If your ex is going through a traumatic experience (unemployment, sickness, loss, depression etc) and relying heavily on you for emotional support, at some point they may ask you what you are expecting from them and you want to be honest without making them feel pressured, but at the same time letting them know you still love them, you can respond:
“Nobody should have to go through something like this, let alone go it alone. You don’t need me, I want to be here or you because I care about you”.
