Advice on 'waiting' for someone....

Have been involved on and off with my ex (first love) for the past five years. Been through all kinds of things together. Both of us have been in serious relationships with other people the past few years, but at the end of everything we always end up involved with one another again. Recently him and I started talking again (back on). Everything was going VERY well for a few weeks, then randomly he backed off. Come to find out he's joining the military and will be gone for the next five years, was distancing himself because he felt we were getting too attached and he doesn't want to hurt me. He says he wants to keep in touch with me the entire time he is gone and that he will constantly be writing me/emailing me, whatever. But he wants me to see other people while he is away... he told me not to wait around for him. Then when he comes back in five years, "if I am not involved with someone at the time", that he wants to give us another chance at having a more SERIOUS, long-term, stable relationship. I love him more than I have ever loved anyone. I know I won't be able to wait a full five years for him and that I will date other people, but I just can't see myself being 100% serious with anyone else now that he's told me he wants us to have a future together when he gets home. How am I going to be able to cope with these feelings for the next five years? :( I don't know what to do with myself.

If you really love him, you would be able to wait for him. I was well still am in love with one of my really good friends and i didn't wait for him...i ended up marrying my now husband. I've only been married for 4 months and i saw this friend 2 months ago and have regretted my decision ever since...unless you're able to get over that love, you'll never be happy with anyone else! i wish someone had told me this before i got married!

I think you should just do your thing go on dates but still write him. Do your thing and go with the flow, by writing him you guys will build a beautiful relationship. I think you should wait for him, being yall always go back to each other. If you find someone else its stupid to get serious with them because down the line you will wish it was the one you love. True love is rare, treasure it while you have the oppertunity. Follow your heart, and nothing else. Much peace and love your way! You\'ll make the right decision.