My boyfriend of 2.5 years has been going through some rough patch for about a year now. We moved to a new city and he recently told me that he is confused about what he wants out of life itself. He added that although we had talked about getting married and starting a family, he is not sure that in fact he wants that anymore. Therefore, he asked for a break and wants us to be just friends until he figures things out. I told him to give me time before I can be just his friend since I want to get him off my system first. We had coffee a couple of weeks ago and he said that he's not happy with himself because he feels that he doesn't have a home. He implied that he's missed me, although he didn't quite use those words. I didn't mention anything about our relationship nor did he. We just had a friendly talk.

He started calling me the next day, he didn't have much to say but I guess wanted an excuse to call. He did that for a couple of days and then stopped. I haven't heard from him in a week. I have given him his space just as he asked. However, I want to hear from other men out there if they've gone through similar "rough patches" in their relationship. I'm wondering if he would eventually come around and asks to get back together. After all, he said he struggles with himself because he loves me, but wants to figure out what makes him happy first.

I want to respect his space and not bother him, but I'm afraid he'll get used to being without me.

Give him what he asked for, and leave him to his space. Don't hold your breath waiting either as there is plenty to do that will make you happy.

To answer your original question, when I get dumped I never look back.

I suppose it's possible he could come back... but I think if he really wanted to continue the relationship, he would have stayed in the relationship and found himself at the same time. I'd begin to prepare for the future without him.

I'm not a guy, but I don't believe in "breaks." If I'm in a relationship and we're having troubles, if we care about each other we work it out. If we don't think it can be worked out we break up, but we don't "take a break." In my opinion, taking a break is breaking up because it could go on indefinitely.

I AM a guy and I never wanted time/break/space any of those crazy things from the person I loved, she was the one who did it to me 2 or 3 times before this last time she left for good I guess, but who knows. Basically, anything can happen and you're the one who knows best deep down inside what will happen.