Hi Cha, i know exactly what you're going through. Dont quote me as being an expert or anything but i'll give you my thoughts. Sometimes in relationships, especially the length of yours it is always great to take a break. After a while, whether it's a week, two weeks or 3 weeks even a month you will soon realise your feelings. I'm sure your ex boyfriend is hurting more than he is letting on. You say that he's been acting childish? that's always a good sign that he is hurting a lot. Guy's are weird like that. Girl's just seem to go all quiet, where as guys get childish and sometimes do things they regret. Anyway, you also said that he is willing to change. I was in a relationship for 5 years and my 'now' fiance broke up with me a year before we got engaged. She said that she couldnt see us being together and that we want so many different things in life, and basically couldnt see us living, or even being with each other. I managed to get through to her that i accepted that, but i loved her so much that i would do anything to change and make the relationship work. She still persisted to ignore me for weeks, until she came to it and gave me that chance to show her that things can be how we want it. Which is exactly what i did. I tried my hardest to make the changes to my life to suit both of us. She also had to make changes because relationships are never singular. A year later we're engaged to be married, we've got a child on the way and we've never been more in love! Anyway, back to you. If your ex boyfriend is saying he wants to change just so you will stay with him, he maybe wanting to do just that! As hard as this is for him at the moment, and for you also.. This maybe just what the doctor ordered for you both! It sounds to me like your ex boyfriend loves you dearly if he keeps "texting" you all the time, especially after you've told him that you want time to yourself. This just tells me that he misses you and/or really loves you. You say that you've gone to pick up your mobile phone and "text" him to say that you miss him. This sounds to me like you really do miss him and in the back of your mind there is something saying that you want to be with him, but there are circumstance (at the moment) which needs to be addressed. You said that he's trying to change.. Have you had any indication that he is trying to change? Or is he just saying that? Normally if they just say that, nothing really changes in their life, but if he really does mean what he says, he will be trying to change, believe me. In the end, you can only do what your heart says. You know how you feel, and you know your ex boyfriend better than anyone else. If i were you, i would check to see if he is making the changes to his life.. If so, will he stick to them? If he loves you as much as he says he does, then i'm willing to bet that he will stick to them. Communication is the key my friend and the Bottom line is, there is a lot of give and take in any relationship..it's just a matter sitting down and talking things through. As for your ex boyfriend telling your friend that he has been asked out, who knows! He may have, or he may just be trying to make you jealous? That's also another guy thing. Everyone deserves a second chance. I hope this has helped you a bit.