My boyfriend of about six months and I just broke up – it’s not the worst breakup in the world, but I think there are some hurt feelings on both sides. We both would like to be friends eventually, but I asked for at least a month of not talking or hanging out so we can move past the romantic stuff. We live in a really small town, so the chances of us running into each other before that month is up are really high, and I have two concerns: how do I handle the awkwardness (because I KNOW it will be awkward) and how do I avoid slipping back into old patterns? If I’m too nice, then he’ll think it’s ok to be friends now, which will be before I’m ready, and if I run away or avoid him or am real short with him, I’m worried he’ll think I don’t want to be friends at all, which isn’t the case.
The long and short of it is, how do I ensure I get the time and space I need?
LemonVibe 
[Just go about your life as usual, and if you do run into him, keep things short, and like David said, always be on your way somewhere.
Also, chocolate, vodka, and home karaoke help a lot.
[Try not to go places you know he’ll be at. If you do see him somewhere and he comes up to you, reiterate your statement about wanting time and space. In all likelihood, he will probably feel as awkward as you do if you run into him. Change your patterns of when and where you go out and that will probably suffice. Small towns are bigger than you may think.
[Short and simple: if you run into him, before you’re ready to try a friendship, just politely tell him you still need time. Hopefully he will respect that.
I am a bit confused by your worry about slipping into “old patterns”. What type of patterns are you referring to? (if you don’t mind answering, of course).
[I would acknowledge the awkwardness to yourself and say there’s not much you can do to fix the situation because you can’t control *his* reactions. But you can control yours. You said that it’s the best that you’re broken up, so if he tries to push for getting back together (or being friends with benefits) just say what you’ve said here. It wasn’t his fault that the break up happened; you’re just not right for each other. You’re being firm, not cold.
[I think that if you suddenly run into him don’t be rude but just be “on your way somewhere”.
You’ll be a little awkward, sure. But awkwardness fades eventually
[It seems you’ve had some great advice already.
However, I’d suggest you invest in a comically large hat and wear it when you’re not in the mood for discussion, no one wants to be seen talking to someone in a giant hat.
When you feel confident enough that you’ve had the time you need and no longer require the hat, it can also be used carry loose change or stray cats as you see fit.
Plus, it’s always time for hat shopping.
[It’s going to be awkward no matter what you do. And frankly, if he tries to have more contact that you’re comfortable with, just tell him so. Be up-front with him. There’s no reason to stress yourself out over this.
If you happen to see him somewhere, nod and smile, but don’t actively seek out conversation. If he tries to come and talk to you, just tell him that you can’t do that yet, but not to take it the wrong way.
You’re making this a slightly more complicated situation than it has to be. Just be honest with him and yourself… and you’ll be fine.
[Maybe you should just accept that it’s going to be at least somewhat awkward when you see him. Don’t put too much energy into trying to make it less awkward. He knows that you’d like a month to move past the romantic stuff so if you see him before then and all that transpires between the two of you is an awkward hello he shouldn’t read too much into it. Eventually the hellos will become less awkward. Really, don’t over think this. Some awkwardness is expected and shouldn’t last forever. Let the healing and moving toward friendship (if that’s the direction it goes) progress naturally.
[This is timely because my boyfriend and I just broke up, although we were dating for almost a year and a half. He doesn’t go out as much as I do, so the chances of me running into him are pretty slim. Our breakup wasn’t bad at all, it was just a “We’re not right for each other long term” thing. We’ve still been talking on Gchat here and there, but I know soon we need to not have contact for awhile so that our feelings can go away.
If you do run into him, just say hi, make small talk if you feel the need to, but it won’t be the worst thing in the world. If you just see him briefly at the store, I don’t think there will be a chance of you slipping into old patterns.