Hello KAHJPC2012, Welcome to SR!
As you already know, early recovery is very hard. I have read many stories on this forum about alcoholics who were married to each other, and realized they did not even know each other now that they were sober. Your boyfriend may not be someone you really know after about 1 or 2 years sober -- assuming he actually makes it that far. Sadly, there are no guarantees of continued, permanent sobriety with an alcoholic.
If it were me and I man I was dating said they did not want to date anymore because they do not love me 'that way', I would respect his request and would respect myself enough to honor his request. Then I would probably go no contact with him.
I hope time will bring you some clarity and peace!