Hi hopeful-- I guess I'm in a slightly different school when it comes to backing off....I think you keep contact with H as much as possible without annoying him and without him thinking you are desperate to work it out. But you take the pressure off. I think you are doing great in letting him know you have GAL but I think maybe it is time to give him a call. Maybe tell him your plans for the evening fell through, want to grab a burger and a beer....or whatever....just make it clear you are going no matter what. "My plans fell through so change of venue....I'm gonna go to blah blah and get some dinner, want to join me?" And if he asks who you are going with, tell him "with you or I'll sit at the bar." Make it clear that you are confident enough now to grab dinner by yourself at a restaurant (with a bar)--I think that screams confident. And if he says no, say "Oh, I'm sorry we won't get to catch up" or something like that and get off the phone....maybe ask as an after thought "Oh, how are you by the way--all going well?" And then hang up. Call him, get back in his head.
