You could bring up the subjcet in an indirect way to get a feel of his view on the situation. Eight years is a lot to be dating and not making a desicion of building a future together, going your separate ways OR remaining in a LTR. You could ask him is if he's ever going to marry, you or anyone else. The topic will be introduced to see where th relationship is going and that will let him know that you're not totally fulfilled in it. It's possible that he also feels the same way you do and that neither wants to bring it up out of fear of hurting the other.
Welcome to the board Alison,
You are in a difficult position, no matter how you approaching, you will be considered the 'bad guy' and he will be hurt and in grief.
The crying is you feeling depressed and not feeling a way out of this situation.
I guess
Thanks for answering openly as you have, that helps.