My parents weren't verbalisers, which was never an issue for me, I've always felt the love & been secure in the knowledge. Having said that, I say it all the time to DS, and quite a bit to DH. Firstly because I really mean it, and it makes me feel good to say it to them both, but also because I'm conscious of raising a boy who's comfortable with hearing & saying it (when it's appropriate for him). I guess I'm trying to make him not emotionally stunted if that makes sense. For some reason I feel that with boys it's often harder to acknowledge emotional needs, and whilst I still have control & input into his development, I'm doing everything I can to give him the best that I can (IMO), with the hope that it pays long term dividends. I'm also teaching him cooking things - my future DIL is going to love me