My ex is so sweet.

So, my ex really is the sweetest guy I've ever met, but we had our problems, & never fully connected on the levels I needed (even though he didn't see anything missing). So after dating for a little over a year, we broke up in May. He doesn't have family that lives close & he's already really close to mine, so we stayed friends & still hang out & everything (when I'm home). He always claims he wants to stay friends, but makes comments about wanting to get back together & I feel bad, but I genuinely don't think he's my future, & I don't think I'm his. I'm away at college, & I've been really sick lately, so he had roses delivered & I appreciate everything he's ever done so much. I honestly don't like roses, which is just me, but it's beyond amazing that he cares so much still. I try to be very clear about not dating each other & everything because I don't want him to fall back into everything. Do you guys think there's a way for me to balance being friends, or should I really just distance myself more?