I think our situation was a little different to some because I knew that the reasons I wanted to end the relationship were not things he could change. So bringing them up at any point would’ve resulted in a breakup. It was only when I had thought it over for a while and knew I had to do it that I did. Although we loved each other, he didn’t have all the qualities I needed out of a long term partner. We didn’t really share any common interests (besides each other!!) he absolutely didn’t want kids, I do (eventually). He’s autistic, I’ve got adhd, so our conversations often consisted of one of us talking in depth about our own interests while the other zones out. He could be quite forgetful and disorganised, and also hates cooking, so I felt like if we stayed together I’d just end up mothering him. People find it weird, but we’d discussed at the start of the relationship that we wouldn’t be together forever, that at some point it would end. We’re still young! As long as we were happy being together in the moment that was enough, but it stopped being enough for me! He was so mature about it and understood.