LDR for almost 2 years and ISTP bf barely shows affection
I'm struggling dating my ISTP bf. We are both late twenties and work stressful jobs. There has been this ongoing pattern where I have to keep asking him for affection over and over. He will say he understands but there's no change.
-He's always stoic and rarely laughs, even when I'm trying to be funny.
-He doesn't tell me he likes me or what he likes about me unless I ask him
-He never says he misses me first
-When we do see each other..
He doesn't smile when he sees me
when I wake up next to him he doesn't say anything and continues watching his video
he doesn't hug me unless I initiate
What he does do: helps with any problem by listening or trying to help diagnose, always makes time for me everyday, gives me updates, if I'm not feeling well he'll get me food.
I don't really know what to do. He says he does like me and I try to be understanding but sometimes I feel so unloved because of his lack of initiative, reciprocity, and energy but it feels really lonely. It feels like I have to carry the relationship.
Any advice or thoughts?