It's commendable that you want to work on the relationship and make your boyfriend happy again. It's crucial to recognize that emotional exhaustion can be a sign of various underlying issues in a relationship. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation and work on becoming more independent and self-reliant:
Open Communication: Talk openly with your boyfriend about his feelings and concerns. Create a safe space for him to express himself without judgment. Listen actively to understand his perspective.
Reflect on Your Behavior: Take some time to self-reflect on your actions and behavior in the relationship. Are there specific ways in which you have been overly dependent on him emotionally? Identifying these patterns can be the first step towards change.
Identify Your Needs: Understand what emotional needs you might be seeking from your boyfriend and why. Sometimes, seeking professional counseling or therapy can help you gain insight into your emotional needs and ways to address them independently.
Personal Growth: Focus on your personal growth and development. Engage in activities that make you happy, pursue your passions, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
Support Network: Build and nurture a support network outside of your relationship. Cultivate meaningful friendships and connect with family members who can provide emotional support.
Explore Your Interests: Find hobbies and interests that you can enjoy on your own. Having individual pursuits will help you feel more independent and fulfilled.
Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries in the relationship to ensure that both of you have the space to take care of yourselves emotionally.
Practice Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage your emotions effectively. This involves recognizing and understanding your feelings without necessarily relying on your boyfriend to resolve them for you.
Seek Professional Help: If you find it challenging to work through these issues on your own, consider seeking the support of a therapist or counselor who can help you navigate your emotions and relationship dynamics.
Show Appreciation: Express your gratitude and appreciation for your boyfriend's support and efforts. Let him know that you value him and his well-being.
Remember that making these changes will take time, patience, and effort. It's essential to be kind to yourself during this process and not expect instant results. Focus on building a healthier and more balanced relationship where both partners can support each other while maintaining individual growth and happiness. If you find that the emotional exhaustion persists or if there are deeper relationship issues, consider seeking couples therapy to work through them together.