Breakup but staying friends?

[AllHallowsGhost]

Hey all!
First off, I'm gay. Until today, I had a boyfriend....were both 22. The thing is, it was a long distance relationship, he lives in the UK, I live in Germany. It was the true love for both of us, we visited each other...until today. After a long talk we got to the conclusion that his love had changed a bit, that it's changed a bit to a "friend" love instead of a lover love...I was devastated. He is my everything, we chatted every day, went on webcam everyday....my whole life was revolving around him. Now...its over. We had planned a few days in Paris in December, too. Well, after the first shock we both agreed on staying very good friends, he said I was still his best friend and that he still loves me, and will always love me, just in a changed way. He also said we will still chat everyday, or often, and we could also cam several times per week.
And the thing is...I would love to. I know many people say its best to not see the other one for some time...but I think not seeing him would make my depression worse. I somehow feel that talking to him regularly would be better. Is that good or bad? We also decided that we will wait a bit until we cancel the trip to Paris. As for right now, I wouldnt have a problem with going together with him and sleeping in the double bed. He said he hopes I will have more friendly feelings till then, and not lovey ones, so that he wont raise any hopes inside of me if he hugs me in his sleep or something. He said we will be best friends forever, and I believe him. He is so sorry for his feelings, or rather the change of his feelings and is devastated too.
So...what is your advice? How can I slowly reduce my love feelings to just friend feelings? Is there a good way?
Thanks a lot in advance.

[lifecatch]

I know exactly where you are.  Unfortunately there is no way to go through this that is not painful, but dragging it out is MORE painful. You have to decide if you want to do that to yourself.  I highly recommend a book by Iyanla Vanzant called "In the Meantime, Finding Yourself and the Love You Want".  I'm reading it while I am going through a similar circumstance and it has really helped me to gain insights into myself and my relationships.  The more I am learning about myself the faster I am healing.  Not only has it made this experience LESS painful but I am learning how not to get myself into another mess.