Nefertity wrote:

You guys are so right. I've left it alone and didn't contact him. SO this is the update! Almost two weeks ago I got a message. Nothing serious just apologizing for not being in contact and that there are many reasons why that is. He's stated that he misses home (didn't state whether he misses me though) and that he's had so many experiences to tell me about but doesn't want to do it over the email.

Ah!  First, voila!  It works!  Second, I suspect that he was trying to keep it light and breezy so you wouldn't suspect how much he really did miss you.

[QUOTE] I ignored the email, since it made me really angry. He ignored me for a good few months and now he's close to coming home he emails me? Since I've been busy it didn't even bother me, but he sent an email to a friend of ours (the one that set up us up on our first date, actually) and told her that he missed me and that even thinking about not having spoken for so long "makes him want to cry".[/QUOTE]

And you've not returned the email for 2 weeks?  That's a mighty good plan, however, in his heart he knows he hurt you, and doesn't to admit to that.  Your not replying is worrying to him, and possibly even scaring him that you've found another.  Letting him worry will be a good thing.  Also, it's possible that he didn't want to talk to you or write to you for fear of the emotional pain of not being able to see or hold you.

[QUOTE] I don't know what the hell this means. I don't even know what the hell he wants. I don't know whether I'm supposed to email him back or even what I'm supposed to say. Why did he tell our friend that and send me a completely blasé message? How am I supposed to react to that?![/QUOTE]

Well, I'd say he wants YOU, but is afraid to admit this, afraid that you'll see it as a weakness.  If you DO decide to email him back, you might first express sadness for his broken fingers and his laryngitis, then explain that this MUST be the reason he didn't call or write for so long.

Then after THAT dig, you could tell him the truth; that you missed him and wanted to at least hear from him, but assumed that he'd just moved on to other women, and you weren't about to sit around and pine for ANYone.  Then maybe tell him about some of the dates you've been on since he's been gone, and hint that you MIGHT be available, but only if he calls 3-4 days in advance to ask you out.  (something like that, anyway---this ain't the Gospel.)

I'm p*ssed off and confused. Help!!

I'm confused, too.  Isn't he doing not only exactly what you wanted(contacting you again) but also what we TOLD you he would do if you let him be? 

But you see, this does put you in the driver's seat, for now.  If and when you see him again, sit him down and tell him how you'd like to be treated, and what you find unacceptable if he wants to date you---then watch him respond!  (favorably, probably, if you don't put it as "these are my list of demands for you, and if you accept them, you're weak" but instead, "this is what I find acceptable/unacceptable," then be prepared to hear how HE'D like to be treated.

Fair is fair; what's good for the goose is good for the gander is a nice measuring stick for a successful long-term relationship, especially when it comes to disagreements.

Warmest regards-

Hatman