I feel like *I* want to be courted & dated.....THAT is most definitely an unrealistic expectation right now
Um, why? Why don't you feel you deserve that? Why isn't it perfectly reasonable to wait for someone that has left you to show you that they are serious about wanting you back and willing to work for it???
It is reasonable. You are afraid they don't care enough to try.
"Hey SO, if you really want me, convince me. Romance me to show me you are serious, be open and honest with me to help me trust you. Treat me well and I'll adore you for it, along with all your other wonderful qualities, like being hot, sexy, smart..."
What you don't want to do is set up secret love and loyalty tests which SO is bound to fail because he is in the dark. BTW, he probably feels unworthy of being someone who is allowed to treat you as a romantic partner.
