<human>: Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?

My boyfriend and I have been dating for 6 months, and things are going pretty well. About a month ago, he started getting really stressed by work, and when he gets stressed, he clams up and keeps to himself. I'm being supportive by giving him the space he needs, but I'm also feeling neglected. Logically, I know that he's trying to maintain the relationship, but emotionally, it feels like he doesn't care. 

We discussed this once. He said he understands how I'm feeling and wants to try to give me what I need. However, for him, it takes time to achieve a default setting of wanting to go above and beyond for someone, and he's not there yet. Because he's not there yet AND because he's busy with work, it's difficult for him to actively work on our relationship like he used to.

I understand his perspective, but I don't know what to do with it. Because we see each other less and communicate less, I need affirmation of "love" that he's not ready to give or doesn't have the time to show through other ways (like cute dates or super thoughtful actions). 

We don't want to break up, because breaking up over this seems silly - things are going slowly and steadily, but well.  

Does anyone have any success stories about riding out a relationship rut like this?
<bot>: Bf and I are in a good relationship overall, but experiencing a rut due to work stress. Does anyone have success stories about riding out a rut like this?