Roller coaster and then some

[ForeverYoung]

Working on projecting that strength, with a hint of vulnerability as before I was too walled off to him.

So, what if when H "caught you" feeling down, you fessed up and said, "yeah, I was feeling down about X, but I'm working through it and I'm gonna be ok." <<<once in a while, not every time.

You don't have to hide everything, especially if connecting with him is working.

^^^ just something to think about.

I thanked him for talking with me and apologizing.

Good job. Reward positive behavior.

I think he really does care about me and really doesn't want to hurt me.

I think so too, only because he seems so persistent. Keep working on being strong, and monitor results closely. Adjust as you go...