How can I learn to respect where he is in the process and not sell myself short in the meantime? I've woken up to what I want out of a relationship and he's not giving it to me.

Hate to T/J but I always read your name as unangie. I assumed your name was Angie and you being on SI wasn't who you thought you'd be. Lol woopies!?

No longer together

Do not let others be your reference for who you see in the mirror.

Stop allowing people to hurt you, because you don't love you enough to walk away.

This was my first thought:

Unagie, welcome. Please feel open and comfortable to share. While this forum is primarily populated by the BS, that doesn't mean you aren't welcome. You will be supported.
So please pull up a chair at the table. Sip from the glass of compassion. Sample from the plate of experience.

Above all, be the heroine, not the victim. - Nora Ephron

It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
- J. K. Rowling