How should I end it with this guy?

[Anonymous]

I know this may be a dumb question but I need a good answer. I started talking to this guy and found out a little later that he had just broken up with his ex. He kept telling me he was over her and I didn't want to completely stop talking to him because I had previously liked him and wanted to see if maybe this could go somewhere. We hung out a few times and it was really great. However, I recently found out that he met up with his ex and now I truly feel like an idiot for catching feelings. I know that I should probably get out before I actually get hurt. But I don't know how to actually end it without having him know that I found out he met up with his ex. I want to stay kind of mysterious and as if I don't actually care about him. What can I say to him that would get me out of this situation without being bitter/rude so that there's no animosity and we could just be casual acquaintances? For reference we are both 20 years old.

[OlderAndWiser]

"I don't know how to actually end it without having him know that I found out he met up with his ex." Why does that need to be a secret? You already know it. Why do you need to act as if you don't know it? Are you trying to maintain some level of denial so you don't feel quite so stupid about what you've done?

"I want to stay kind of mysterious and as if I don't actually care about him." Is the most important thing in a relationship making sure that the other person doesn't know how you really feel?

"What can I say to him that would get me out of this situation without being bitter/rude?" You could say, "I know that you met up with your ex and it's pretty obvious you're not ready to move forward with anyone else so I'm gonna back outta this before it hurts even worse."

"so that there's no animosity and we could just be casual acquaintances?" Why do you want to remain friends with him? So you can hear about how great things are going with his ex? So you can be around to hear it when things go bad with the ex and you can try to move back in? Would you really want an invite to their wedding?

All of the above may sound brutal but it's what you need to hear.

[In_Trance]

"I'm sorry this isn't working for me. I need to move on"

Stop with this "no animosity crap. You're not gonna be friends. He's going to be pissed. one person out of 7 billion thinking you're horrible is a part of life.

[_babyidk]

Sorry in advance but its just bullshit wanting to be mysterious etc.. if you like this guy go get him.. cuz whats gonna make him want you is you wanting him and not gonna happen by keeping distance.. this will not come off as mysteriousness you just gonna look cold.. you don’t have to let him know that you know that he met up with his ex.. instead ask him between conversation about his ex.. if he goes back to his ex either way you guys will stop talking.. give him a chance.. its normal for a couple who just broke up to meet and speak about how theyre feeling about each other or the issues they had so no one has hard feelings.. just make sure he doesn’t have feelings for her anymore

[AmandaYVR]

I think you should tell him you saw him with his ex. That's it.

[DaMack999]

Being in love means being mature when someone had previous relationship. For example ex for this instance. This could mean they are just friends now. Nothing serious. But telling him you saw with him with her will make him not trust you. He will think you were stocking him. Control freak. So he has right to privacy. But same time he also must respect you. He must be clear with you. So ask him. Is there something I should know about your ex and you. If asks like what? Say is it over it. Are you guys planning to get back together? I need to know so I don't get hurt. He wouldn't it if you went back to your ex without his permission would he?

[Paris13]

Bye, Guy. He will Get the Helpful Hint. xx

[dudeinohio]

Best thing is to be direct... He's gonna want to know why. So tell him you saw him with his ex and that you believe he isn't over her and you cannot go on like that.