Am I in this situation because the guy I'm seeing is eight years older?

Hi all :)

I have been seeing someone for about 3 months, 5 weeks of which he was away working interstate. I am 22 and he is 30. In that time we have not spoken a word of what we are to each other. I will be going overseas for 10 weeks in a couple of weeks time and he’s known that since we met and he’s spoken about speaking again when I get back. I wonder if he hasn’t told me how he feels/or wants because I’m travelling.

So far he’s been the one to allude to the future more than me suggesting we go away together and doing couple like things exp. take him clothes shopping. He says things like I’m amazing and a beautiful girl and once even said I might be doing his washing one day (another story). Initially I was very hesitant to date him but he’s turned out to be quite amazing, treats me well and with respect though I have no idea whether he is seeing anyone else. I know what you might be thinking are we friends with benefits, no it’s definitely more than that I would have walked away in the beginning if I didn’t sense he actually likes me a lot.

I’ve tried my hardest to not have feelings for him as I am going overseas but I’ve started falling in love with him despite not wanting a relationship before I go. However, when I return I can’t go back to the arrangement we have going, it’s got to be all or nothing. He’s travelling too, and has me a younger girl and he’s living the life at the moment and though I know he’s not just using me for certain things, I can’t help but feel I’m gaining less from this arrangement even though I do get to stay in his friends penthouse with him and park my car next to the ferrari!

I’m afraid that if I come across as demanding and pressuring him into making something happen it will backfire, though being patient for it to develop organically is so tedious!

My questions are…is this a normal situation for his age..treating me like his girlfriend but not having to talk about what we are? and how should I be responding to this? Do I tell him how I feel before I leave? Whats the best way to go about saying it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated it’s driving me crazy!