<human>: Breaking up with my ex was for a multitude of reasons separate from these feelings (wanted different lives, too young for such a serious relationship etc.), but the feelings for my friend have been present since the first moment I met him. He had a girlfriend at the time and the day after he broke up with her, I got together with my now ex. 

I could see myself marrying him. Plain and simple. It just seems to make sense when I think about it. He totally reciprocates. The problem is that I don't want to jump from one serious relationship to another - especially not at 22. Partly because I don't want to risk ruining the awesome potential we have and partly because I want to live my life as my own person for a bit.

I explained this to him and he said he understood completely and would wait (though I explained quite clearly I didn't expect him to go celibate in thr duration!) But I'm still not sure if this is selfish of me? If he will wait around? If I might ruin my chances with a great guy, possibly Thee Guy? 

I just have no idea how to handle this situation. Advice?

Give me the gist of the text in a nutshell
<bot>: Fresh out of 3 year relationship, feelings for a friend that could see longterm future with but don't want to jump straight into something serious...but also don't want to miss out on him.