If he eventually contacts me after we have been following the ‘no-contact rule,’ how do I respond to him, and what exactly should I say?
A no-contact rule is very similar to a boundary so, depending on what you agreed in terms of contacting each other, you might simply remind him of the no-contact rule.
However, it can also be helpful to check in with what you want out of this no-contact phase. If you’re ready to get back together with him, this might be your opportunity. On the other hand, this could be the time when you state that you’re ready to move on.
If you do decide to reconnect with him, make sure you talk about the issues that led to the no-contact rule. Going back to how things were before doesn’t solve the problem. Instead, agree boundaries and behaviours that you can both commit to in order to build a stronger relationship, if that’s what you both want.