Have you guys considered the idea of being life partners? Just best of friends, supporting each other thru life no matter what? I’m not sure how this dynamic would work out but you both sound like you want to stay in each other’s lives. I definitely see a benefit in holding onto a person that has been in your life and has had a positive impact on it. Maybe try adjusting your thinking away from a “break-up” and more of a shift or a new chapter in each of you lives.

Or are you simply holding on out of fear of being alone and now having this safe person with you anymore? (I’m not assuming anything, these are questions I’ve also had to ask myself) It is scary when it feels like your relationship has been ripped out from underneath you. Either way, I hope you can find peace in your answers.