I understood your term 'break'. Functionally, it remains the same.

I also understand you do not want to do anything stupid - I adressed that above by saying, that you have to decide for yourself and that you should consider the relationships with your ex without the prospect of your best friend. It is the process, not the outcome, that matters.

But then the part where you say you don't want to 'look like the bad guy'. Why would that matter?

Do you want to be unhappy in a relationship you work for and which lands you in hell's kitchen plus basically rejecting your best friend, just so you 'look' good?

As I said - it is up to you. But exactly because it is up to you, it should not matter how you 'look'.

If it is more important for you to follow through with being 'that one guy who'd put a smile on her face and make her feel safe', do that. Just know, that this may not make you happy in return. You should not be with her, in order to be her saviour.

You might care to take a look here.

In my opinion, it is extremely clear what you should do. Your ex won't change in the flick of some hours, days, weeks or even months. Especially, you cannot make her change. People can only change themselves.

Don't make the same mistake I did. Make yourself happy. And people who deserve it. Principles are going to destroy you, because there are people who know exactly how they can take advantage of someone who follows them.