I 40F have been dating a 50M for about a month now.
This weekend he told me that he loved me during a intimate moment. I responded with "You love the things I do (during intimacy)" and shrugged it off. He told me again "No, I really do love you". I ignored it and continued on.
He tells me again, the next day, that he loves me. Says I don't have to say it back, and he will prove it over time. I felt awkward.
I told him it's a bit out of character for me to tell people that I love them, even close family. This is something I actively work on in other relationships, it's not just an excuse.
I feel a bit guilty, because at this point, I don't love him. I don't know if I will ever love him the same way he loves me. I don't want to lead him on or break his heart down the road.
I suspect he's feeling something more along the lines of limerence. We met in the kink community and I check a lot of boxes for him in that area.
He's never had anyone to engage in his kink with him, and has become quickly attached to me because I do.
Is it wrong of me to continue this with him if I don't feel the same way? How long do I let this go on for? The process of falling in love seems to happen much slower these days (for me).
What do I say when he says it again, "Thank you"??? I'll be talking to my therapist later this week and I want to try process this a bit before the appointment.
My therapist likes to tell me I have an avoidant attachment style, which is why I probably feel so weird about this.
Thanks to anyone with input here.