I dont think he’s serious about us. Advice please!

I’m a single mom of a 18 month old beautiful little girl. I started dating my boyfriend 8ish months ago. It took him forever to actually want to call me his girlfriend because I have a kid. But finally he did and things have been good.

Two months ago, while drunk- I told him I loved him. He told me I said it because I didn’t remember. Well later that night I told him again I loved him because I wanted him to know I meant it. But he didn’t say it back... Now here we are and he still hasn’t said it. He never says anything regarding his feelings towards me. He isn’t romantic and I’m just starting to wonder if I’m wasting my time.

He’s a good guy with a lot going for himself, but maybe my lifestyle is too much. Maybe I’m too much. He told me yesterday he will be out of town on a hiking trip with a friend during my birthday (which sucks a lot because he made a big deal of my birthday) and he made a comment the other night about how he “can’t wait until covid is over so he can hit up the bars every weekend.” I just don’t know what to do.

I am dating to marry. I want a husband and a stepfather to my daughter. I want a family and a life.

Ugh I don’t know what to do. I know I need to talk to him, but are my feelings valid here? Can any single moms relate??