I don't think you seem arrogant or conceited... I think you see like a man hurting, desperately wanting to put his marriage back together but afraid of getting hurt again. Seems pretty human to me.
I think Bond has some points about reading the book to her. And yes, probably should skip the ML chapter for now.
Me - 38, 2nd M, no living children, 1 forever 6 yr old boy H - 44, 3rd M, twins 16
Dating 4/07 M 10/08 Bomb #1 12/10 Bomb #2 1/11 Bomb #3 12/11