My boyfriend and I had a unique situation in that we are from two different countries. He was here for a year on a visa, his visa expired, and now he's moved back home. But we left on good terms and we both loved each other very much and had enjoyed a GREAT relationship together. I told him I would do anything to stay with him--including relocating and taking serious steps together. He says he isn't ready to take those steps, and therefore a relationship between us is simply no longer possible because of the distance. But he still wants to remain in contact with me because he cares about me so much. I've never stayed friends with an ex before and don't know if I can without holding on to the love I still feel for him. What should I do? I don't want to write him off completely because I care so much about him and he's so important to me. But I also don't know if I can keep in contact with him and just be "friends."

I wouldn't do it. It would break my heart every time I heard from him, and I would always worry that I was being too pushy or nosy when I contacted him.

For me, the answer is no, I couldn't stay friends.

You won't know until you try.

No harm in trying to be friends, but only time will tell if this arrangement works out.

I think you wait until you can face the fact of being just friends, and not be torn apart emotionally because it can't be more. That may take some time, but what's the hurry? Friends can be forever if it's a healthy friendship, but for now, he is an ex, and you should have the proper time to reconcile the transition to friends. Just take your own sweet time, no need to force anything.