Even if a guy really cares about you can distance be the ultimate issue?

My ex said the only reason the relationship wasn’t gonna work is due to the distance. He told me though how amazing i am and that he’s never felt that way about anyone before. I’m just so confused because if you truly cared about someone that much wouldn’t you fight through. The distance was only a matter of an hour and a half and was only gonna be for about another year. When we broke up though he emphasized it was just the distance. And then said hopefully our paths cross again in the future ig when timing is better?
Even if a guy really cares about you can distance be the ultimate issue?
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