Molly,
This could be my life right now! Except my A and I had a relationship before he stopped drinking and then after he stopped he wanted to back off for a while! I didn't get it at all at first but after going to al-anon meetings and talking to people who have been there I am learning that "give me space" doesn't mean I don't want to see you! It simply means I need time to find me and you need time to find you! It's the hardest thing to do, but you don't want to be with him if he's not sure of what he wants! I keep having to tell myself this and it's getting easier every day! We do see each other just not as much, he says it'll get better when he's sure of his sobriety so I have to believe he knows what's best for him right now! GO TO AL-ANON it really helps!! Good luck to you & to me and to all of us!
Kathy