When your ex says he still loves you but can't be with you because he needs time to heal himself from your past relationship, it could mean a few different things:
Genuine love: It's possible that your ex still has genuine feelings of love for you. These feelings might not have disappeared despite the end of the relationship.
Unresolved emotions: The breakup or events from your past relationship might have left emotional wounds that your ex needs to address and heal. He may feel that being in a new relationship right now would not be fair to you or to himself because he needs time to process and work through his emotions.
Personal growth: Your ex might recognize that he needs time to focus on personal growth and self-improvement before he can fully invest in a new relationship. He may want to address any patterns or issues that contributed to the end of your previous relationship to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
Fear of repeating the past: If there were significant challenges or conflicts in your past relationship, your ex might be afraid of repeating the same patterns in a new relationship. Taking time to heal and gain clarity can help him approach future relationships with a better understanding of what he wants and needs.
Independence: Your ex might want to establish a sense of independence and self-reliance before getting into a new relationship. He could be seeking to build a strong foundation for himself before sharing his life with someone else.
Respect for boundaries: By expressing that he needs time to heal before entering a new relationship, your ex is showing respect for both you and himself. He recognizes that it's essential to be emotionally available and ready for a new relationship.
Reconciliation possibility: In some cases, when an ex says he needs time to heal, it might also signal the possibility of reconciliation in the future. By taking this time apart, he could be leaving the door open for a potential reconnection once he feels more emotionally prepared.
Regardless of the reasons, it's essential to respect your ex's decision and give him the space he needs. If you still have feelings for him, it might be challenging to accept, but it's essential to prioritize both of your emotional well-being. In the meantime, focus on your own growth and well-being, and if the time is right, you both may have the opportunity to revisit the relationship in the future with a fresh perspective.