Is the request for space is valid?

I’d really appreciate some outside perspective because I feel emotionally involved and I’m struggling to see the situation objectively.
I (21F) was dating a man (25M) for several months. We had amazing chemistry. He was very affectionate, caring in many ways (taking on a date, bringing medication when I needed, bringing flowers, emotionally evolved, cooking for me) and we shared beautiful moments together. I genuinely fell in love with him.
The problem wasn’t a lack of feelings. It was that over time I started feeling increasingly uncertain about where I stood.
Some examples:
He became less intentional with dates and planning time together.
When I brought up topics that were important to me (our relationship, commitment, the future), I often felt he avoided giving clear answers.
He once introduced me to friends as “girl… friend” instead of “girlfriend,” which reinforced my uncertainty. Though I got along with them, hearing constantly “sister” from them.
It’s funny because at the beginning we settled to each other that we are interested in exploring this relationship with serious intention.
I also felt that responsibility for contraception was mostly left to me with time, and I wanted that responsibility to be shared.
I realized I was slowly losing myself. I was becoming anxious, never felt completely secure.
Eventually I sent him a message explaining how I felt. I used “I” statements and told him that I felt unheard, that I needed more clarity, and that I wanted someone who was intentional about building a relationship and eventually a family. At the end of my message, I asked him not to call or text me for now because I needed space.
Three days later he replied with a thoughtful message. He thanked me for being honest, said he had been thinking about me, acknowledged that I had probably been carrying these feelings for a while, apologized that his actions made me feel unheard, and said he had hoped our relationship would continue to grow. He mentioned if I want to close this chapter, he would also appreciate if it was settled for his peace of mind. He also respected my request for space and didn’t contact me again.
It has now been over two weeks.
I miss him terribly. But at the same time, I don’t want to go back to the same uncertainty.
My questions are:
Was taking space a reasonable response, or did I push him away unnecessarily?
If you were in his position, how would you interpret my message?
Should I eventually reach out, or should I leave the next move to him?
Does his response sound like someone who still wanted the relationship, or more like someone politely saying goodbye?
I’m looking for honest opinions, even if they’re difficult to hear. Thank you.