Why would he tell me one thing and then do another?

The easiest answer one can give, when a question is asked is 'I don't know'. While it is true that in most circumstances, we just don't analyze how our feelings develop but instead just live through them, a situation like yours should have clear answers as to why he wants to break up one second and wants you back the next.

My initial take is that he is bored with you. You guys hit the road block like many others do and instead of taking the extra mile to find ways to recreate the old flame, he chose to bail on you, with the occasional hangups. It is clear to him at this moment that he doesn't see how he can continue to do this for the rest of his life, but is scared to tell you that himself. He doesn't have the courage to be honest and simply tell you, but instead chooses to run around and give you excuses such as 'I don't know', 'I am so confused', I need some time'.

He at the same time knows that there are other cakes out there to get a taste of and each time he does, it either doesn't taste as good, or just as he indulged himself in all the pleasures and is full of it, he realizes that those distractions doesn't seem as good or as real and therefore decides to give you a call again. The next few days are a swell and he is the sweetest, until the moment he realizes why he started seeking all those indulgences, 'the boredom'.. And so does the cycle continue. No one in clear mind would do this. And it is clear that he is not at the best state of mind. He is in between and can't choose what's best for him and even worse, what's best for you. I guess you need to stand up and say enough.

If you want to clear it off, tell him so and make it to the point. Don't accept calls from him, don't call him, just cut it out. It won't be easy but do it. If you wan to give him another chance, ask him to give you his clear intentions about you. Whether he wants to be with you now and in the future or what holds him back. And tell him to give you precise, REAL answers, instead of I don't know. May be seeing that he is cornered, he will give you all the why's and why nots and you will know if you guys have any chance.

Even knowing the truth might not get you guys back together, so if you have even the slightest thought that this wouldn't work, I say just let it go without asking him anything.

Honestly, I don't think there is anything you can do to get through it quickly or easily. There is an irony in that the more sensitive you are, the more you can be hurt, particularly by those who are seemingly without a conscience. That he is acting as if he didn't do anything wrong only makes you feel worse, less valuable, like your relationship with him never really mattered to him.

But I'll tell you a secret. Our relationships, our dreams, our visions, our love are a product of who we are, of what we have inside of us. While this guy turned out to be unworthy, the truth is that what you had with him can be easily rebuilt with someone else, someone better. It will take time to recover, and I suspect there will always be a bitter scar, but the magic that makes a relationship is within you.