He conquers who endures..............

[MichelleLT]

That's about what I expected Jody had said.

You have gotten better about the contacting. And the contact you do have has gotten more friendly and R talks have happened less frequently.

These are all great baby steps.

The text came across as a very grand romantic gesture to me. I don't know how your W interpreted it of course. I also have no idea whether she likes that sort of thing.

Just keep a beginner's mind. You are working on starting a new R with your W and while you have an amenable friendship with her, you have not even worked up to the first date in this new R. Keep your perspective and don't get too far ahead of yourself.

How would you validate a friend? How would you boost a friend's self esteem?

You do both deserve better. And you can get there if you keep working on your communication skills and keep your desire for control in check.

I am in Nor Cal. Conveniently located an hour or less from wine country to the West, East, and South. Don't waste your money on something I can probably get cheaper. Amazon gift cards are always welcome though.