We broke up after 3 months because he has fears of a repeat happening from his past relationship (ended a little over 2 years ago) and opening up his vulnerabilities to me even though I did my best to reassure him that I’m not his ex and that I’m taking things one day at a time for my end since having to start all over after calling off an engagement is new territory for me (not what I wanted, plus hate the dating pool scene 🤮) He was very sad to call things off because he is unsure, but asked that we could still be friends. I was quick to defend my emotions and told him idk if that’s a good idea because if I still have feelings for him, that would give me false hope that there could still be a chance in the future? Again, he didn’t specify his intent, but I also didn’t get any fwb vibes, but instead he looked like a little child who was let down and defeated when I was quick to say no. Didn’t help he was a bit drunk too, so he was a bit all over the page emotionally and who knows if he’ll even remember asking me that if I were to bring it up to him. It’s been 4 days now and the question is still replaying in my head but don’t know whether to ask. I know he’d respond back, as things didn’t end on ugly or bad terms. Part of me wants to know the why behind his question, but also don’t want to get my feelings hurt if it’s literally to be friends who barely hangout or text barely and nothing more. I miss him a lot and didn’t see the spilt coming at all, and I know he’s sad too and wasn’t an easy decision, but no one made him do this. I want to make this work between us but obviously feelings have to be mutual. He’s 31 and I’m 28 so it’s not like we’re 2 teenagers, we both are looking for our serious person and to be married and share a lot of the same values. I sensed he’s just in his head and can’t shake his last relationship or give himself permission to be happy by allowing it to get in the way of his future. He said that he dumped her and that she was basically checked out for a bit before their relationship ended, and since then has moved on with another guy and this happened over 2 years ago. My engagement call off was 11 months ago. Maybe it’s easier for us women to heal/handle our emotions, idk. Sounds like this ex was his first for a lot things as was my former fiancé, but unfortunately that’s just life whether one wants to accept it or not. Plenty of people out there who have it waaay worse. Plenty of people out there who have it waaay worse. If I were to ask him, how would I word it so it’s safe/gives opportunity for us to talk things out again??