Oy, the criticism (real or imagined) from someone who is obviously struggling seems so hypocritical, doesn't it.
I'd encourage you to try to find ways to feed yourself that attention/affirmation, T - rather than think about ways to have him nurture you. Think of it as investing in the R in the shortterm for longterm gains. Even if you don't reconcile , as friends, he can be pulled to a more nurturant spot to better support you, but only after you carry the brunt of the R load for now.
I wouldn't trust Ex's Ex any further than I could throw her, if I were you. Besides, hearsay is just hearsay.
