Can you actually make progress and then flip like this?
Yes -- we are complex beings. I find that I sometimes circle in elliptical orbit. Detached/attached, free/imprisoned, etc. For me, there's so much psychological "stuff" associated with it. Letting it all emerge seems important. Being aware of it seems important.
I have moments of guilt, when I think of the ways I pushed my ex-girlfriend away. But, then, I'm reminded of the relationship's overall drama.
It's hard, but it's not a backward step. It's all part of the process. Inquire, but don't identify with any particular emotion.