Help! I need advice. I've been dating this guy for 2yrs. It ...

Help! I need advice. I've been dating this guy for 2yrs. It was sort of a rough start in the beginning. We broke up in the beginning after just 3 months because he had to move away due to family emergency with is mom. we kept in contact for a bit after but then lost touch. I loved him so much I've always thought about him day and night. Then 6 months later I broke down and decided to email him just to see how he was doing. He was delighted to hear from me and told me the great news he was moving back to my town for school. He said he had wonderful memories about us but he didn't feel that we would work in the long run because he can't get over some things that happened in the beginning of our dating but other than that he's still drawn to me and would like to see me. when we saw each other sparks flew. It was as if he never left. But I was still heart broken from when he left. we started to see each other again. We even went backpacking through Europe this summer. we fought during the trip during some stressful times but survived them. But we never talked about them in details (i think this is where the pent up anger began). Long story short, when we got back we saw each other a couple more times but I sensed he was wavering, he was lovey dovey but in the back of my mind something was not right. Then recently he on a school conference in Europe he sent me a email saying "we need to talk". then he went on to say being in Europe brought back vivid memories of our fights and also how he didn't like the way I behaved and how inconsiderate & disrespectful I was being towards him. Then he went on to say (here's a copy of his exact words in the email):
"I watched another episode of californication and there was a line, "you shouldn't steal a women's prime years if you know its not going to last". That line really got me.

You have a brunch of wonderful qualities and that is why we have been together this long, but I really can't see myself being happy within our relationship for the future, despite really wanting to. I have been wrestling with this the whole time that I have been here, and I feel like I need to let you know now.

I still want to stay in touch; however, I'm thinking a little space right now would be best for me."

when I received this email i was crushed. I don't know what I should do. Many times i wanted to go knock on his door and talk to him in person. See his face expressions for myself. I'm so depressed from this. I haven't responded back to his email yet. I'm thinking of writing a hand written letter and mailing it. I was bed ridden for two days after this. But I'm trying to pick myself up. I'm going to the gym and taking care of myself. I'd like to know from you guys what I should write in the letter to increase my chances of getting him back. I really love this guy. Sorry this is so long.

What were the fights about?

he can't get over some things that happened in the beginning of our dating

Could you explain?

hi thanks for getting back to me.
one of the things things he has trouble getting over is
After dating a month. i confessed to him i slept with my ex (i felt very guilty about it so i told him just to show him i have nothing to hide from him). It upset him very much. This was what caused us to fight. My argument was it was the day after i officially met him for the first time. I wasn't even sure if we were going on a second date.

During the Europe trip we argued over little things. like how he says i complained too much because i was in pain from walking or too hot, tired etc. He even brought up about something he was upset about that he kept inside until now. Which surprised me because he never mentioned anything when it was happening. He also says I'm so flirtatious with the way i interacted with other men during the trip. I disagreed with him and told him he's imagining things. I know I wasn't being sensitive to his feelings. Perhaps I may seem flirtatious but i would never cheat on him. I love him too much.

Maybe he's thinking about flirting because you slept with your ex when you two were supposed to have been broken up. Still, telling him was a good step, but I think that he wanted you to show that you wouldn't do that again if you two were to be in a relationship again. Writing a letter could help, but showing him would be better. Now he said that he "still wants to stay in touch," so I think he is seeing whether you do that or go back to your ex, etc. Still, you should respond to his e-mail, but if he decides to take you back, it will be based on more than just words.

oh no, i didn't sleep with my ex ex when me and now ex officially broke up. I know this is kind of confusing. I just met my ex for one date then the next day I had previous plans (to discuss about some matter) with my ex ex. I really regretted it. I felt nothing for ex ex and disgusted with myself after. I wish I can turn back time just so I can change what happened. He said he wants space how much time should I give before I write back? Every time I start writing my words are all jumbled up because I get so emotional and upset. I can't finish the letter. I know it won't be productive to be accusatory and attacking. I don't want to push him away. I feel really bad for hurting him and I don't know how to make him get over it.

The relationship stressed him out, so try being friends.

yes i agree with you guy and thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.
The more I reflect on the relationship to more I think I'm just trying so hard and feeling like I'm walking on eggshells around him all the time. It stresses me out as well. I still care so much for him and wish him all the best in life. I am really glad he came into my life for the time period that was meant to. I do hope that it will be possible we may remain friends after this. I think he is a great guy. Anyways, thanks again for reading!

You're welcome.