My partner does not engage in deeper or emotional conversation
My (F42) BF (47) and I have been dating for eight months we have known each other for three years prior to this. He is a very kind, affectionate and fair person, and in every way treats me better than anyone else has, I respect his kindness and integrity hugely, however although we knew each other for three years prior to getting together it was a working relationship, since dating and the honeymoon period wearing off, I have noticed that our conversations are surface level, for example; how’s your day been? The weather et cetera? He seems to have a lack of curiosity in conversation not only with me but other people in general, I had hoped overtime he would open up to me, share his feelings with me and become more expressive the more he trusts me. On the few occasions over the last few months where I have wanted to talk through some emotional problems, not necessarily with the relationship but personal to me, I have become increasingly frustrated with his inability to engage ,reciprocate with follow-up questions,or anything like advice or empathy, he will hug me if I am upset, and repeatedly asked me if I’m okay, but I honestly feel like telling him I am not okay that leaves him in a place that he is not able to handle. This increases the distance I feel between us he is introverted by nature and it is not just me, he is like this with, but I honestly don’t know if I can sustain a long-term relationship where the other party cannot open up or express and share feelings. I had hoped over time this would happen. After continuously feeling frustrated I bought this subject up to him. He now says that he feels I am looking for Mr perfect and that he is not good enough unless he changes. I don’t know how to respond to this or where the relationship ultimately should go, does anyone have experience of this and have any advice to offer?