So glad you had this talk. It was long overdue. Though, in my thoughts, it doesn't seem like he said much of anything, besides being confusing and cryptic with his words. Also, why is it YOUR call to decide when to split things up when HE is the one deciding to move out? Don't make his work easy for him, unless you have reached a point where this is toxic for you.
Truthfully, for a man that avoids any contact, the fact that he was looking you in the eye the whole time gives me pause. I think he was trying to see how you would react and what YOU wanted. Thinking "does SHE want this to end...is SHE asking me to leave?"
Let the dust settle a bit, but keep the ball rolling on the R talk--gently. It's been a while since you've both talked about things, and this conversation did nothing but say that he's in no rush to move out, and testing to see if you wanted him to. It's worth telling him, again, that you would like to start working on things between the both of you, or at least start talking. Lots of time has passed b/w the both of you to let feelings settle a bit, and you are not angry, judgemental. I think he still feels that you are. Something tells me he's still testing you to see if things are safe.
You did a hell of a job...bravo. You have a bit of work ahead of you, I know that you'll do well.
In many ways, this might be the ice that is broken to make things better. Sounds like your latest interaction was good and comfortable.
