Waiting for a better person

My partner and I have been in a relationship for almost eight years now, and have been alongside each other, watching each other change, mature and grow. But I feel the growth and effort is most from my part ; no matter how hard I try to communicate any issues in our relationship, or try to be understanding, I just don’t see my energy being met. There’s still plenty of love, but it’s hard to decide where to go from here, we’re both in our 20’s and I still have so much left to my life, so many hopes and dreams I have, and I’m sure he does too, which I love for him. But it’s just hard to see myself continuing on like this in the grand scheme of things, waiting in anticipation for attention, a date, and quality time. I know there’s still a chance for him to grow, and try to help alongside his parents who are supporting him as well, also waiting for him to better himself as a person. But right now, in this very instance, I don’t think I can keep waiting for him to better himself, no matter how much trust I have in him that he will, and part of me feels a sense of guilt for that. Am I giving up on my partner? Should I feel guilt and shame for feeling this way? Am I a bad partner for even thinking this way about them?

Also, if you managed to read this whole thread, I thank you very much for taking the short time out of your day to listen, thank you, kind stranger(s). 💚