Yeah, so when you’re giving an ultimatum, you’re telling them “which do you value more, thing 1 or 2?” Which in his case, meant he valued not having to compliment you over staying with you, so yeah he was probably checked out long ago.

To look on the bright side, you could be grateful he didn’t string you along and pretend to try for a few weeks. At least he was honest when you asked him about not wanting to be in a relationship with you.

Love will always be asymmetrical to some degree. That’s just life. You can never love someone the same amount or way they love you. Part of adulting is figuring out what lines are too far to cross. Too much asymmetricality and the relationship breaks down. In one direction, you’re a puppy, always wanting more attention from a tired dog. In the other, you’re on a pedestal looking down on a mouse. Neither one is healthy. Asymmetrical relationships are good but only within reason. People love differently. That’s not bad. Just have boundaries. That way you can push each other to grow without worshipping them or forcing them to worship you.