Interesting predicament

Hi all,
I'm new here and need some advice. It's an interesting situation. Recently an old friend of mine contacted me, after 35 years, yes, I said 35 years. We were very close friends when we were young and extremely comfortable with each other. He is a Pisces and I am a Scorpio. We are still very comfortable with each other and can tell each other just about anything. There was never any romantic connection, although, I admit I wanted it then. He went through a very painful divorce and now seems to have lost all faith in people and relationships. He has the "nose to the grindstone" mentality lately, and while he is still the same person that I knew, he has an edge. I told him that and he said it's his defense. We definitely have a strong chemistry between us and I find that my old feelings for him have returned, only stronger. Yes, I want to help and protect and be there when I can, but, I'm married. My husband is a Cancer, and we really haven't been "together" for over 10 years. So, my question is, anyone had experience with a Pisces man that has lost all faith? Is there any way to restore it? He tells me that he goes home at night and sometimes drinks to the excess. That worries me because he lives alone and quite a distance from me. He was always a very special person in my life and obviously I was in his also, because he said he's been looking for me since his divorce, which was 24 years ago. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and nice meeting you all.

By not being together I mean no, we haven't had sex for about 10 years, which, odd as it may seem, is my choice. He is 7 years younger than I am and has been through drug and alcohol issues pretty much throughout our marriage, which has been 19 years now. He has been emotionally abusive. We don't have an open marriage and, when I try to go out with friends, I mean girl friends, he gets all pouty and jealous and makes me feel terrible for going out. After that ends, all of a sudden he becomes so insecure and wants to be close again. As a result I pretty much gave up my own social life. We have 2 kids 16 and 18. We did separate last year for 4 months. I feel that I can't be myself and have a good time if we are out and I am talking with other people. When I am with my friend, I am so relaxed and happy and at ease it just feels so good, but then, it was always that way.

bijou2u you are very wise. I really appreciate the insight. To say that I've been on an emotional roller coaster lately would be an understatement! Being torn between loyalty and finally thinking of myself. While I know that my friend doesn't want any relationships now, we are still as close as we were all those years ago, maybe closer. He is a very good person, and I know he doesn't want to burden anyone with anything. He opened up to me immediately when we first met again. I wasn't so open so quickly, but, then again, I never am. My husband and I have talked about divorce as recently as last weekend. He also wants a life and a new beginning as he puts it, but also would like to try to work things out with me. Being a Scorpio, I tend to hold grudges, no, not good, but I do nonetheless. All of the things that have happened in our marriage that I can't forget makes it really hard to get back "in love" with him. I do care, but, that's not love. I think if we did decide to go through with it, it would be amicable. I think you are definitely right in your advice. Thank you, it is much appreciated.