Congrats on the "hanging out" friend! As for STBX, what is there to reply to? Let him cry on someone elses shoulder, it's totally inappropriate for him to be laying it on you. He's probably used to getting replies which wreak of your underlying desire to get back together (maybe only unconsciously) and now you've changed the rules, he's got to figure out how the new game is to be played. If you feel you absolutely must reply in some way then say something short and sweet like "sorry you're feeling that way" otherwise just let it be.
