I am so thrilled that this resonated.

I think it's wise to look at what people give naturally, without instruction, as you are doing. Though I also think it might be worth giving specific and consistent instruction at some point, just to see how willing they are to change... Sometimes, people surprise you.

But I'm so glad you are standing your ground and doing this for yourself.

I am surprised I haven't run into my ex yet. It's been a long time now. I do think there will be a chemical response, but also, he treated me so poorly in the end, I have nothing to say to him. I might have feelings arise, but I feel certain we would look at each other and just walk away.