When the man you love tells you he wants a time out from the relationship, you may become panicked or it might make you angry. If you become panicked, you will cry and beg him for another chance. If you become angry, you will start pointing out his short comings and then heated words will be ex changed. Nothing will be accomplished by either actions, except to make your ex boyfriend vow to never speak to you again.
A much better way, if you can find the strength to do it, is to smile and agree with him. You might also add that you have been considering telling him the same thing. Then get him out the door before you start crying. This will take him by surprise and make him feel that he has been dumped. After he is gone, you can cry and scream all you want to, but do not shed a tear in his presence.
That is how to make your ex boyfriend realize he still loves you and keep from losing him forever. By not giving in to him, you have made him see the strong, capable woman he is giving up and you will be on your way to getting your ex back. Men always want what they cannot have and you have just shown him you do not need him. This is was not in his plans at all.
Now, you should ignore him and give him time to think about what happened. He might send you an email and ask you how you are doing, but do not answer it. Just act as if he does not exist, and every day will bring him closer to you. We all have a nostalgia gene that makes us remember the happy times of our past and makes us yearn to have them back. This will be happening to your ex and in time every moment he spent with you will seem the best of his life.
Soon your ex boyfriend will start to miss you like crazy and he will call you. Let him leave a message and wait a few days before you return his call. He will be so excited to hear your voice, he will hardly be able to speak. When he does, he will ask you to meet him for coffee or lunch and talk things over. At this point you can agree to meet him. But if you want to make him suffer some more, tell him you are not sure you have had enough of a break yet, and you will get back to him. The choice will be yours.