Some families just don't say it - my parent's never say it (when I was in touch that is!). I can remember saying to them as I was leaving after a visit that I loved them and they just laughed, blushed and looked really awkward! So I started taking delight in it, and told them a few more times, just to see the stiff upper lip British reaction. It used to upset my big brother that they were never affectionate, no saying they loved/proud of us, or ever just want to give us kids a hug but he accepted it in the end.

My advice? Let it go. You know you love them, you know they love you back, words do not need to be said (although it's always nice to hear). Don't worry about the email - the best thing of having a mum who loves you like yours does is that she will most probably just melt when she reads it and you'll make her feel good, proud of her daugher and give her a real lift. And... why is it a problem? You just sound like you're a nice kind, gentle person. Like who you are, and perhaps just accept that not everyone is like you - doesn't mean that you're doing anything wrong.

Hugs.