Why is my ex boyfriend suddenly apologizing and wanting to propose after dumping him?

[Anonymous]

I left my boyfriend after 3 years of it going nowhere. I can't afford another year because I'll be 27 by then. The last words he said were what made me dump him in that moment. He said that I'm not ready for commitment and that he needs a woman with strength in character, not too sweet. I dumped him afterwards.

It's been 4 months since the break-up, I've been dating others (still in the vetting process) and suddenly he calls. Now he's all apologetic, saying I'm the one, he wasn't thinking clearly before and would propose if I just said yes. Honestly I was emotionally checking out at some point and those words he said killed it permanently. I feel nothing for him, no love, no hate, just indifference. He's shocked that I don't love him anymore, claiming there has to be some love left in me towards him, something, how he would.

I don't understand. He clearly said I wasn't ready, that I was too sweet and wanted strong character. He got it. What's the problem now? Why does he now wants me? Why is he now willing to do what I wanted from him before (not anymore)?

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

He realized how much dating sucks and he wants you back because you made his life easier. If you had stayed with him, any ring he gave you would have just been a “shut up” ring just to keep you. This man isn’t worth it and you’re clearly not interested so move on, let him handle the dating world and let it be.

[Asker]

This is pretty much it. In addition, even if I would've taken him back, accepted his proposal and then marry him... instead of celebrating a special moment for both, I would be miserable to know that I had to break up and practically force marriage on him; that it was my idea. That would be a hard pill for me to swallow. Then at some point he would likely resent me and an unhappy marriage would've proceeded.

[Asker]

I see a proposal done after a break-up (going from ex boyfriend to fiance) as a forced proposal. I don't want a man to feel forced into something he, himself never wanted. It should be mutual