I didn't want to stay together the way things were. He would have continued on.

But I've already been in a relationship where I knew what I wanted and the other guy didn't. That man and I loved each other, too, but he wasn't in a place emotionally to have a healthy relationship.

I looked at the man I just broke up with, and I was falling for him. He had no idea what he wanted after his divorce. My choices were: to stay with him and wait 3-6-10 more months to see if he had things figured out yet and risk us hating each other in the end (because he'd possibly feel pressured and I'd feel like my wants were neglected) OR break things off, give him some space to determine what he wants, and leave that door open for him in case he decides in the future he's ready for something serious with me.

I didn't want the bridge to burn, so I thought option B was the best choice. I'm trying to get over him because I can't keep my hopes up that he will ever want me again, but he also knows that I would absolutely want to hear from him if he does.

That's what I mean - we both wanted to date but I couldn't see it working until he got over his ex and really figured out how to be a single dad, etc. Which makes it that much harder to move on. The last two times we've seen each other I knew we wouldn't be getting back together, but we just enjoy each other so much, it's hard to leave and realize it might be the last time I see him.