Online relationship/friendship advice

[Daisychain88]

I was on a app for learning language and began a friendship with someone from abroad. We got on so well and messaged everyday. He felt like a huge support for me during tough days and was always there and genuinely made my day feel better I was the same for him. Got to know for around 1 year.
Unfortunately he began becoming very distant and messaging less. He did tell me a few times he wanted to come off the app and talk on other apps it made me uncomfortable ( due to a past experience)and he respected that. He than come more and more distant and started messaging less until he completely disappeared. It shocked me because I never thought he would go. He told me he was struggling with life etc etc and things were overwhelming him but that he hasn't distanced himself on purpose. It's been around 1 month of no contact.

He once gave me his email address and said if he ever lost contact I should contact him on there. I dont want to be the pushy one etc. But I don't know if I should or not

Any advice?

It sounds as though you shared a lot together in that 1 year. If you want to msg him, send him 1 msg then don't chase him up at all.

Though he made references to "struggling with life", did he tell you clearly (right before disappearing) that he wanted a temporary break from the friendship? If not, perhaps let it/him go.

Online only friendships tend to fizzle out when real life changes happen. He may have got a girlfriend and just not be that motivated to keep contact with you. You met a need for each other but really how do you see this going in the long term? I wouldn't email him - he knows how to contact you and he's clearly been fading you out.

I guess it depends what you want out of it.

If you didn't want him to have your phone number / DM then, why would you message him now?

I messaged him on the app twice and he hasn't logged in to read it. It was just a check in to see if he is ok.
He never told me he wanted a break no but he did tell me he wasnt going to be on the app as much he sent a long voice message telling me how he's really struggling in life & I asked him to talk to me about it etc he said he is overwhelmed. And messaged less frequently reassuring me it was his personal issues & not anything to do with me. I miss him so much but I haven't bombarded him with messages & all th things u shouldn't do. I've given him space & told him I respect u need space but I want u to be ok.
Now all I have is his email he gave me once incase I ever needed it.

I guess it made me realise after this no contact that I wish I did.

I would email him, and send something along the lines of I'm worried I haven't heard from you and I'm here if you need some support. Nothing too serious or heavy.

Just an update i emailed him and he emailed me back the next day saying how happy he was and he misses me. It is confusing though because he could've just come on the app if he felt like that. He did say he hates the app and maybe he felt I never trusted him enough I'm trying to think but I don't know if I should reply to him or leave it a few days now

Are you sure he is who he says he is.

Yes 100% sure