Is it better to cut ties with someone who you are not currently dating but are interested in?

One of my friends suggested that I break ties with my “quasi” boyfriend for the time being because ”if he can’t be with you but you’re still caught up in wanting to be with him, you’re just hurting yourself”.

Do you think this is true? Should I cut ties with him? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bugging him about being together again, I’m giving him his space, but I’d still like to talk to him every once in awhile and attempt to stay connected.

Also, how should I go about telling him this?