Advice on coping

So I'm currently facing some unknown territory and emotions. Yesterday I told my ex boyfriend we should no longer be in contact as it is making it difficult to move on and I'm not genuinely being the friend he deserves.

Some background information: we were really good friends for about a year before we dated, dated for 2 months, exchanged I love you and were happy together. He broke up with me out of no where. We have tried to remain friends- we talk a few times a week and hang out once a week usually. I asked him a few days ago if he still had feelings for me and he said yes, I then stated it was difficult for me to be friends with him and he agreed.

I wrote him a letter, because I know I wouldn't get everything I needed to say to him out in person, and told him I think it would be best if we didn't contact each other for awhile.

I know this was the right decision, but it just hurts SO much. How have you ladies coped with losing not only a boyfriend but a best friend as well?