Yes he was absolutely being manipulative When he made that statement. He too has very toxic personality traits. That why you two had such a toxic relationship.
His direct message to you in words and actions are I wasn’t the marriage because of your control, rules, restrictions and ultimatums. I don’t want you to fix yourself for me now that shop is sailed and it’s too late. I have found another woman who I would to pursue a relationship with and I don’t want to be married to you anymore.
Now you want to implement what you’ve read in a book. “I hear you” which of course is the right thing to do. Now if you really truly hear him then you’ll let him go with no more pursuit, not slowing down the process, and no guilt about not attending future functions.
Anything else is old KK trying to get what she wants and will use, control, manipulation and pressure.
