how do you deal with this?

[Hope80]

I just want you to know that I was in a very similar situation like yours. If he confuses you, most likely it’s b/c he is confuse HIMSELF. Sometime, you just got to read between the lines, can’t believe everything he said. (Read my story for clarity. I am new here so how do I link my story when I reply?) I heard the same thing “I am not in love with you”. Guess what, couple months down the road, he admitted that he couldn’t stop thinking about me. Unfortunately, there are still setbacks.

Actually I think you have the advantage since the OW is far away. Be his friend. And whatever made him unhappy before, work on those. Since you feel you were too critical before, now be supportive instead of critical. He’ll you appreciate you for that. Good luck.