The way I see it: He is neither patient or optimistic. He's codependent, he's trying to change someone and he doesn't realize that the only person he has the control over to change is himself... so like all codependents (until they get the lightbulb moment) he will stick it out while he bitches about how much he loves her and how miserable he is and instead of leaving, he'll stick around and more likely then not, cheat on her.
tick, tick, tick.
“The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” ~Joan Didion