Thank you, Ruby! I read your post several times to internalize your advice. Yes, neutrality is good. I am not showing any negative reaction, I just pretend I don't know what he wants to talk about but does not mention.
More positives: 1. He shoveled the driveway. I didn't even ask (to be honest, I had forgotten all about it) and he told me himself. I said, "that's awesome! Thank you!" He said it wasn't a perfect job. I said no problem. 2. He called last night and left a message: "I need to talk. I have bad news and good news." I got nervous, bc I thought it was something about the D stuff or about tonight. But when we talked, he only wanted to share that he had a minor accident while driving on an icy road, and asked for my advice as to where to take the car and what to do. I just offered my opinion and said, "but you know what's best." The good news was that he won a mini tennis tournament. Then he asked if we were still on for tonight. I was surprised he had just called to share what's going on in his life.
So yes, communication is definitely improving. We'll see how it goes tonight! I feel like I'm going on a date, which I guess it is. A date with my H on New Year's Eve. Don't know what the future will bring, but I'll enjoy the moment :-)
