Two emails full of love, devotion, and promises of change, and one bouquet of flowers later.....

The emails were wonderful and heart-filled. Saying all the right things, everything I've been craving to hear....totally in his voice so I know he didn't just Google and copy.
I cried a little bit, but am staying the course. I broke things off (for real this time) a few days ago.
I responded, saying that all those things sounded wonderful, but I still think we need time apart. If these things truly come to fruition, sure, there might be another chance for us, but I'm not making any promises of what the future may or may not hold.
"You won't wait for me?" He asks me.

UMMMMMM, it's been almost 4 years. I think that's plenty of time to see how things work.
I've also come to a realization of sorts. I love SO as my partner. I'm not a huge fan of SO as the father and I'm definitely PISSED at SO as the ex-husband. He has done so many fucked up things in those roles that have damaged our relationship, probably permanently. But, as a partner, just he and I? We're just golden there. That's never been the problem. It's all this other bullshit that's causing the problem.

And it is NOT me, fellow STeppers. OK, well it is me. It is my refusal to accept anything less than EXACTLY what I want.

Pass the wine, please.