[Ask April Masini]

The only way you’re going to know if you can get him back or not is to only be available to him as a girlfriend, and not as his crutch to get through this transition and into his next relationship with someone else. 😕 Everything you mention about why you’re holding on to him sounds great, but he’s not moving forward in the relationship, and because he’s not giving you what you want, I think it’s time for you to tell him that you only want to be in contact with him if he wants to get back together with you. Until he can figure that out, you want no contact.

I know it’s a risky strategy, but really, if you continue like this you’re in for misery — and he has no incentive to change his own behavior. And if he never dates you again, then it’s much better to take your pain up front, get over it, and move on.

I’m sorry you’re disappointed, but it’s time for you to stand up for yourself, and only date men who want what you want — whether it’s this ex-boyfriend or someone else. You’re not a nurse and you’re not a booby prize. He doesn’t get to “have you” on text, e-mail, phone or otherwise unless he’s your boyfriend, and if you don’t value yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? 😳

I hope that helps. Let me know how things go. And please join me on Facebook. Here’s that link: [url]https://www.askapril.com/relationship-dating-advice/think-and-date-like-a-man.html[/url]. 🙂