notes on post cards. When my birthday was coming up he talked about getting me a present. I said "ah, I don't need a present (& then completely joking "I want 50 presents!"). I got fucking 50 presents (including love letters/notes, silly little items that were just...random). All numbered & #50 was him at the airport tied with a bow.

He never does that cutesy love note stuff anymore but I know he likes me to kiss him & tell him "I love you" way more than I normally would so that's what I do. I love him so much, I just want him to be happy right? It costs me nothing in time/effort so why wouldn't I? I mean, he's fucking awesome (he hates when I say that on the Internet, but he will never know :) Plus it's true).

So OP, does your "older man" want you to be happy? I don't know that he does, based on evidence. You're the one working to make him happy & he's bringing nothing? Nah, this guy isn't worth your time. It's not something people grow out of. He's just decided, for whatever reason, that it's not important. This is definitely not your "for better, for worse, in sickness & in health" guy. He's not even a "fun for a fortnight" (a fortnight is 2 weeks Americans :) type of guy where you go out, have fun, cuddle & have lots of amazing sex and then move on with your life because you're both heading in different directions at this point in your life & it was lovely while it lasted. Nope. This, OP, is a blip. Not even "your biggest mistake." He's just a bit lazy. Not even worth getting upset over. Find yourself one of those Fortnight Fun fellas (this should totally be a thing). This guy right now - he's just for practise & you've levelled up already. You will do so much better without him. You don't know it yet, but it's totally true.

Good luck.

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