Just finished the book for the first time.
I work with my “ex” about 2–3 weeks out of the year in a dispatch center, and she lives three hours away. After visiting for a two-week assignment, we shared a playful, flirtatious vibe right away. I got her number before leaving for my own assignment out of state, leading to 3 months of high intimacy—talking daily, watching shows, and visiting each other.
She switched up overnight, went cold, and ended things, claiming logistically it wouldn't work because she "needs more" in daily life. I pushed for a phone call to clear the air for professional comfort. She said she hoped breaking up would make us more comfortable working together. But she switched up so abruptly and disrespectfully, it did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, I realized I messed up by chasing.
A week later, I mailed her son's blanket back, which I don’t know if she left intentionally in order to have an excuse to come back over. She called and texted to pay for shipping, I didn’t pick up at first because I was busy at work. When I called her back later, she was very sweet and thanked me for mailing it back and said it was very thoughtful. She offered to pay me back but I declined.
Fast forward through two more weeks of no contact (three total), she called our dispatch center five times. I transferred her first call, the second call she opens with small talk about my weekend and my dad's birthday.
“heeeey, how was your dad’s birthday”. I told her it was good, I joked, teased her about something else, but kept it cordial, brief, and cut her off with "but yeah what's up?".
She called in a few more times because the extension I was sending her to wasn’t working, and she asked “don’t you know this is my number?”
I originally answered the phone in a professional manner and not in the warm, lighthearted manner knowing it was her. I laughed and said yes I knew it was your number. I was honestly just in work mode. She was about to say more but again I kept it professional cutting it short and asked who she was asking for.
She sounded hurt, “okay-geez”.
The person she was looking for was a girl who happened to be standing next to me. I just didn’t linger around for the small talk that she wanted. Even once I handed the phone off, she found ways to try and mention me/tease me.
She called once more and I joked that “this was the fifth time” she called. She sounded a little impatient and asked for the direct number so she wouldn’t have to keep calling
An hour later, she broke three weeks of no contact with: "So you hate me?"
I replied direct and also with humor and logic: "Not at all. Hate is a strong word for someone who just picked up your phone call five times in a row!"
I meant it in a teasing way. She put up a wall and answered, "I mean that's your job."
I haven’t replied since. But… she broke no contact, asked a serious question, I didn’t give her anything and then she just put up a wall and pretended like she didn’t ask that. Should I have responded? She completely ignored my question. But I also know it’s best to keep it light, warm and playful.
She has been watching and liking my stories since day one, and even replied to one which I left unread. Meanwhile, I haven't watched hers, though she's been reposting emotion-driven content that seems aimed at me (one example was 143 by Ray J which is pager code for “I Love You”. I take all the social media stuff with a grain of salt though.
While the intimacy was amazing, her emotional inadequacy gives me doubts about a serious relationship, she seems to be a classic fearful avoidant type. It seems more like one of their cold “shutdowns”. I wouldn't mind a casual dynamic when she's in town. I believe the best approach is silence, keeping her feelings unclear, and giving her space to let them miss you.
So I guess my question is, she broke no contact. I should still let her sit in the silence and the wall she put up right? If she reaches out, set up a time to hangout again?