u/EveryDoubt6293

I know it sounds weird, but I feel like the distant and silence was doing most of the harm and nervous system injury to me…my brain knows if he comes back I can’t consider him as a partner again, but forever apart still feels brutal and painful. Has anyone successfully keeping your avoidant ex around but not investing your heart and energy into them, but only… let’s say, taking their care this time, until you healed and detached?

He wants to return and:

- It comes from a place where he feels deeply connected but also a little unsure

- he wants my attentions my warmth and the way I make him feel seen, which his rebound doesn't

- There's something about my energy that gives him comfort and he keeps coming back for that feeling

- he also needs emotional support from me after he broke up with his rebound, and he may not always say it clearly, but inside, he wants me to understand him without him explaining too much

- he wants me to listen to him, to be patient with his moods, stay calm even when he feels confused

- he can offer emotional closeness sometimes, even if he doesn't always show it openly.