Meh. Saying I love you is easy. Showing someone you love them, through the trials and tribulations of being with them, sharing food with them, sharing space with them- sharing a life with them... that's difficult.

If it bothers her, she should be honest about it. And ask, because he sure as hell can't read her mind.

But really- if everything else fits her, makes her feel valued and satisfied and cared for- then maybe its a question of language as opposed to feelings. My father as far as I'm aware doesn't go around telling my mother that he loves her. He just proves it every day.

And if everything else doesn't fit her- then that's the real question she should be asking. At that point, really this is not about some three word phrase which hasn't been uttered like its a magic incantation to solve all problems.