I regret breaking up with my boyfriend

Caroline writes, "Before I broke up with my boyfriend of five years, he asked me to give him some time to think about my request of living together and having a more committed relationship. I told him he could take as long as he wanted but I would not wait around, I would move on with my life. When I was walking out of the door, he asked me not to go but I did not stop. Now I regret for not giving us a chance to see if we can work things out.
Friends all say not to contact him. Should I? Will he ever contact me again?"

What you did reflected your feelings at that time and rightfully so. Despite being an awesome man and boyfriend, it is clear that you don't fit into his life the way you want it. I think he probably misses you as well but is unwilling to compromise on his principles. Yes, there are men who are simply unwilling to compromise on certain things and he is one of them. Despite his love for you, he does not want to tied down and that is exactly what you want.

Caroline, like your friends, I would discourage you from contacting him. I think the ball is in his court now. If he values the relationship more than his desire to be free, he will contact you, apologize, and beg you to come back. If he is very firm in his resolve, then he will not contact you and it is a clear signal to you that you should move on because he has definitely figured out what he wants from his life and it is not YOU.

Having said that, I am big believer in making things work, and there may be a way to see if you can get back together. Is there a mutual friend that can help? If so, write back to me and I will give some tips on how to go about it.