Confusing situation with ex boyfriend (35M) and I (26F). Advice?

Anonymous
Ex and I dated for a year and we broke up almost 6 months ago. When he did, he expressed a lot of doubt and still does to this day. He cried too when we broke up. He was initiating a lot of contact recently, wanting to see me and clear the air but I declined. I ended up responding to one of his messages about 3 months later. He replied to what I said and then said it has 'been very difficult from his end. He felt it was the most appropriate thing was to break up, which has been really hard and he misses me all the time. But what's the alternative?' he went onto say that he thinks of me all the time. He then went on to say that it's really difficult but he tries to leave me alone as he doesn't quite know what to do as he doesn't want to mess with me. That he liked me a lot, I meant a lot to him and I am very special to him.

I replied and said I hope one day we can be on friendlier terms but I understand if we don’t keep in touch. 2 weeks later he texted me saying he would definitely like to know how I am/how life is but he’s conscious of not lingering around, intruding and making things more difficult and he hopes everything is good and I’m happier now. That he of course feels the same but it’s just the nature of breakups. I replied back to him saying that he hasn't intruded. But that it's probably best we not stay in contact since I still care for him/like him. Also, that I get the impression he still wants the breakup but I support him regardless. Normally when I used to send messages to that effect when we broke up, he would respond saying "I understand, wish you all the best" almost immediately or at least the next day. I sent that message a few days ago and I haven't heard anything back. The suspense seems hopeful but not hopeful.
Confusing situation with ex boyfriend (35M) and I (26F). Advice?
1 Opinion