We’ve been together nearly four years. The past year in particular has shown me how we have grown apart, and many of the things I felt that we had in common we really do not. A little background — met in the middle of the pandemic, began dating long-distance for almost two years. Relocated for school, and began living together shortly thereafter. Of course when you begin living with a person, things change, but now I’m at a point where I know for both of our sakes, this isn’t going to work out.
I’m not sure how to express it differently, but he is pretty dependent on me, so I know the breakup is going to negatively impact him more than it will me. I’m naturally more independent, which I’m not saying is a benefit in any way. With this in mind, how do I go about ending things with him, but also making it very clear that I care immensely for him and still want to provide a supportive role in his life?
TL;DR: the best way to break up with someone after a serious long-term relationship in a way that can establish a friendship afterwards