I really appreciate your advice, guys. We have talked about dating each other in a more casual way once we get settled into our new lives. We moved in together right away at the beginning of our relationship and it might give us a chance to experience some of those early-dating things we never really had before while also leaving us space to work out the kinks in our own lives. I think I'm getting better, starting to accept how things are now. It's honestly, though, one of the harder things I've ever had to go through. You really don't know how awful heartbreak is unless you've been there, eh?
For now I'm just happy that we can be friends and I am thankful for the things he's done for me and for what I've been able to do for him. We both have really gained so much from our relationship, and I think regardless of what happens we will always be grateful for that... (I still hope the future finds us together though!)