2020: it’s not about whether he’s a “failure” or not...
it’s that he left you and yet, you’re still open to engaging in these “ping-pong” conversations. I call it that because it just goes back and forth, over and over. His technique, whether deliberate or not, continues to work because he gets you stuck thinking that’s he’s vulnerable, lost, lonely, depressed, etc etc. whatever it is. And maybe he is a failure, or maybe he’s not — but what does that have to do with you? His best bet is to discuss those feelings with a trained professional. He’s a grown man and knows this.

If you want to continue the match, keeping in contact will 100% keep you in the toxic game. That’s your call but not sure how healthy or different the outcome will be than previously. Hey, I know. I could have worn a ping pong master visor!

If you want to continue... do it. If you don’t, “no contact” (re: blocking all texts/calls) is really the most suggested. It’s really impossible (or nearly impossible) to ignore and emotionally heal without doing so, in my opinion.