Advice please?

I’ve been friends with my boyfriend for about a year before we started dating and we have been together for almost a year. I love him dearly and I’m eager to take a step towards marriage in our relationship. We have discussed this and he’s made me aware he isn’t ready for this and doesn’t know when he will be (understandably and I respect him and how he feels). Lately, I just find myself saddened to the point of tears that he isn’t at the same place I’m at in our relationship and it hurts. Thought maybe some distance would help, but the idea of being away from him just saddens me more. Not sure what to do because I want to work this out but sometimes it just feels like I’m suffering through it and I don’t want to feel that way. Any advice helps or if anyone has ever felt a similar way take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. (Also, yes he is aware of all of this and we are very good about communicating our feelings)