Just got off the phone with WAW. She texted me earlier today that she wanted to get my opinion on a job offer she received. She's been interviewing with a few companies, after having been working on her own as a consultant for about a year. I'm happy to do it, partially because our finances are still intertwined and I want her to make the best decision, and partially (being honest here) because I'm glad that she still seeks my advice and recognizes that I deeply understand her and can help her work through problems effectively.
She was her typically cordial self: asked how my trip was going, asked if I was able to find any good places to eat, that sort of thing. They're small wins but I am glad that we're able to enjoy each other's company; really the only awkwardness is when we say goodbye.
I also had a long chat with my friend who ended up reconciling with his now wife, just getting an understanding of how he dealt with the rollercoaster of emotions. I'm paraphrasing, but he said he came on too strong in the early days and it almost completely killed what little they still had; it was only after giving her some space that it opened the door for them to have really honest discussions about what caused the split.
I'm going to try and keep that lesson in mind. I'm never initiating the contact, but it would probably work to my benefit to be a little aloof and selective about it. This is a marathon and not a sprint.
