Wow, sounds really good LA. Did you manage to get that apology in there this time?
I agree with MKB in terms of careful of the speed. It's easy to get excited and push too hard, and chase them back to their hole. Keep DBing!
The communication is huge, as is the trust. You know he's got his own issues, so when he reverts to old habits (and trust me, you both with do this over and over), stand your ground (calmly). Do not let him criticize you, put you down, etc.
If things keep going in this direction, I think retrouvaille would be well worth looking into.
