Hi there,
i recently ended a 2.5yr relationship with an older man (he's 36, i'm 22). He wanted to get married and has been talking about it for the past year, and I realised I still needed to see more of the world, go travelling, meet new people, before I settled down. I felt I had to end things sooner rather than later because of his age - I couldn't keep him hanging about for another year or so whilst I made up my mind. We tried a non-communicating 'break' for 5 weeks, then I went to see him and was so resolute about properly finishing things, but he convinced me to stay in touch for a while and think about things. Then he came to see me for a few days (this has always been a long-distance relationship) and though we had a great time, I just knew I had to end it. We split up and said there would be no communication, yet he rang me an hour later on the train! He then rang me every day for a week before I said enough is enough, and I haven't heard from him for 4 nights.
I know this is the right thing to do, so why am I feeling so desperate and emotional and empty? I almost wish he would call just so I could hear his voice... I'm going to be strong, and i'm going home from uni in just over a week for lots of tlc, yet my parents only know we split up, they don't know the ins-and-outs, and how painful it's all been, and they never liked him in the first place, so they've practically got the champagne out to celebrate!
It's so hard when my ex is the only person I want to talk to right now - and I can't. I know this is like so many other break-ups but does anyone have any advice on how I can get through this, and how, eventually, we may be able to be friends again? I do love being with him so much.

Thank you
flavia x