I had this same conversation with my guy friend of many years that all this time I don't know him. I don't know if this applies to you, and forgive me if I'm off. Maybe some of these things may help you to be you. Some things discussed were that he meet me halfway. Make some of the decisions. He's very passive and afraid of being wrong and making mistakes, ideas being rejected. Don't be afraid to disagree with him, express your own opinion. Don't imitate him. Let him know where you are coming from by expressing your emotion whether it be mad or sad. He'll respect that.He and the world won't fall apart if you're angry. If he really cares about you, he'll respect your differences and accept all of you, even the "less than desirable." Don't be a pleaser all of the time. Accept your own "realness" good and bad really is first and not trying to be so perfect. Don't judge yourself harshly for being authentic and human.