I think you need to read up on the five love languages. Are you familiar with the concept? In a nutshell, there are 5 ways we best express and conversely feel loved. They are 1) words of affection, ie being told/saying "I love you", "you are beautiful", etc. 2) physical affection, ie kissing, hugging, cuddling, sex. 3) spending time with the person 4) acts of service, ie doing things for the other person. and 5) buying/receiving gifts.

You may express love in one way, but feel the most love in another. I love to buy little things for people so it is a big way I express that I care for someone, but I'm not big on receiving gifts. Time is the most important way I feel loved.

Maybe your husband doesn't best express his love in words? It sounds like he expresses his love for you in acts of service as he works hard to provide for his family.

I think its best to find your love language, for him to find his love language, and for you two to talk about it. Even if he doesn't feel comfortable expressing his love through words, perhaps he could try harder to be more expressive knowing that's how you feel loved? And conversely, if there are ways he feels loved best, you can work on showing him love in those ways.

The love language concept can work with any relationship. I know some parents even use it with their kids.