Stop yourself when you're resisting. When you feel yourself approaching a vulnerable moment, don't clench. Don't put up the wall and the pretenses that'll keep you hidden, but rather give yourself permission to experience the feelings that you'll have as a consequence of your vulnerability, good or bad.

He can see beyond my selfishness. I want to be more selfless for him. More selfless for myself. We both strive to be better partners to each other. The moment we stop striving will be the end of us. Neither of us are quitters. I can only be a portion of my true self without his companionship. My life is not about me.