I would just tell him in a friendly/casual way- sorry you can't come to Thanksgiving. Also, I would say make yourself even less available to him. It sounds like you've had a lot of R talk. It's good to listen to his feelings for a little bit, but don't talk so much yourself about the R.
I think the magic of DB comes in when you re-kindle the closeness and the excitement, but then pull back and show your S they may be 'losing' you- 'losing' this amazing/fun woman! If anything is going to work, it will be this strategy. Good developments are happening, it sounds like he definitely does not want to lose you. So don't be afraid to pull back- I think it will help your sitch. Remember, as long as he thinks he still has you- there is no reason to change- like Dom said!
DBer since 2003 D - 3/24/09 GAL and DBing for myself
