If your boyfriend says "love you" instead of "I love you" because he doesn't see the difference, it's natural to have mixed feelings about it. How you should feel depends on your own personal preferences and the context of your relationship. Here are some potential feelings you might experience and some suggestions on how to approach the situation:
Confusion: You might feel confused about why he doesn't see the difference between "love you" and "I love you." In this case, consider having an open and honest conversation with him to understand his perspective and share your feelings as well.
Insecure: If you value the use of the complete phrase "I love you" and he is using a shortened version, you might feel insecure or think he is not fully expressing his feelings. In this case, you can express your desire for him to use the complete phrase and explain why it matters to you.
Loved and appreciated: On the other hand, you might feel loved and appreciated regardless of whether he uses "love you" or "I love you." If his actions and behavior show that he cares for you deeply, the specific phrasing might not be as important to you.
Respected: You might feel respected if he acknowledges your feelings and adjusts his language if it is essential to you. A partner who respects your needs and feelings is an important aspect of a healthy relationship.
Communication improvement: You may view this as an opportunity for both of you to work on your communication and understand each other's preferences and emotional expressions better.
The key here is open communication. It's crucial to discuss your feelings and preferences with your boyfriend in a non-confrontational manner. Let him know how you feel and why the phrasing matters to you. Be open to understanding his perspective as well, as different individuals have different communication styles and preferences.
Ultimately, the use of "love you" versus "I love you" may not be a significant issue in the larger context of your relationship. What matters most is the love, care, and understanding that you both share with each other.