Constant adaptation, revision, and change in Runaway

Kyle is sad today because of me.
The last few days I’ve had a ‘tude with him. A handful of small things that all seem to have one theme: He is stuck in his ways. The most loyal, supportive (of me), giving partner who is a man of his word, but resists change and plants his feet solidly in his beliefs, who struggles to see other points of view different than his own. Narrow-minded and very interested in maintaining the status quo.
In comes me.
Curious and sensitive like a cat, courageous like a… bigger cat. Every skeptical. Never stop exploring, learning, growing.
I told him today that I was nervous that I would outgrow him. That he’s not able to keep up with me and I have to be up his ass about improvement, growth, recognizing and changing unhealthy behavior cycles. He wants to coast, not changing or challenging much along the way.
Do I need a partner that can keep up? Do I need a partner that lets me lead the way, but also keeps me grounded? An anchor.
“Sometimes I can be a fucking airhead
So tie me to your fingertip so I don’t float away”

He says he wants to change, but I don’t think he’ll be able to.