You called, and I came.
You wished, and I granted.
You begged, and I consented.
You wanted to see me again.
So here I am.
But let's get one thing clear. I'm tired of doing all the talking. You talk to me for a while. Tell me what you want from me. Careful what you say, though. You can never take it back. I'm free to come and go. But your words will hang in the air like heavy, wet thunderclouds--immovable, dense, thick in your throat, filling up your mouth, stuffed in my ears like cotton.

So I warn you now: what you say, I will hold against you. I will wear your promises on my skin like intricate tattoos. Permanent. Forever. Till I die. Till you die. I'll never let you forget. I'll wake you every night to remind you of your willingness to compromise.
Push my buttons, and I'll play back our conversations.

Word

for

word.

Now what was it you said about wanting to get back together?

They can smell it when you're moving on. They can. And he did. So now what? Ignore him? No, that would be too polite. You may miss him. And you may be able to forget that he treated you with total and decided disrespect. Maybe. But however you feel and whatever you decide to do, you can count on this: he hasn't changed and probably never will. That's okay, as long as you use this moment of his self-professed vulnerability and regret to get exactly what you want. If he really wants you back, really wants you, he'll make some promises. And you need to protect yourself the way you would before entering into any agreement. GET IT IN WRITING. Before you say yes. Before you tell your friends the good (?) news. Before you sleep with him. Create a paper trail. Keep all documentation. If he calls you, keep the answering machine messages. If he writes letters, laminate them. Demand sufficient, tangible evidence. Then if he ever does go back on his word, you can shove his word in his face.

If you want anything at all, ask for it now. He's put you through a lot. You shouldn't take him back, but if you do, get something else as well. You can be bought. For the right price. This can be a great time in a relationship. You didn't want to break up. You wished and wished for him to return. You begged. He ignored you. You got over him. And now, and only now, is he back. It's his turn to beg. Let him beg, if he wants to beg. Let him beg for a long time. Hear his apologies and weigh your options. It's like a job offer. Once he puts out his initial offer, you can either accept it, reject it or hold out for a better deal. Here's a hint: hold out.