As an update, we talked calmly and openly last night. I told him that I think he does a lot of things that come off as uncaring and I’m not sure he’s aware of it. He told me that he is not good at making me feel like I’m a priority, but I am to him.

Believe it or not, he said that he thinks he would benefit from therapy. He didn’t say he would go, but he did agree to come with me to one of my sessions just as an observer, to see what it’s like. I am so grateful for that as I know that is probably terrifying for him.

So after talking last night, we agreed to:

1) Try to work things out and communicate more openly
2) Spend more nights at my apartment (I just flat out told him I want that and he agreed)
3) Bring him to one of my therapy sessions as an observer
4) Talk about issues as they arise; I agreed to bring up disrespect as it happens so we can address it

I’m aware this might not work, but this is the first time in any relationship I’ve felt like an issue has been discussed calmly with a plan of action moving forward. If it still doesn’t work out, I consider this a win for me as I’m gaining confidence to ask for what I want/need in a relationship and to be open and honest about the relationship.

Thanks all for your input.