Sorry for not reading the entire thread before I reply, but in my opinion, asking for a break is just a way of keeping his security blanket just in case his taste of freedom doesn't turn out to be as glamorous as he expects it will be. Don't let him jerk you around on a chain, and don't keep him on one either if/when he ever comes crawling back to you. If the thought is even in his mind that he may not be sure he wants to be with you, after being together for such a long time, that translates to ready-to-move-on. Cut the umbilical cord.
