What does it mean...

[munkynutts]

...when he lets you down in a really bad way, then desperately tries to make it up, opening up emotionally in a way you've never heard him do before, and then a few days later lets you down in the exact same way again?

I'm so confused and sad.

I agree winter socks

That's good advice, wintersocks

When someone shows you who they are believe them!

Sounds like fly fishing. Minimal effort, just pull now and again, let the reel out and the fish will wear itself out. There is only one result, so get away while you still can.

'But why bother'....because he enjoys messing with your head, he enjoys treating you badly and getting away with it, it will probably get worse over time

Why do so many people here think that all men do this both deliberately and entirely consciously? They do not.

They are fucked up. They are damaged. They are not accepting responsibility. But they probably have far less insight than you'd imagine. The difference is that their lack of insight is enough that they won't seek help, and they'll continue to project blame on to their partners.

OP, he is not winding you up on purpose. He's playing a game he doesn't even know he's playing. The damage is still the same though, and you can't help him. I'd walk away pdq.

He is a head fuck.

You don't need head fucks in your life