"I've counseled 300 pound people with two teeth in their head and they had someone."
I'm getting hot already. Two teeth is a major turn on! Clinging, please put the book away, you're killing yourself. My STBX and I get along so much better now that we're apart but I don't see that as any signal that we should be together again. It's probably just that we're out of each others hair now and she's not coming home to someone she doesn't want to be with. You mention wanting a "respectful friendship" and I wonder whether that really is what you want or is it reconciliation you're after. I'm not saying what you should or shouldn't do here but at least be honest with yourself. You should always have a respectful R with your ex but don't tell yourself you want friendship if that's not what you're after. It's OK to shoot for reconciliation and work towards it but just be prepared for the pain if it doesn't happen.
