It's hard, isn't it? I have also sent many texts to H about practical matters or things that I wanted to discuss - not because the matter itself was that important, or time pressing, but just because I wanted some contact and reassurance from him and to remind him that I was still there in case he'd forgotten about me. I find myself wanting to do that less now, as I am relying more on myself and my friends. That feels positive to me. It also probably felt to him like death by a thousand paper-cuts - being bombarded with 'tasks' or 'tests' that he was bound to fail at and inspire some anger or upset in me. I can see why he has been so avoidant. Whether I want a R with a man who is, generally, very cold and remote is another matter, but I am working on sending these encouraging texts once a day or so as he asked for them and will see what happens there.
I hope things go well for you at your talk on Wednesday. I think it will probably do him some good to see you at work and being confident and successful - especially as you being interested in his work is so important to him. Reminds him you're a whole person, not just a support system for his career, and that other people value your achievements. And he wants to come - that sounds like a really good sign of progress.
