As the title states, I broke up with my ex a year ago. We dated for about 6 years, and built so much of our lives around each other. My best friend flats with him, and all of his friends became my friends after so long, his brother is my brother, so we still all hang out.
He’s a great friend, but was not a good partner most of the time. We have a deep bond due to all that we experienced, and the circumstances of our being together in the first place.
I love him so much still, and he loves me too, but we both know we don’t work well together romantically.
Now he’s moving to another country, and I’m honestly struggling. I know it would be easier if we had a clean break and all ties were cut, but it just wasn’t possible if I wanted to keep all my friendships. And I genuinely enjoy hanging out with him platonically.
It feels like the end of an era, even though we already ended it. My entire adulthood has included him. I have no intention of getting back together with him, but it’s still painful.
He’s such a core part of our group too. It’s going to feel like a giant hole formed when he eventually leaves.
It’s the most unconditionally reciprocal and forgiving friendship I have ever had, and it’s dying. I’m really going to miss him.
I just feel like I need to get it out there. I don’t want to upset him by bringing it up.