I only just read this thread, out of boredom, the title didn't make me curious.
Yes, it is sexist to say that men are emotionally stronger than women. Seems like we all agree for a change. Oh and there's nothing pseudo about my feminism .
OP, I'm sorry you base your behavior in relationships on the poor example you had growing up, i.e. your parents' relationship. It sounds like he was emotionally abusive and she was submissive, as others have said. Not all relationships are like that and most of all, you don't have to be like either of your parents. You can be your own person, that acts in a way that has nothing to do with either your mother's or your father's behavior.
I'm glad that you acknowledge that your personal choice of not saying "I love you" first is due to your personal history and insecurity, and not justifiable by the excuse that "men can handle emotional rejection better than women".