My boyfriend and I had a mutual break up. He lives in the UK and I live here. We only saw each other once or twice a year, but kept in constant contact whenever we could. My boyfriend initiated the breakup, saying that the distance and the money would be too much, and I wouldn’t be able to move because I’m still in college.

At first, for a week or so, I felt OK and didn’t think too much about it. A week later, though, it hit me like a punch in the gut how much I missed him, and I asked him three times or so to try again, or to promise to at least try again in the future. He said he didn’t know what he wanted in the future, but that right now, it doesn’t work.

We are currently not contacting each other, but have promised to maintain a close friendship. I know in my heart that we still love each other and that we can be friends. (We were friends for a year before we started dating, so we have a place to “step back” to). My question is: If it feels right at some point, should I bring up starting a relationship again? Once I graduate college, I will have a decent income (that’s a few years from now). He and I are both on the same career path and have similar interests. He graduates next year. I know I need to keep my hopes in check so that my heart doesn’t get broken again, but even as a friend, he means so much to me, and I’d love to have him in my life.

– Broken Up … For Now?