Deep affection

What is the meaning of "love"? Is it when you care about someone so much you can't be away from them longer than 8 hours? Is it when your heart jumps in your throat every time they kiss or hug you? Does the amount of years you've been with someone define love? I've heard that people use the term too "loosely". I somewhat agree with that but that doesn't mean I wouldn't mind hearing someone tell me they love me. Do those three little words really need to be said to prove how much you care about someone? Where did that word come from? What makes that word so special that it has to be said and if it's not said, does this mean you're not loved? I wanted to be like all my friends who have their bf's calling them all the time and telling them how much they love them. I have someone who is such a good person and who I can't be without. He has proved to me that he cares about me deeply so why am I bothered by this? If he were to tell me he loves me, would I get tired of hearing it? These are all questions I don't think anyone could answer. I look back on this and realize that I don't need to be told things that everyone else is. I have something that is unique and special. I wouldn't give that up for anything, not even three little words.