How do I deal with my boyfriend needing space?

ok so i met my boyfriend online, we'll call him D. We got on amazingly and have been great for nearly 9 months, we have been on two holidays, met all the family etc etc, on valentines day i told him i loved him in a message in a bottle - he had helped me through tonnes of stuff and was there 100% with supporting me, and being there completely, doing everything i needed to help me thru. now when i told him he was really happy and we had kisses and cuddles but he didnt say it back, but that didnt bother me as i just wanted him to know how i felt - well, a week back we had this big conversation on the phone and he was crying saying it really bothered him that he couldnt say it to me, altho he wanted to. he said he wanted a break so we did we spoke once in a week, met up today and we was both crying, he said he wants me in his life and cares about me a lot but its a big deal for him and feels he should say it to me. i tell him that it doesnt bother me too much, it comes with time and i feel that he is pushing himself into it a little. now his ex left him, and turned into a lesbian so obv he was major hurt, i think thats part to do with it, the last person he loved doing that, which i said but he isnt sure. so we are now over, and he is thinking about it all, says he promises we will see eachother and talk etc but i just dont know what to do now. everything i see reminds me of him, i dont want to do anything and all i do is cry, can anyone offer some insight or words of wisdom please.