How long did it take to say i love you

How far into the relationship did you and your partners say i love you for the first time?

We’ve been together for an about 4 months and he (m late 20s) hasn’t said it to me yet. I (f20s)also haven’t said it because I’m afraid of not getting a good response.

My nervousness was validated two weeks ago when he told me that he’s nervous about the fact that usually around this time he starts saying i love you but he hasn’t felt like saying it to me yet. He did confirm that he has deep feelings and feels affection toward me, and that he’s most comfortable around me than anyone else and he can be himself.

The thing is, all of his previous relationships included use of shrooms, acid, weed, etc.. which he no longer uses. He’s completely sober from any type of drug, but does drink socially.

I’m afraid that his experiences previously were influenced and now he doesnt feel things as “intensely” as before and that has some affect on everything. Either way, i just want to know timelines for saying i love you.

He does prove in other ways that he cares for me. He’s very thoughtful, sweet, and patient with me.