H just called from the airport. Spoke to the kids and then they handed the phone to me. I was back to my happy relaxed self (genuine, not put on).
He wanted to thank me for taking such good care of the kids. We chatted a little and I was a bit witty and then told him that I had to get them to bed. He asked if I liked the dress and I said yes, that he always had the knack for finding things that I liked...and that isn't easy. Chatted a little more and then I said I really need to get them to bed.
He said that he really wanted me to know that I'm appreciated and he didn't want to not get me anything. I thanked him again and wished him a good flight.
I really like myself like this. I don't know if it is DBing or being too available or going to easy on him. I just like being me, humorous and more easy-going. I still want to fry his nuts on occasion and I fantasize about moving away and never having to deal with him again...but, here I am, coping. And, I'm not doing anything I don't want to do...
I interpret his comment about appreciating me to be his way of saying it but clarifying that it isn't that other romantic kind of appreciating. Doesn't matter...I know I'm mind reading but I know him pretty well. It scares him how cool I've been and how different the dynamic is. Even that we had that weird experience earlier and that I have moved on...it used to be a frickin 5 hour conversation when my feelings were hurt. I like myself like this much more. Him, he is confused and about to go into fantasy land...so, I bank on nothing.
