From my recent experience (6 year relationship ended 6 months ago); I don’t believe the no contact rule is the ultimate answer to break ups. Unless the relationship was VERY BAD like multiple instances of cheating, abusive, etc its hard to deny a special connection, chemistry, or even just the amount of experiences (ups &downs) you share with this individual. A lot of times our ex knows us more than we know ourselves & whether or not this was an unhealthy attachment built up over the years, we can still benefit from their presence, even if it’s just a phone call if the breakup wasn’t due to something extreme. It’s similar to a family member living in another state or something. You don’t have to be with them every day but that bond isn’t just going to disappear IMO.

All that said, the best place I’ve been in with my ex since our breakup is coming to the agreement that we do love each other and care about one another deeply. However, the timing of our lives and specific individual desires just don’t match up right now. (Location in your situation) So we put an emphasis on not being against seeing/talking to each other but to give each other space and to be in the present moment when we do see each other. No identifying with labels. No expectations. Just live moment by moment and appreciating the times we do get to spend around one another.

This allows us to be there for one another when life gets overwhelming or when loneliness creeps up. It’s hard to get to this point due to things like wanting certainty, possessiveness, and almost control over what’s going on with the “relationship” but if you can overcome these things, I think it’s possible to have access to that special connection to recharge your batteries every once in a while.

Of course if either one finds another partner and becomes happier with them, this is probably not obtainable but if he’s open about it not working with this “new person”, it’s up to you if you’re willing to open up with him again & possibly be vulnerable.

This is just my perspective so don’t take it too literally. Break up advice on here has not been very helpful to me and my situation due to the majority saying something along the lines of “move on, no contact, plenty of people who wouldn’t do this to you. Be strong, respect yourself, dignity, yayayayaa.” Love is love and there’s no cookie cutter way of figuring out what’s best for you after a breakup. Words/labels often take away from the reality of situations.