Dear Magdalene:

Thank you for the compliment.

I wonder what  it is that he wants. I am  confused too as you have been. Does he want you to  be his supportive friend as he struggles with his on again off again relationship?  When he criticizes you for being  “overly rational and distant”- is he criticizing… an unpaid, unlicensed psychotherapist for not doing  a good  job?

I would say it  is a good idea to clarify with him: what  is it that he  wants from you???

Then see if there is a  match between what he  wants and what  you want.

anita