It's human nature to want to know about the Mea Culpa's. I understand why you are thinking about it, but stop and think about this...the holidays are coming and maybe, just maybe, he's having a lucid moment and is thinking about the way things use to be around the holidays. Yes, he misses his family, but he's evidently not missing them enough to severe the ties COMPLETELY w/the "just friends" ow.
I also think that he's been apologetic right now because of the guilt and shame, and again w/the holiday season right around the corner. He also has seen that you aren't waiting on him to fix things around the home and have had someone in do some of the chores that he would normally have done. That is a huge 180 and he knows that you are doing what needs to be done w/o him being there.
I imagine he does feel terrible, but it's not been enough to make him face his issues and do the hard work of recovery. Keep in mind...he is only telling you what he says the ow has said. If he has lips and they move, then he could very well be lying and telling you what you want to hear to keep you out there in case things don't work out in crazy town.
He's still very confused and still wants his cake and eat it too. He's still trying to suck you back into his drama...don't go there because you've been doing a lot better once you put the cake away.
It can be confusing because you are too close to the situation, but in time, you'll learn the signs of cake eating and the dance they want us to dance. Just remember, your dance card is full and you are not going to participate in their confused waltzes.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
