Count me in too. I have actually been pretty good about it lately. Being separated has actually helped me with that and of course the support I get from here....probably the most help.
I don't think it is mean to be a little happy about him being a little lonely. I got a similar feeling when my W talked about having to do stuff around the house (I think I ruined her from years of spoiling....) That is kind of the objective of DBing....to get them to miss you.
He might have been phishing you a little bit to see if you would bite on him putting the lonely lure out there. Seeing if you would bring up a R talk when he used the L word. Give yourself a pat on the back for not taking the bait on that hook. I think him usng the friend word is just him taking small baby steps but keep up the good DB work.
My mom and particularly my sister have been had a very rocky relationship with my W. A lot has to do with the distance and cultural differences. We live in the southern US and I am from New England. I made a mistake through the majority of my marriage to just try to get them to see the positive qualities of each other and try to get them to get along instead of just telling them to deal with it and get past it.
Sounds like a nice vacation coming your way. When I was in the Coast Guard and visited Halifax. I must say...living in the deep south with New England blood I could use some cooler weather already!
TwinDad Me 39, W 36, M 11 W - MLC, WAW???? 2 Kids B/G 3 YRS Old Start of the Long and Bumpy Road..... On the verge of piecing.....a new beginning
