th6231 --

Thank you, I think that is precisely what I wanted to hear. Plus, your bouncing ball analogy made me smile.

thank you again!

Wow, you seem very artistically talented and interesting in so many ways! And you were an Air Force pilot and still a fireman? Well, thank you for your service. I know some of my marine corps friends (from when I did NROTC freshman year) hate when people say that, but I really mean it in the most sincere, grateful way. (If you were wondering, I was considering being a naval doctor/dentist, but I realized the military isn't really my thing. I'm really glad I tried it though.)

And yes, I can see why I wouldn't want to settle down, especially since I've actually secretly considered it. I know that now's the time to maximize my potential and opportunities for the future, so I'm very thankful that you've reminded me of the top priorities!

Of course, it was a little shocking and very hurtful, as we were just cuddling and kissing, so I started to cry and ask questions.

Three days ago, when my bf (now ex) and I were cuddling, we somehow ended up talking about our future. We hadn't seen each other in 3 weeks until that day, and he told me he felt comfortable and content about my absence. I asked him what he was trying to say, and he suggested we "end our current situation."

Of course, it was a little shocking and very hurtful, as we were just cuddling and kissing, so I started to cry and ask questions. Pretty much, he felt uneasy about the same reason we broke up the first time, which was lack of interesting conversation. (Yes, this is the second time around, and he thought I might have been the one when he came back the first time.)

BUT during the entire process this time, with me crying and trying to figure things out, he was rubbing my back and leg AND holding me really close. I asked him why he was doing that, and he said he's just used to it and b/c he doesn't want such a nice girl taking it so harshly. During the end of all of it, before he drove me home, he even kissed me on the lips twice after some eskimo kisses.

And the next night, he called to ask if I was ok. But when I asked if he still wanted me to do something for his birthday next week, he said that I "didn't have to."

So I thought the hugging, the kisses, and the call the night after were very different signals from what he was actually saying. He is a really nice guy, so maybe he was trying to comfort me. But still, I thought it was a weird time to break up with someone to begin with!

What do you think is going on? Do you think he regrets it again, so that's the reason he called? Was he trying to really be nice and considerate when he was hugging and kissing? I really don't understand all the mixed signals! Should I ask him if he still wants to hang out for his birthday? I miss him.

Thanks for everyone's good advice!

However, I DO want to keep our friendship though, but now I'm not so sure how to go about it, since some of you seem to be suggesting that I sever contact with him. I will still see him around, and he'll probably still call sometime, like he had the last time. It just seems somewhat beneficial and less awkward and more mature to be able to say that we're friends, and friends keep in contact and hang out sometime, right?

So any suggestions as to how I should go about keeping our friendship?

Thanks for everyone's good advice!

However, I DO want to keep our friendship though, but now I'm not so sure how to go about it, since some of you seem to be suggesting that I sever contact with him. I will still see him around, and he'll probably still call sometime, like he had the last time. It just seems somewhat beneficial and less awkward and more mature to be able to say that we're friends, and friends keep in contact and hang out sometime, right?

So any suggestions as to how I should go about keeping our friendship?