He said he wants time and space

[Pack]

My ex boyfriend and I were arguing as we had a lot of stress in each of our lives and after one argument I ended things. I have regretted it since I ended it, we have spoken at length about our relationship and a month ago he said he just needs time and space as I hurt him by ending things.

Recently he’s been in touch, asking what I’m doing on a night out, saying my new hair suits me, complimenting me. I told him that I’m confused by his behaviour as he just told me he wants space. He went mad and told me I ruin everything, he was moving forward in the right direction (us getting back together) and there’s nothing to be confused about.

I feel really sad as I wanted to get back together but he told me he wanted time and space, I don’t understand why he would be flirting or asking me what I’m up to

He went mad and told me I ruin everything

Back he goes into the sea, OP.

Please don’t let him mess you about. The emotional torture will only get worse xx

Time to stop all contact. You just don't work together as a couple, and it's OK to be sad about it but the issues that caused the split will still be there.

Block his number, and move on to someone who doesn't play emotional games.

He sounds controlling. Nothing good will come of this.

Block and move on with your life.

Ughh in the bin for him. He’s manipulating you .. getting you on the back foot in the hope you work harder to “win him back “ .
block him and move on for your own sanity

Sounds like you done what he wanted - time and space but since you have got on with your life and not chased after him, he needs to feel like he can still have you when he wants. Some people only want you when you can't have you? I'd be telling him his very confusing and he needs to figure out what he wants.

Time and space doesn't fix the issue it just prolongs things and causes confusion, sounds like the relationship is working and instead of trying to deal with the issues, he's dumped you and left you hanging until he decides if he wants you and a bit of game playing by flirting with you. You decide when enough is enough. I'd definitely stop feeding his ego.

*isn't working that should be!

He sounds like one of those who wants everything on his terms. How much you see each other, how much attention/effort he gives (sometimes removing it all together) how much contact you have when apart (again removing all contact when he feels like it)

This type of ‘can’t make his mind up’ guy will just cause you endless anxiety, confusion and general unhappiness. Ultimately they care more about themselves than anything else so your feelings will never matter enough for him to stop the messing around.

There are quite a few people out there like this but there are also more emotionally mature ones who want a healthy relationship and want to commit to being a good partner so hold out for the kind of relationship you want and deserve.

Let him stay as an ex, that's my advice.

I told him that I’m confused by his behaviour as he just told me he wants space. He went mad and told me I ruin everything, he was moving forward in the right direction (us getting back together) and there’s nothing to be confused about.

He's a cake eater who wants kibbles.
Don't give him any kibbles.
www.chumplady.com/2015/06/most-pathetic-play-for-kibbles/

His tactics are designed to destabilise you, so that he can keep you on the back burner for Hoovering/sex - without any commitment, so he can act as a single guy.
lonerwolf.com/hoovering/
Look at how he blamed you for his own actions, & how he dangled "moving in the direction of getting back together" over your head. Could those words be any more weaselly?!
How he used rage to shut down your entirely valid objection about him confusing you.
You can bet your arse he's playing the field, but is butthurt that you similarly moved on, so now needs to control you via "friendship".
Fuck that noise.

He's a manipulator & a player.
You dumped him for good reasons. Keep him dumped.
It's ok to miss him & feel regrets - you need to mourn the person you hoped he was & relationship you thought you'd build. But he is NOT the right man for you - see above - so grieve, & move on.

Block him.
This push me/pull you bullshit won't stop until you make it stop.
www.chumplady.com/2015/06/most-pathetic-play-for-kibbles/