My man of 16 months says he doesn't know what love is- Should I dump him?

We are both in our 40's and divorced from ex's who cheated and were very self serving. He and I are both pretty stable responsible and highly compatible people. (met on a dating service). After 16 mos of seeing each other every weekend, talking on phone every night, going on vacations and meeting eachother's families, he still cannot say the three Big Words I love you. He literally chokes on them, even though he is very articulate otherwise! Some of my friends swear it is because he is Irish (!!) and that's how Irish guys are=others just say DUMP him if he doesnt love you now he never will. I go back and forthe and cannot decide. He says matter of factly that he doesnt have to have mushy romantic love in order to be committed and feel we have a strong and healthy relationship (and great ) --so if we have all that, then why doesn't he KNOW it is love?? He did have those mushy feelings for the ex wife, but of course she was YOUNG and Beautiful when they met, and is that what this comes down to for men? I am very fit and am told (by him and others) that I am y. but he only rarely compliments my looks, although he does look at other beautiful women. . . I was never insecure but this is definitely taking a toll on me. I have ped up a lot of other opportunities with other men, because I think he and I are so special together. but he floored me the other day by answering my question of love with "I don't think I know what love even is. . .maybe I should head back to therapy" should I dump him? Why would any guy stick around and make future plans without LOVE??? I don't know if I can, without hearing the words!