I have told mine out of love too. And, I've had all of those feelings. Someone mentioned that my feelings are like those of an infant - looking into her eyes, wanting to be near her, be cared by her etc. are all an innate inclination and drive for survival. I (and maybe you) missed out on those experiences.

My feelings have lessened and I have learned a lot from them. I try to tell her all of them to learn from them and what I missed. It has been very painful yet rewarding.