Why does he take me back if he wants to keep me at a distance?

I have been involved with this person on and off for 10 years. I have left him twice and this is the 3rd time i have gone back to him. he takes me back everytime; but he in away keeps me at arms length.

recently i have a dream that we were talking at a bar and then he stood up and siad that I had left him for 3 years and he walked away and left me there. a few minutes later he came to me and held me and kissed me then the dream was over. what does that mean?