Sad to say, but I think yours is a lot like mine. I think he met with the friend so that the message would get back to you that he is unhappy and having doubts (to keep you on the shelf of course). Then he worried he was too vulnerable/too exposed and was going to be rejected, so he snarked at you to push back and make himself feel more in control.
I wouldn't hold out any hope for a settlement agreement (I'm on 3 years waiting for mine). Mine agrees to things and then later claims he didn't. Won't meet when I say I want to get it done. Brings it up to me and still won't meet. If you want a divorce and are prepared to do all the work for it (and probably drag a reluctant body along), then go for it. Your kids are older so you don't have to deal with the custody side of it where things can get ugly. If not and if you are fine with things the way they are now, sit tight.
The cycles come and go. Both for them and for us. Until you are completely sure what you want, probably best to wait (unless the finances dictate moving now).
