He was just looking for a way out and used "distance" as an excuse. The relationship was one-sided, anyway. Seriously, people, if you no longer feel attracted or as in love with your partner, just have the balls to say "I'm really sorry, but I do not feel the same way about you now as I did then and, for that reason, I can no longer be with you." Or something along those lines. Don't pick some piss-poor excuse and use that. I broke up with my partner 'cos I was not treating them with the respect they deserved and took them for granted and expected more than I deserved. I was really toxic and it was harming them and when I could see the total harm I was doing, I broke it off. It was a one-sided relationship and if I held on any longer, the break-up would have been terrible and it would've damaged them far worse than if I didn't break it off when I did.

The trash took itself out. Now you can look for someone who is wanting to be with you, no matter what.