Miss Manners: Better without him after bitter breakup

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My former partner and I ended our relationship earlier this year. (We made this decision for a number of reasons, the main one being his infidelity.) His wish was that we remain friends; however, I asked for us to take some time apart to allow me to recover from what was, for the most part, a difficult and unhappy relationship.

I am expecting to hear from him within the next few months about re-establishing contact, but after a great deal of thought I have realized that I am happier without him as a part of my life, and that maintaining a friendship probably wouldn’t be the best idea.

May I please ask your advice on how best to explain this to him? Ignoring him seems unnecessarily rude, but I am unsure what I can say that won’t sound hurtful or offensive.

GENTLE READER: “Still moving along. I’ll call you when I get there.” Miss Manners suggests refraining from adding, “But don’t wait up.”