The hard part is remembering to put my feelings first. I don't want to intentionally hurt someone, but I also need to protect my own best interest. Reading Codependent No More really helped me with that.
Any conversation that puts distance between you may cause your partner to respond with sadness, anger, frustration, etc.
Those are his feelings and he is entitled to them. You are not required to fix them.
If you need more time, that does not mean it is permanent.
If you need more time, that does not mean it is over.
It just means you need more time for you.
And remember:
Say what you mean, mean what you say, just don't say it mean.