Hopeful, happy, optimistic!
3 words I'm not used to associating with my RABF, until lately. I just have to say that it is incredible how things can change once you focus on yourselves. As some of you may know, we split up for a year--he hit bottom, went to treatment, goes to AA, works on his recovery--I focused on myself and my recovery. We had little to no contact and then we just reconnected recently. It is like being with the new and improved version of the same person. We have had amazing conversations (long distance relationship) regarding every day details and the deep stuff--recovery included. I feel so connected with him right now. I've set my boundaries regarding dating a RA (needs to be working a program of some sort) and we've been really getting to know one another again. I know that nothing is guaranteed, but going to al-anon, browsing the boards at SR and rebuilding the foundation of 'us' like this makes me feel more grounded and hopeful than I've ever felt.
Sorry to ramble, it is just a nice feeling, and I knew that you would get where I am coming from.