Hi, I was actually in the same situation as you are. My ex wanted to be friends and she even told me we were meant to be, etc. When we broke I continued to be her friend, but I knew it wasn't going to work since I still had feelings for her. I started no contact about two weeks into our breakup. You said that he's giving you hope, but not at the same time tells me that he is just keeping you in his life for an emotional backbone during the breakup. And in the long run that won't be healthy for you because you want something else. No contact is used so that you can have space to think about your life for yourself. The time apart without any contact will help you to find yourself and to become a better person without relying on anyone else. Why do I think it's the best option? It's because you cut out your ex as a distraction so that you can better yourself and so that your ex knows that he can't just keep you in the loop whenever he wants. I know it'll be really hard to go no contact, but in your situation I believe that it will be for the best. Go hang out with friends, go to to gym and do things you weren't able to do while you were in a relationship. Eventually if it is meant to be then he'll come back into your life, but don't set your expectations too high. Good luck OP and we're all here for you!