My boyfriend and I have been together for almost 8 months, dating for 3 months and talking for 5 months before that. When we first met, everything seemed great, but over time, I’ve noticed that he’s quite closed off, and I feel like I don’t know him well enough. I really love him and want the best for him, so when he suggested that we focus on building ourselves before working on our relationship, I fought with him about it. Eventually, I agreed that we should work on ourselves first.

I’m not scared of being alone; I’ve been alone most of my life. But life with him is something I’ve prayed for—he’s everything I’m looking for in a man. I don’t want our relationship to fall apart. How can I show him that I understand and that I’m still here for him? How can I show that I’m trying to get to know the real him? What are some ways I can encourage him to open up to me slowly?

Please help me. This is the man I’ve prayed for. He’s such a great guy, but he doesn’t see that about himself. What are some ways you guys would suggest I move closer to him?