Hey Patt. I want to add to the compliments about how well you continue to manage your situation. Being the lighthouse is tough and you are an absolute role model of how to do it. Thanks for a story that makes me feel happy as I head into the weekend!
I like Steve's idea of changing the C to "change" instead of "crisis". At first, it certainly seems like the person is experiencing (and causing) a crisis. As they near the end of it, if/whenever they do, I'm hopeful it results in an ultimately positive change. Steve suggests not waiting for that day to come. I won't, especially given a fair amount of people seem unable or unwilling to snap out of it.
I hope you won't either. The person you are now is too good for the person he was and is being. If you R, I hope you'll stick to your guns about having the kind of partner and relationship you deserve going forward.
His encouragement for you to date sounds like a bit of guilt or shame related to his proclamation that he plans to date. He chalks his need to do so up to loneliness. I suspect many of us feel lonely and find healthier ways to fill that void until we R, D, or otherwise decide what's next for us WRT relationships (or not).
Keep doing what you're doing. I recognize it remains tough. It really seems spot on for your situation IMHO.
