<human>: I live in a small community and associate with an even smaller set within that community.  For that reason, one generally sees the same people everywhere.  I was dating a girl for over a year, and we broke up because she told me she just didn't have time for me.  I suspect there are bigger issues, but the bottom line is that we broke up because she couldn't commit the time needed.

Since I still have many feelings for her, it is very difficult to even see her, let alone talk to her.  I tried to just be friends, but it is painful to pretend I don't have feelings when I obviously do.

So I told her as much, and I have started to avoid or ignore her apart from a smile and hello when I see her out.  She has told me how horrible I am for treating her this way, and that I am being mean to her, and so on.  I tried to explain to her that we broke up, not because we didn't have feelings for one another, but because she just couldn't commit the time--or perhaps commit in general.  Because of those circumstances, if we are ever to be friends, I need time apart, and time where I don't talk to her because if I do, I know I'll just try to get back together with her.

Again, I was berated, sent one of the meanest emails I've ever received, and generally told that I'm a terrible person for this.

So my question: is it normal to want to cut all communication with a person after a breakup, even if just for a limited time?  Am I really being that mean in trying to avoid causing myself extra grief, especially since she is the reason we broke up?  Thanks for reading.

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<bot>: Broke up with ex-GF.  I don't want to talk to her because I still have feelings for her.  She claims I'm being cruel.  What's the deal?