Even though there still seems to be struggles along the way, you are on the right track. The lines of communications are open and you are honest with each other. Your C may not think you're trying but that's BS. Both of you are listening to the other and are making small but important adjustments.
The fact that he wants to be with you is a big thing.
You two will emerge from all of this more solid than you ever imagined. You'll keep making adjustments and eventually you will find the right formula. The important thing (no matter what your C says) is that you are keeping the most important aspect of your M at the forefront while all this is playing out, and that aspect is commitment.
