I think you are sooo on KDU...if we are to start a clean, fresh slate here...then if our area of breakdown before was commmunication that is where we need to change things up. I agree wholeheartedly. I don't think you broke any rules...you said what you felt, there was NOTHING hateful, just concern to show him that you too were protecting your heart. I am sure he respects that, especially because his answer back to me, was an attempt to reassure you that he was there in it 100%. He even explained why he was having problems. HUGE freaking steps here.
Again, I appreciate you KDU like there is no tomorrow!! I am following anything/everything you write here...because I can see it all coming straight into play in our new found friendship. We never talked...I always held things in and then eventually I would hold things against, him, push him away, anything to avoid the confrontation and he was the exact same. We've learned how to communicate and that is a start...a huge start for you and me!!