Oh I would definitely count it as gaslighting, I think my ex even admitted that they noticed themselves doing that. I remember one conversation where they said they were knowingly gaslighting me into thinking everything was okay when really they weren't and they always knew at some point they would want to walk away. Unfortunately I think I am attracted to this type of person because I tend to not like when someone is super obvious and indiscreet about how they like me, especially when trying to initiate a possible relationship. I enjoy the subtlety, but oh my goodness subtlety for an entire relationship? When you're years in and should be feeling comfortable talking about your feelings? I couldn't do it anymore, I wanted to stop feeling like I needed to push and pry for them to tell me how they felt. And thank you! It was definitely hard, we both still love each other even if it's strictly platonic now but we definitely had a real connection and I think it was just hard to cut it for awhile.