Michelle, I also admire your pragmatic attitude and wisdom. This is a super hard situation and heart breaking to read your post. Makes me sad because I keep up with the news out of Hong Kong. The political situation is difficult there. Plus the pandemic situation and I don’t know when that will even end. There are many countries who have pledged to be open to HK citizens who immigrate to that country. Mostly British countries & Taiwan, although the US has led the speaking out against the repression and now the oppression of those that want democracy.  I have read interviews from democracy leaders who have gotten out of HK, and they worry about their families back home being targeted. While your love may not be in that category, it sounds like something that many HK people think about. I can see that he worries and hopes – and is caught in a very difficult situation. It is very disappointing for you and him. If the old pattern of communication with him feels too hard now or almost pointless, or you simply want to make a change, it is fine to change. You may need something different and that is okay. I do think there is wisdom in going on and seeking out new social opportunities, as in dating others. You have to decide if the old way of connectional communication feels good or not so good to yourself. I do think that if your goal is to date others, then always being so connected via text as you write, may keep your mind on this one man and not be open to future opportunities. If you are to think this relationship is over, as you say, having more distance in communication may be better for you as it allows your mind to seek others. His friendship has meant a lot to you. It is hard to go from this deep connection to the relationship being over, very sad and difficult. As time goes by, the new normal becomes the old normal and easier and easier because it’s a pattern. When I was dating my now husband and we lived in different cities, we were lucky to see each other once a month as compared to eight months. The first week after our visits were awful, sad, lonely. The next week was easier, I was back to my regular life. The next week was okay but the last week before the weekend visit was loneliness personified and stressful in getting ready for me to travel or him to visit. It was hard but I took it one week at a time. One day at a time. So what I am saying is allow the new normal that works for you to start and become regular. Only you know what is best for you and what feels right to you.