I agree, I don't think the IM response was a copout. Some of the best emails I've ever gotten I seriously never responded to b/c I thought whatever I wrote would be inadequate!! I think your email to your H would definitely fall in that category!
Also, opening to friendship (stage 2) just lays foundation for stage 3 (romance). and that is SO AWESOME that he copped a feel!!! If that happened to me I would be doing somersaults of joy inside.
I am confused, why are you scared of him moving on from TH?
