She left - 3

[gogofo]

This is where I have improved because one time while venting to me she talked about how now I am a good listener, more soft spoken and all around attentive. She was also upset that I am taking better physical care of myself, shaving every day and wearing nice clothes and looking good. I still have to decide when to "show off" new clothes to her so it doesn't seem like every time she sees me I have something new on.

She felt insulted that she had to leave for me to understand what she wanted. She felt I was trying to manipulate her. I told her how I could understand why she would feel that way; I reiterated that it probably seemed like a show due to my previous track record.

Listen without defending and speak without offending is a great way to sum it up.

As far as control, I have let her dictate the pace. She even flat out asked the first time we had a little talk if I was ever going to bring "us" up. I simply responded "Nope. The last time I brought us up I underestimated how much you were hurt and it was unfair to you." I was mentally preparing to not have any talks about us until June or later but we have had three little talks over the last five weeks or so.