Whoa! Don't jump to a conclusion as to what I was thinking when I posted this: "Sounds like the new year may hold a lot of promise in the way of things calming down and hopefully your h will come to realize what he thinks he's missed is actually right in front of him in his home where his family is living." I never said anything about him returning home any time soon.
Now about your stove, the cook top can be replaced. I know someone who had the same issue and her h replaced the cooktop. Regardless of whether it works or not, I wouldn't trust it for very long. I would call an appliance repairman who works on that brand of stove and get an estimate for repairing it.
If you opt to get a new stove, then I say go w/his offer asap. Right now is a good time to think about purchasing new appliances because they are pushing to get the 2015 inventory off the floor. Lowes has some good sales going on and if you have a Home Depot, check them out too.
Sounds like he's got a real nice place there if he has no water when the electric goes out. He does complain a lot about his place. Guess it's sympathy he wants...I wouldn't think twice about his living conditions, after all he chose to move there!
Accept him for who he is right now. As for whether he is reconnecting or cake eating...I wouldn't worry too much about it...but I would certainly set some boundaries in the future that you are comfortable with. Things can change very quickly when dealing w/a crisis individual, so I wouldn't rule anything out in the future. It may not be today, tomorrow or next week....but he's cooking up nicely and one day, he'll come out of the oven well done and a new and improved mature man.
Take time this week and check out the appliance ads. You could get some really good deals.
