Art, The conversations and quality time you describe seem sincere. I doubt that he's that good of an actor to be using you.
I don't think you are in Piecing yet, but have the potential to do so. I think of Piecing as connection restored, but working thru issues not yet resolved. The M is not yet on stable ground.
The early stages of Piecing and prior to Piecing are like dating again. You live separate lives, yet invest time into the R to see what potential is there.
The fact that you had a R talk is significant. Many couples have difficulty with this when Piecing. It sounds like the issues are out on the table.
What remains to be seen is the two of you have the commitment to work on issues and grow in ways that are difficult, so that he can become a better H and person? This is a time for us to work on those underdeveloped parts of ourselves. Piecing provides each partner a second chance to address unresolved issues, but time is not the sole healer. There is work to be done.
CL
CL 53 W 54 M 20 yrs. 03'-09' Separation + Old Patterns + GAL 10-14' Piecing
"The Master allows things to happen. She shapes events as they come."
