Hi Jennifer - What an AMAZING weekend, I can't wait to see your analysis Seeing that I have some time sans NG hovering around, I'll venture some thoughts.
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We started really getting heated in our discussion, and S. pointed out that it showed how little trust and understanding we had for each other, that I was immediately assuming bad intentions [an oldie but a goodie] and how he was immediately getting defensive and hostile.

I see many, many similarities between NG and S. The same issues, differences, tackled at a better time, when he is in a more suitable mood, seems to get EXACTLY the results I need. Yup, I used to feel like my needs were not being respected, but y'knaw, as Ellie quite prosaicly put it, did I want to be right, or be with NG I discovered pride was an optional luxury for me - and since then, life has been MUCH more rewarding. It may not be as simple a choice for everyone, but I guess understanding the underlying dynamics is the important thing.
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After about 30 minutes I said I’d like to go to bed (NOT continuing the conv we’d started fighting about, which was a 180 for me). He was very affectionate and close in bed,

Awesome 180
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He was very affectionate and close in bed, and asked the tried-and-true “What are you thinking?”

This is such a DEADLY question - the only answer should be 'that's for me to know and you to wonder' in a flirtatious manner All that was said and done after that should be wiped clean - it's a cheeseless tunnel, IMO
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He was cleaning the kitchen when I arrived, and said he’d be out of my way in a minute. I said “Oh, no, pizza is an all-hands-on-deck activity,” to which he smiled, and caught me as I walked by to give me a hug

Incredible how just that 'no escape' routine altered the dynamics Grand save, Jennifer

The rest of your update smacks of two people getting closer together. Ahhh

Slowly

A Liberal Allowance of Time