Winning your ex back isn’t really the hard part. The hard part is keeping them.

After all, they left you once, what is to stop them from leaving you again?

What is the point of getting your ex back if you can’t keep them PERMANENTLY?

When you get your ex back, you want them committed to making it work this time. This article will teach you how.

My name is Kevin, and I am here to help you through this painful breakup and hopefully get your ex back. I say hopefully because I can’t guarantee you that you will get your ex back. No one can guarantee that. If they say they can, they are lying.

I can, however, guarantee that if you follow this plan, your chances of getting your ex back will increase significantly.

Who this article is for?

This article is for anyone looking to get an ex back. May it be your ex girlfriend, ex boyfriend, ex wife, ex husband or an ex fiancé. May it be a straight relationship or a gay relationship. If you just broke up, and are thinking about winning your ex back, you will find this article helpful and enlightening.

However, if you are looking to get your ex girlfriend back or your ex wife back, I recommend you check out this article with a game plan more focused on winning a girl back.

What This Article Is About?

This article is divided into 5 Steps. I have done so because this way you have a step by step plan that you can follow to get your ex back.

It’s important to have a plan to follow, because after a breakup you are hurt, emotionally drained and most of all, confused. And during this state of confusion, you are bound to make a lot of mistakes that will actually hurt your chances of getting back together.

I have seen people make these mistakes over and over again (in my two three four five years of experience helping people with breakups).

Having a plan gives you a sense of direction and removes all the confusion. A plan will give you something to look forward to when you are feeling down and unsure about yourself. A plan will give you hope. This article is that plan.

UPDATE: I’ve updated this article in 2018 to include case studies and more details about specific situations. To read the case studies, just click on them to expand.

This article is quite long. I highly recommend you read the entire article because it will not only help you understand what you should do but also why you should do it.

Content:

But what are these mistakes you keep talking about?

I am glad you asked because the first part of this guide is precisely about these mistakes.

Let’s begin. Here’s how to get your ex back.

STEP 1 – Stop Screwing Up Your Chances with Neediness, Insecurity and Desperation by Avoiding These Deadly Mistakes (aka The Instincts)

I call this part “The Instincts” because all these mistakes are a direct result of people following their instincts.

Most of the advice in this 5 Step Plan is counter-intuitive, but it works.

When you read it, you will understand why and it will all start to make sense.

So let’s start by going over the deadly mistakes that you should avoid at any cost.

Deadly Mistake #1: Calling And Texting Them All The Time

Kevin, we broke up 8 days ago. Since then, I have messaged him everyday constantly and he barely replies. I have to text him a hundred times before he replies just once. I really love him and want to be with him, but I don’t understand why he is acting like this. He said he loved me and then suddenly this.

That’s the story of around 80% of the people who are desperate to get their ex boyfriend or ex girlfriend back. It’s a huge mistake to text and call your ex all the time. In fact, it’s a huge mistake to call them even once. Your instincts tell you that if you stay in contact with your ex, they will not forget about you and hopefully come back.

But it doesn’t really work that way. In fact, every time you call or text your ex, you are showing them you are a needy person and you are miserable without them. This neediness is unattractive and pushes your ex further away.

Your instinct fool you into thinking that your interaction with your ex will go something like this.

But in reality, it goes something like this.

You should be extremely careful whenever you go out drinking. You might end up calling your ex and making a fool of yourself. So whenever you go out drinking, have a friend with you who can stop you from making this mistake.

But if I don’t call or text my ex, how can I get them back?

You should contact them in a certain way that will make them feel attracted to you again. I explain exactly how to do this below in Step 4.

Deadly Mistake #2: Begging And Trying To Use Pity

If begging worked after a breakup, no one will ever break up with anybody. They decided to leave you and they are prepared to go through your begging and pleading.

Whatever the reason for breakup was, it’s not going to change with your begging. The only thing that begging will do is make you look like a weak and insecure person.

cat begging

Unfortunately, humans don’t look as cute as cats while begging.

Similarly, your instincts will also make you believe that if you just show your ex that you can’t live without them, they will take you back.

Your thought pattern becomes something like

  1. If he knows how miserable I am without him, he will come back.
  2. If only he knows that I can’t continue my life without him, he’ll take me back.

Again, your instincts are screwing with you.

Trust me, no one takes their ex back out of pity. No one is attracted to someone who is miserable.

And even if your ex came back because of this, do you really want your ex to be with you out of pity?

Or do you want them to respect and love you?

Deadly Mistake #3: Let Them Walk All Over You

Your instincts will tell you that if you just agree to everything your ex wants, they will come back. Your instincts will tell you that your needs, your values, your desires, your goals don’t matter.

Your instincts will tell you that the only thing that matters is to get your ex back. And for that, you can sacrifice everything.

You let your ex walk all over you. You become a doormat. You agree to the most ridiculous demands your ex has. But your instincts tell you, it’s OK. Because having your ex in your life is the only thing that matters.

doormat in relationships

Well, guess what?

Agreeing to everything your ex says is not going to bring them back. In fact, it’s only going to make your ex respect you less.

How can they respect you if you don’t respect yourself?

Nobody wants to be with someone they don’t respect. And even if they do come back, they will leave shortly realizing they have no respect for you as a person.

Deadly Mistake #4: Showering Them with Affection

Your instincts tell you that if your ex just realizes how much you love them and how much you care about them, they will come back. You just need to make them believe that no one in the world will ever love them the way you do.

How can they reject you once they realize how much you love them, Right?

smothering your ex

The truth is, they already know that you love them, how much you adore them and how much you care about them. But they still decided to breakup. Showering them with affection is not going to help you.

In fact, the more you smother them, the more trapped they’ll feel. And that will just make them want to get away from you as soon as possible.

Deadly Mistake #5: Freaking Out When Your Ex Starts Dating

The thought of your ex being with someone else is a gut wrenching one. But in reality, it’s not as bad as we make it out to be. We will get into that later, but first, let’s take a look at how your instincts react when you find out your ex is dating someone else.

If I don’t do anything right now, they’ll fall in love with this new person and forget about me forever. I better go over there and do everything that this article has told me not to do.

I will try everything, including begging, using pity, telling them how much I love them, agreeing to all their conditions (be a doormat). And if they don’t open the door, I’ll just stand outside and call and text them all day.

I need to tell my ex how this new person is totally wrong for them and what a big mistake they are making by being in a relationship with this _______(INSERT DEROGATORY REMARK).

If you didn’t realize it by now, your instincts and your mind go into panic mode when you find out your ex is dating someone new. In most cases, you freak out and make all the mistakes mentioned above.

The truth is, your ex is most probably in a rebound relationship (Read: Is Your Ex In a Rebound Relationship? Find Out With These Telltale Signs).

And almost all of the rebound relationships end sooner rather than later. It sucks, but rebound relationships are a way for many people to deal with breakups. Fortunately for you, it’s one of the most ineffective way to move on. So, just because they are in a rebound relationship doesn’t mean they will forget about you and move on.

In fact, it just means the opposite. It means that they are having a hard time moving on and as long as they are in this rebound relationship, they are avoiding grief. And that means it will take them longer to get over you.

rebound relationship

A rebound relationship is like a cigarette. It’s unhealthy. It provides a false sense of calmness. And it ends when the flame is over. (the faster you smoke the faster it ends)

The most important thing for you to do while your ex is in a rebound relationship is be cool about it.

Whatever happens, do not tell your ex to break up with their rebound partners. Let it be their idea.

They have a huge hole in their life after breaking up with you which they are trying to fill with someone new.

They will soon realize that a rebound relationship can not fill the emptiness and they will end the relationship. (Do you think his relationship is not just a rebound? Read How To Get Your Ex Back When He Has Moved On To a New Girlfriend. or Get Your Ex Girlfriend Back When She Has Moved On To a New Boyfriend)

Deadly Mistake Number 6: Name Calling and Anger

Name-calling your ex out of anger or frustration is a common reaction for people who were used to name-calling their ex while fighting. It’s also common if you both threatened each other to breakup constantly.

It’s pretty obvious that doing this will only make your ex feel less attracted to you. But it’s not very obvious to your instincts.

If you used to abuse each other or get very angry while fighting or arguing, there’s a good chance your instinct will want you to do that again when you are broken up.

Your instinct wants to believe that this is just another fight or argument. And if you just show your ex that you are angry, they will calm down and tell you they want to get back together.

The same way it happened when you both fought.

This rarely ever works. If your ex is serious about the breakup, then getting angry will only make them think that breaking up with you was the right decision.

Getting angry will remind them of all the bad fights and arguments that slowly and surely ate away the foundation of your relationship.

It will remind them that you both don’t understand each other and make them feel that you are not the right person for them.

Case Study 1: A Toxic Relationship Ended, A Healthy Relationship was Reborn

Terry and Amanda fought bad. So bad that the neighbors had to knock on their doors at least once a month.

Threatening to leave each other was a very common occurrence in their fights.

But one day, Amanda decided to leave Terry for good. She was tired of the toxic relationship. She was embarrassed in front of her neighbors and was ashamed of herself and her partner. She was tired of the relationship pattern.

The good that was always followed by the bad. And the bad kept on getting worse while the good remained the same.

At first Terry was in denial. But soon he realized this wasn’t like before.

She was serious, and she wasn’t just doing this to make him feel guilty. She really wanted to breakup.

He was devastated. He wanted to get her back but didn’t know how. He felt like he had no hope.

Everyone blamed him for all the negativity in the relationship. Amanda’s friends and parents were against him.

It felt like his entire world came crumbling down.

He preferred it when she was angry at him. At least that meant she cared.

Terry followed this plan. But he had to do a lot of soul searching to figure out what went wrong.

The toxicity in the relationship was caused by insecurity, lack of trust and lack of communication. Both of them had no idea how to communicate with each other. Even though they loved each other,
they just couldn’t find a way to stop fighting and live happily for more than a week.

Terry wanted to make sure that this never happened again if they get back together. He went to counseling. He started an anger management program. And he read books on communication.

The last time I heard from him, they were talking about getting back together after two months of no contact.

“She noticed that I have been taking steps to improve myself. She said that she wants to get back together but is not sure if we will repeat the same mistakes. She felt that she was also responsible for the bad arguments and she wants to improve herself as well. We are planning to meet up and discuss it soon. Maybe we will go for couples counseling.” – Terry

Deadly Mistake Number 7: The Obsession and Misinterpretation

The obsession that comes after a bad breakup is probably the worst part of it.

Your mind keeps racing trying to figure out the best way to get your ex back as soon as possible.
Your mind wants a fool proof plan. It wants a guarantee that things will work out with your ex in the future.

It will ask questions like,

  • “Is my ex missing me?”
  • “Does he still love me?”
  • “What can I do to get him back instantly?”
  • “Will she start dating someone already?”
  • “She went on a date, does this mean it’s over?”
  • “He looked happy in a picture he posted on Instagram, does this mean he is over me?”
  • “My ex added me on snapchat. Does this mean he wants to get back? Does he want me to reach out?”

If you write down all these questions that keep popping up in your mind, you will realize that these questions are pretty much useless.

I say this because it’s impossible to know the correct answers to these questions. You or anyone else can only guess the answers to these questions.

They are all about what’s going on in your ex’s head. There is no way for anyone to know exactly what’s going on in your ex’s head or what will happen in the future, unless they are the oracle.

It’s true. Your ex wants you to win them back the right way. They just don’t believe you can.

These questions are a result of your mind trying to do an impossible task. A task, that your instinct has given your mind.

Imagine your mind is like a computer that will try to find a solution to whatever problem you give it. Now imagine your instincts tell your mind to do the following

“Find a way that 100% guarantees me that I will get my ex back. Make sure that I do not lose my ex at any cost. Figure out this way as soon as possible because my ex may move on. If you don’t, then it’s going to be very hard for me (and by extension YOU) to survive.”

Do you see the problem here?

Your instincts want your mind to find a way to change someone’s free will. And it doesn’t even have enough time to do so. On top of that, your instincts are threatening your survival.

No wonder your mind is working on overdrive.

These questions don’t push your ex away by themselves. But when your mind is working on overdrive, it is likely to make mistakes.

In fact, most of the mistakes mentioned above are a result of bad judgement that comes with not thinking things through.

They are a result of panicked mind that is trying to do an impossible task.

Moreover, when you are trying to interpret your ex’s action and social media activity, you will probably misinterpret them and do something to push them away.

For example,

  • If your ex calls you, you might take it as a sign that they want to get back together and start talking about how you still love them.
  • If your ex tells you they still have feelings for you, you might feel the urge to drive to their house with flowers and chocolate thinking that this is the type of reconciliation story they show in the movies.
  • If your ex posts a picture on social media with someone of the opposite sex, you might assume that they are dating and start freaking out and make every mistake I mentioned above.
  • If you find out they liked a picture of someone on Instagram, your mind might conclude that they want to sleep with them. This will probably make you freak out, call them and act controlling and borderline crazy.

The best way to avoid making any misinterpretation is to just not take any action for a while. Not until your mind has calmed down and is not panicking hard.

It’s also advisable to not listen to your friends and family at this time. Even though they mean well, most people are not equipped to analyze a breakup and figure out the best course of action that will lead to getting your love back.

What If I’ve Already Made These Mistakes?

Chances are, you’ve already made at least one of these mistakes after the breakup. Don’t worry, even the wisest monks in the Himalayas and masters of psychology from Harvard usually end up making these mistakes after a breakup.

It’s just in the nature of human beings to try and hold on to something that is precious to them. So don’t beat yourself over it.

The most important thing for you to do right now is to realize that these mistakes will not help you get him back and stop doing them right away. Move on to the next step of the plan which is going to repair all the damage you’ve caused till now.

Case Study 2: Jenny made all the mistakes. Her ex was in a rebound. But she still managed to get him back

The first thing that Jenny noticed when she came to our website was the deadly mistakes mentioned in this article. She made all the mistakes mentioned in the article and then some.

She constantly called her ex, constantly texted him, and even went to his house once because he didn’t reply.

She begged him to take her back. Told her that she can’t live without him. And she totally freaked out when she found out her ex went on a date. She repeated all the mistakes and even threatened to tell her new girlfriend that he should not be trusted. She even became borderline abusive and said some nasty things to him.

But all she could get from her ex was this line.

“I am sorry Jenny. I don’t see a future with you.”

She was a mess when she read this article. But she decided to do no contact and figure out a way to fix herself before trying to get him back.

She did manage to get him back by following this exact plan.

The real reason this plan worked for Jenny because she worked on her self-esteem and confidence. It took her a total of 3 months, but it was worth it.

When she contacted her ex, he had already broken up with his rebound and was glad to hear from her. It wasn’t just the right timing, it was also the right words that she used in her first contact message. Her message conveyed honesty and confidence.

“I realized the reason he broke up with me was because I lost myself in the relationship. I lost my confidence, my self-worth and my individuality. I followed the process and regained my confidence before contacting him. Things were surprisingly easy after that.

I knew exactly what I wanted in a relationship and what we both needed to do to make it work this time.” – Jenny

 

STEP 2 – Stop Contact with Your Ex. Give Yourself Some Time and Space and Give Your Ex What They Asked For. A Breakup.

If you’ve been searching about breakups and getting your ex back online, you’d know that there is a thing called no contact rule.

It’s simple and very effective.

All you have to do is stop all the communication with your ex for a short period of time. This includes

  • No Calling
  • No Texting
  • No Facebook Messaging
  • No Online Contact Of Any Kind (IM, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat)
  • No “accidentally” bumping into him (you know what that means)
  • No hanging out with common friends in hopes of meeting your ex
  • No keeping tabs on them via friends.

Why do no contact?

For three reasons

Reason 1 : Your ex needs some space and time to remove all the negative associations from the breakup and start missing you.

People have a common misconception that if you don’t contact your ex, they will forget about you.

But in reality, if you don’t contact your ex, you will give him time to miss you more and he will be wondering all the time why you are not contacting him.

Remember all the mistakes in Part #1 of this guide. Every one of them made your ex boyfriend or ex girlfriend think of you as a needy person. By not contacting him, you immediately become not needy in his mind.

Moreover, your ex asked you for a breakup. And unless you give them a breakup, they will never truly know what it feels like to lose you.

Reason 2: You also need some space and time.

You need to get a hold of yourself and gain some perspective.

The fact is, you are a mess after the breakup. And you need to calm down and analyze your relationship thoroughly to realize whether or not being with your ex is in your best interest.

It could be that you are just missing your ex because you are used to being with them.

Before you try to get your ex back, you need to learn to enjoy your life without your ex. You need to prove to yourself that you can be happy without your ex.

You will eventually realize that you DON’T NEED YOUR EX to be happy.

Maybe you’ll still WANT them, but there is a big difference between needing something and wanting something.

happiness comes from inside

Reason 3: You must become confident before you can get him/her back.

You must become an attractive, happy person during this time. You need to take a step back and reevaluate your life. You should make a lot of positive changes in your life.

When you meet your ex after the no contact period, you want them to be attracted to you. And the best way to do it is to start enjoying life and becoming an overall happy person.

Don’t take this point lightly. This could be the difference between getting your ex back or losing them forever. (If you’d like to read more about why you should do this, read this article.)

How long is the no contact period?

stay no contact for 30 days

Basically, the no contact period should be as long as it takes you to get yourself together and feel great about your life without your ex. In my experience, it can take up to 30 days.

However, in some cases, it could be anywhere between 2 weeks and 6 months.

Your ex during No Contact Period

At this point, you might start wondering how no contact is going to effect your ex and what you should do about it. This section covers most of the doubts you may have regarding no contact. If you still need more information, read this article.

Should I tell my ex that I am doing no contact?

Ideally no. You want them to wonder what happened to you and why you are not contacting them. You want to be on your ex’s mind as much as you can. And telling them you are not contacting for some time will defeat this purpose.

However, if your ex is currently calling you everyday or texting you everyday, then yes you should let them know that you don’t want them to contact you for a short period of time. Don’t give them any specifics. Just tell them to not contact you until you decide to contact them. Let them know you need some space and time right now.

Wouldn’t it be rude if I don’t contact my ex?

Wasn’t it rude of your ex to break your heart and leave you begging them to take you back? And yet, you’ll still do anything to be with them. Sometimes, rudeness is not as bad as you think it is.

Besides, you are doing no contact for your own mental peace and well-being. There is nothing rude about taking care of yourself.

Should I answer my ex’s text during no contact?

NO. Absolutely not. Whatever happens, don’t answer their text.

Should I answer my ex’s call during no contact?

No. You shouldn’t answer your ex’s call. The only exception to this is if you are close to ending your no contact and you are already feeling great about your life. If you think that talking to your ex will have you obsessing about them again, don’t answer their call.

  • What if my ex moves on during no contact?
  • What if my ex meets someone and get married during no contact?
  • What if my ex forgets about me during no contact?

Good questions. And the answer to all of them is NO, THEY WON’T.

If you and your ex were in any type of serious relationship, then they will not be able to move on so quickly. In fact, no contact is only going to make them miss you more and remember the good things about you. You have to take a leap of faith over here. The alternative to no contact is being a creep and texting and stalking your ex all the time, which will probably lead to a restraining order against you. You really don’t have much of an option.

Can’t I make the no contact shorter? Like a week or a few days?

So, you want to give your ex a couple days break from your avalanche of texts and then bombard them again after a couple of days?

No.

It takes time for people to remove negative association after a breakup and start missing their ex.

You have to give it to them. Besides, you have to prove to yourself that you can live without your ex for at least 30 days.

And more importantly, you have to work on yourself and become a more confident and happy person.

Unless you make a positive change in yourself, your ex will not be able to convince themselves to get back together with you.

What if My ex and I have Children?

If you have children, then you must do limited contact. That means you only speak to your ex when necessary.

You only speak to them about your children or about the topics that are important.

You don’t speak about anything personal. If your ex asks you personal question, you tell them something like,

“I am not ready to speak about my personal life with you at the moment. I hope you understand and keep the conversation only related to our child (or children) for the time being.”

What if my ex and I live together?

If you both live together, it’s going to be tough to do no contact and get some space. This is why I highly recommend you find a way to move out. At least for the time being.

Explain to your ex that living with them is hard for you right now and you would like to temporarily move out. Tell them you would decide about the living arrangements later when you are thinking clearly.

If it’s not possible to move out, then you should do limited contact. Only speak to your ex if it’s important and don’t talk about anything personal. Make a space for yourself in the house and only stay in that space.

My ex thought I didn’t pay them enough attention and I wasn’t committed enough. Wouldn’t no contact make them feel like I don’t care and make them want to move on?

That’s a huge concern for people who didn’t put enough effort in making the relationship work. But they want to put the effort after the breakup.

If you are reading this article, then that means you have already tried to convince them that things will be different this time. That you will put in more effort and will be committed. That you will care.

And it didn’t work.

The reason it didn’t work is because your ex thinks you are doing all of this because you are afraid of losing them. You are showing that you care because you are needy and desperate. And keeping in touch with them confirms that belief.

Your ex thinks that you will go back to your old ways if once you get them back.

And the best way to help them overcome this belief is to show them you are no longer needy and desperate by doing no contact.

You can let them know beforehand that you are doing no contact to heal and to think things through. That this does not mean you don’t care about them and you are moving on. That it just means that you are taking some space to figure out what your issues are and what you can do to overcome them.

This sincere move to introspect and figure out a solution to your issues will work wonders in trying to convince them after you’ve finished no contact.

What will my ex think if I don’t contact them for 30 or 60 days?

That’s a good question.

Actually, no, that’s not a good question.

In fact, it’s one of the question that your panicked mind is likely to ask.

Like I said earlier, we can never know what is going on inside another person’s head. Not unless we are mind readers.

But I can tell you what usually happens to an ex when their ex stops contacting them after a breakup.

You see, if you have been in constant touch after a breakup, your ex never really had to face the breakup. Sure, they made the decision to breakup with you and they probably think breaking up was the right decision.

But they never actually faced the breakup because you kept acting like they still have you.

A breakup means losing someone you love. And if they never really felt like they lost you, they never truly went through the breakup.

They never grieved, and they never felt that feeling of having a black hole from hell in the pit of your stomach.

There’s a good chance your ex will start facing grief when you start no contact. How they react to that grief is a whole different topic.

  • They might start contacting you every day.
  • They might get angry.
  • They might shut down and start ignoring you completely. (In majority of cases, this is only temporary. So, don’t worry. Ask your panicked mind to calm down)
  • They might start stalking you on social media or through common friends.
  • They might even decide to do no contact themselves and heal from the breakup.
  • The might contact you casually to see what you are upto and act like they are interested in you. In other words, they will throw you a bone. And if you grab it, they will know you are still their pet and they have all the power over you.

I’ll soon write an article in detail about everything that your ex might do during no contact and how you should react to it. Check back on this space later to read that article. For now, let’s move on to what your focus should be during no contact. (Read more about the no contact rule here.)

Case Study 3: No Contact made her ex crazy for her. But not in a good way.

Jennifer wasn’t as desperate as some of my other clients. But she still loved her ex and wanted to get him back. She felt they had a strong connection and a future together.

Her ex broke up with her because he wasn’t sure he wanted to get married and have children. The two things that were very important to Jennifer. It was a classic case of fear of commitment.

When she started no contact, she was not sure if it will work. It worked, but not in the way she wanted.

Her ex called her after 2 days of no contact. He asked her how she was. She replied and told him that she doesn’t want to speak to him for a while because she wants to heal from the breakup.

He was a bit taken back, but he agreed and hung up.

A couple days later, he started texting her late at night. He was obviously drunk. He started telling her how he loved her and how much she meant to him.

Jennifer thought it best not to reply to him. He said those things before while drinking and went back to being cold when he was sober.

The next day, however, her ex wasn’t cold. He was angry. He became abusive. Calling her names, you would be ashamed to say in front of your mother. Accusing her of being with a new guy and forgetting him so soon after the breakup.

She was heartbroken, but her perspective and her thoughts about her ex changed. She continued no contact.

Her ex didn’t quit though, he showed up at her doorstep. Asked her if the guy she was dating is in her bed now.

She explained that she wasn’t dating anyone and she just needs some space to deal with the breakup.

He brought up issues from the relationship to try to get a rise out of her.

“You were always like this. I could never trust you. That time you went partying with your girlfriends, I am sure you cheated on me.”

This wasn’t what she expected, but she was not surprised. Her ex always had trust issues even though she was honest with him and never gave him a reason to doubt her. He brought up that night again and again during fights. The one night she came home late.

He eventually left. But his behavior made her realize that he was not the right person for her. She decided to continue no contact indefinitely and move on.

Her ex continued this behavior for a couple months. He even asked her to get back together many times. But she was determined to move on.

“I never realized I was with a controlling and emotionally abusive guy until I started no contact.” – Jennifer

STEP 3 – During No Contact, Strive to Become a Person You Can Be Proud Of. Someone Your Ex Won’t Be Able To Resist.

This is the part where most people screw up. No contact will be of no use unless you try to make a positive change in your life during this time.

If you just want to stay at home and just be miserable for the next one month, things are not going to change even after no contact period.

Yes, you need to grieve after a breakup and yes, there’s some benefit in spending some time alone, grieving and analyzing your relationship.

But you must balance it out with things that bring you joy. You must go out and enjoy life. You must figure out what makes you happy and do it. You must learn to be happy without your ex.

You must get your individuality back before you can get your ex back.

 

are you happy?

Positive Changes In Your Appearance

Making a positive change in your physical appearance is going to give you a fresh look. You are going to feel new and you are going to feel better.

And when your ex sees you after the no contact period, they are going to see a new you.

Here are a few things you can do.

  • Get a haircut. Just go to a hairstylists and find out what is in fashion these days.
  • Get your teeth cleaned. A beautiful smile is very attractive.
  • Get in the best shape of your life. Go to the gym and sweat it out. This is also great for your mental health as working out releases endorphins which make you happy.
  • Get new clothes. They will definitely make you feel better about yourself.

Whatever you do, don’t do anything drastic right now. You don’t want to make any physical changes right now that you might regret for the rest of your life (like getting a tattoo of a broken heart).

Positive changes in your mentality

Being a happy and confident person is probably the most important thing when it comes to getting your ex back.

You need to realize that happiness and confidence is something that you can get by working on yourself.

Here are a few ideas that will help you gain more confidence and become a happier person.

learn to be happy without your ex

Instead of sitting at home eating ice cream and watching TV, go out and do something to make yourself feel better.

1. Give yourself some time to grieve. I know how hard it is to be happy after a breakup. I remember I was a complete mess for at least two weeks. I didn’t sleep properly, didn’t eat properly, and I was just thinking about my ex all day. In a way, this period is necessary for you. You give yourself some time to grieve every day. If you want to feel sad and sorry for yourself, go ahead and do it. But make sure you also do something to make yourself feel good about yourself.

2. Write in a journal. Write your thoughts and your feelings down. Writing is therapeutic and it’s probably going to help you release all those emotions that have been building up inside.

3. Go out with friends. Spend time with your loved ones. Your friends and family are the people who are always there for you and who always love to spend time with you. Go out and have a good time with them.

4. Do some meditation. Be aware of yourself. Know your weaknesses and strengths. Be proud of yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. That’s what confidence is all about. Neediness (which is very unattractive) comes from doubts within yourself. Whereas confidence comes from awareness and accepting yourself.

5. Go out on a date. This is absolutely essential and if you are reading this, then I will recommend that you definitely go out on a few dates before ending no contact with your ex. It’s imperative for you to get some perspective right now and meeting new people is the best way to do it.

Positive Changes in Your Behavior and Habits

In a lot of cases, it’s your habits or behavior that pushed your ex to the point of breakup. If you suffer from issues that you believe might have led to the breakup, this is the time to work on them. Some examples of these issues are.

  • Controlling Nature
  • Extreme Jealousy
  • Insecurity
  • Lack of Passion
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Lack of Personal Hygiene
  • Lack of Motivation in Life
  • Lack of Communication Skills
  • Lack of Social Skills
  • Inability to Trust
  • Inability to Commit

If you think any of these things resonate with you, it’s time to start working on them. If you don’t know how to work on these issues, speak to a counselor or therapist.

I also talk about fixing these issues in my email series that you can subscribe to by taking this quiz.

Analyzing Your Relationship

You have to ask yourself this question, why do you want to get back with your ex? If you answered something like

  1. I love my ex.
  2. I can’t live without my ex.
  3. I am miserable without my ex.
  4. He/She was the only one for me.
  5. I can’t imagine a life without my ex.

Then you are still suffering from post-breakup denial and bargaining. Denial and bargaining are two of the many stages of grief after a breakup.

It’s extremely common for people to want to get their ex back after a breakup.

However, it’s not always the right choice.

For example, even if your relationship with your ex was abusive, you might want to rekindle it just because you are missing them.

Our mind often confuses the act of missing someone with “love”. It’s normal to miss someone after you’ve been with them for a long time.

But it doesn’t necessarily mean you still love them.

Look at it like this, every relationship has problems, fights, and disagreements. But if you two broke up, then there was something very wrong with your relationship.

You need to analyze what went wrong and realize whether or not it’s a good idea to get back together.

pros and cos of your relationship

Are you sure your ex didn’t have any cons?

If you listen to your heart, all you will hear is that you love your ex and you want them back. Instead, try to think with your mind. Be logical.

Analyze the pros and cons of your relationship.

Analyze the pros and cons of your ex.

Analyze what your goals in life are and whether or not a relationship with your ex aligns with those goals.(Read: Should You Get Your Ex Back?)

Remember, your ex will not make you happy, only you can make yourself happy.

And the only way you can do it is by understanding yourself, loving yourself, appreciating what you have, understanding your purpose in life and pursuing it.

Do you really think you can have a happy and long lasting relationship with your ex?

Do you really think that the reason you broke up is no big deal?

You are making a huge decision right now.

So you better make sure that it is the right one. You have 30 days to do it, so don’t rush into it.

Take your time. Relax and do things that make you feel better. When you start being happy in life without your ex, you will realize whether or not getting your ex back is the right decision.

And if you are sure it’s the right decision, then you must figure how to fix whatever was broken in your relationship.

Figure out What Was Broken and How to Fix It

Almost every success story I have come across has one thing in common. They all understood exactly what went wrong in the relationship and exactly how to fix it.

There are so many reasons for a relationship can fail that it’s impossible to list them all over here. Moreover, every situation is unique and the solution to each situation is also unique.

But in most cases, the reason for breakup can be boiled down to the loss of one of the following.

  • Attraction
  • Connection
  • Or Trust

For example,

  • You fought too much? You had communication problems that lead to loss of connection.
  • You were controlling and insecure? You had self-esteem issues that led to loss of attraction.
  • Your ex didn’t want to commit? He didn’t feel a strong enough connection with you.
  • You cheated, or your ex cheated? Your relationship ended because the trust was broken.
  • Your relationship was stressful? You didn’t spend enough quality time together that led to loss of attraction.
  • Your relationship got monotonous? You lost attraction and sexual connection.

You must figure out the real reason for the breakup. Not just what they said to you while breaking up with you. Try to figure out what happened in the relationship that pushed them to the point of breaking up with you.

There is a good chance that your ex loved you deeply and breaking up with you was a hard decision for them as well.

Your ex boyfriend is equally sad and miserable because of this breakup

If you truly love them, you owe it to them and yourself to figure out the root cause of the breakup and how to fix it.

If you don’t know how to fix what was broken, you will never be able to get them back. And even if you do manage to get them back, you will break up again because of the same reasons.

And the second time around, it’s going to be even more painful. For both of you.

It’s important you do this if you want to get your ex lover back permanently. When you are sure that you can fix whatever was broken in your relationship, move on to the next step, which is contacting your ex.

Case Study 4: He Came Back, but it Was No Happy Ending

Margarete’s ex broke up with her and went on a trip abroad for almost a month. She started no contact before she came to us. But no contact didn’t really work for the way I hoped it would.

If I had to describe her during no contact in four words, I would say

“Obsessed with her ex.”

She couldn’t get her ex out of her mind. All she could think about was what he was doing, what could happen if he comes back. What she should say to him if he contacts? She kept repeating what happened during the relationship and the breakup over and over again in her mind.

She was in, what I would call, a threaded toxic relationship. Her ex wouldn’t commit to her and wouldn’t leave her. They were together for almost 5 years. And she was fully committed to him. But he couldn’t give her what she wanted. A marriage and kids.

Whenever they came close to a commitment, he would freak out and make excuses.

Even when he left her, he gave her a bit of hope. That they might get back together in the future.

She started no contact, but she couldn’t really see how unhealthy this relationship was for her. She was obsessed with everything that happened. She was hurt and couldn’t get herself to entertain the thought of living without him.

That’s right, she couldn’t even imagine living without him. He had crossed every boundary she set for herself. Even cheated on her twice. But she still convinced herself that she loves him and will forgive him if he came back and commits.

Margarete was in a toxic relationship. And it was her fault more than anyone else. Her low self esteem made her feel worthless. And it kept her mind in a toxic state of obsessiveness. Even after her ex left her.

A couple of months after no contact, her ex came back. He was even impressed that she didn’t call him for two months. He felt attracted to this display of confidence and self-control.

They talked and got back together. Hoping to fix the relationship.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way Margarete hoped. Her ex had not changed a bit. He was still a bit immature and terrified of commitment. Unfortunately, Margarete was equally terrified of losing him.

The last time I spoke to her, they were on a temporary break, 2 years after getting back together. The relationship was pretty much the same as before. She was unhappy, exhausted and constantly frustrated. Her ex cheated on her again. And she still couldn’t get the courage to leave him.

This was not the type of relationship I had hoped she started with her ex. And I truly believe it’s because Margarete skipped this step. She did no contact. But she never grieved and regained her individuality. In my opinion, she should have extended no contact until she regained her self-confidence. But the idea of getting back together was too tempting for her to listen.

Thankfully, she is getting therapy now. And I hope that she gains the strength to leave him and put her own well being over the idea of being with him.

STEP 4 – Contact Your Ex at the Right Time with The Right Message to Reset Your Image and Make Them Attracted to You Again

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About Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson is a breakup expert and coach with more than 11 years of experience of helping people recover from a breakup and get back in a healthy relationship.

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9329 comments ...add one
  • Suja

    Hello! My ex boyfriend broke up with me over 2 months ago. We are 24 years old. Dated for over 1,5 years. We had a quarrel which I have begun because of something I felt he did wrong. We did not see each other for 2 weeks because he went for a trip with friends, but we kept the issue through messages. He broke up with me after he came back. He said he was tired with this relationship and that he does not want to be in a relationship now (though he said that even if he will be it will not be serious). We didnt fight, I tried to convince him a little, but he did not change the decision so i had to accept. We were even laughing at each other for crying in public. We agreed on staying friends and kept contact for 5 days, then we met up and had a good time talking about general matters. When we were parting i said we should not contact for some time and he said he will wait for me to contact him when i am ready. I did no contact for 50 days, i followed the guides on improving myself. He replied to my message positively but he does not keep conversation or ignore some messages. What should i do next? I wanted to meet up to exchange our things which we still have. But i guess i should wait?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since it has been 50 days of no contact, naturally things would be a little awkward at first, as he isn't used to talking to you again so frequently. I suggest being patient and taking it slow to let him get more comfortable with talking to you again (without you coming across as desperate or overbearing).

      Reply
  • Abc

    To follow no contact rule should I block him from everywhere like WhatsApp and all so that he can't see me online

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You don't have to. Instead, keep him unblocked and perhaps become active on those platforms so that your presence becomes felt more prominently as this might cause him to begin missing you.

      Reply
  • Phil

    Hey guys,

    Ex girlfriend broke up with me almost 7 weeks ago. I tried slow contact after 2 and a half weeks but didn't really work/I got too needy. Now, its almost been 3 weeks since I have contacted her. My relationship ended, I believe, because I was insecure, immature, and would lie. Not a lot, but lie nonetheless. A week before the breakup, she said "It scares me how easily you can lie". I want to apologize for that without looking needy, but I don't know if I should now, or after a month of no contact has passed. Im worried she's going to have a negative image of me in her head and move on more easily because of it. Also, should it be a letter or a text? Thanks.

    Reply
  • Mirna

    My ex boyfreind broke up with me in about 2 week I send him a message telling him bad things because he leave me we were in a relationship of 6 month we were really good and dream about our future together and suddenly I travelled abroad alone when I come back he broke up with me only the reason of travelling and because I posted something in facebook that I were with someone but this someone is married and he just help me in my travel time my ex told me I know this persone he is bad so we stop here I really want him back and till now is 2 week without contact

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Try completing NC for another 2-3 weeks to give him some time to cool off first. This might have been a misunderstanding and he have been jealous and acted irrationally.

      Reply
  • Matthew

    Hi. My ex broke up with me about a month ago after 7 months of dating. She said she didn't love me anymore but I feel like that's not why because she never acted different towards me. When we were dating, she said she never felt this way with anyone, she trusted me more than anybody (but I broke that trust by telling our mutual friends a secret she had), and we talked about the future together. The last couple weeks before she broke up with me I started to act really distant towards her - ignored her whenever I was near her and barely responded on Snapchat and iMessage (when I did, I came off as like I didn't want to talk to her). She felt "alone and that I was done with her" but in reality I wasn't and was angry at something with my family but never told her. I told her that was why I was acting the way I did but she said she's still worried that I'm going to do that if we do get back together. Is it possible the reason she broke up with me was because she didn't love me anymore or because I was too distant and I broke her trust? About 3 weeks after we broke up, I started doing no contact and I told her that I was giving her the time she needed (which is what she asked for but I didn't listen) and also apologized for my behavior (I begged and pleader her to take me back). It's been 10 days since I last texted her and I see her with this new guy but she told a mutual friend that they were just friends (her friends, my friends, and our mutual friends all say he is a complete downgrade to me) but they act all secretive. Could this be to get me jealous (she knows I get jealous because I got mad at her for wearing another guy's shirt)? Also, she told our mutual friend that there was a chance we would get back together before I begged and pleaded but after I begged and pleaded with her there wasn't. Is that a bad sign or was she just saying that because I bothered her?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Her negative emotions towards you at this point could still be relatively fresh, which was why she said there was no chance with you to her friend. I suggest not overthinking the situation with her and the other guy in your head because it would cause you to feel negative at the end of the day. Since you are in no contact officially, work on yourself first and foremost before contacting her again in the future as an improved person so that she sees you in a different light. Even if she says there's no chance, you could always create that chance if your improvements are prominent enough.

      Reply
    • Matthew

      Thanks. I forgot to mention this but when we broke up she said she wanted to be friends and that she liked me as a friend. Is that a bad sign?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Most exes would typically say that during the breakup to make the other party feel better and its very common. It doesn't usually mean anything - in both positive or negative light. You should continue with your plans for positive change and try not to be phased by whatever she said back then.

      Reply
  • Anne

    Hi, I dated a guy for 3 months, we started really well, and strong. He’s a hopeless romantic type of man. He made lots of effort to see me on his free time, sends me sweet messages when he wakes up, he was very open about his family to me, especially bout his kids. (He’s divorced and he sees his kids every week). There were also times that I stay in his place for few days because he wanted me to stay. My fault was I asked too soon about our relationship, like I was asking for a “label”. He told me that why don’t I just let things happen naturally. (I felt I have pressured him). Things started to change when I said to him that I am leaving for few months then will be back later this year. After few days, he replied to me and said that he doesn’t want to commit to me and we can just be friends. I replied and apologized if maybe I pressured him or what. I also asked him if there’s another woman, he said no. I told him that I’m fine in taking things slowly. He agreed to that and he said he’ll continue seeing me then. After a month, I felt that there’s more gap. Less communication from him, he’s not as sweet as before. There was even a time that when I visited his place, he said that I have to leave at a specific time because he said he has something to do after that. I really felt something wrong. After few days , i asked him the truth and there, He said he started seeing another woman. He said that he lost hope in us because I am leaving. He didn’t want to be alone, and that I deserve someone else because He’s an emotional wreck and a mess. I told him that he should not say that and I accept him and all his flaws. I asked him if he loves the woman, he just told me that I care for her , but I love you. He said that Our connection is really different compared to her, he connects to me deeply. He said that He can’t stop seeing me but he has to stop so that i won’t get hurt anymore. I am confused because, He said he loves me but he’s rushing to meet someone else and commit to her. I don’t even know if I should believe him that really loves me or just saying it for the sake of being nice to me. Is still there a chance for me to see him again when I am back , or will he easily forget me when i do no contact. and What if I am back and he’s still dating, is there no hope anymore? I love him and I am giving him space and doing the no contacf for few days now. It’s really hard , and I want to do the correct steps.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he says that there's a connection with you different from the other person, when you're back, you'll only be able to know for certain then. I would honestly suggest moving on with your life since you'll be gone regardless for a couple of months and he's already expressed not wanting a LDR in that duration, so getting back together now would only lead to a possible second breakup when you're away.

      Reply
  • lora

    Hello. Well, smth like 12 days after I started no contact after 3 discursions by phone but just by business, my boy - friend texted me asking some personal questions about how my business was going. I answered that very well, but couldn't talk to him as a friend right now, because needed some more time and space. He tried to joke and then said that talking or not he was remembering about me and my son. Then he changed his watsup foto for a more smily one and from our common journey to skiing. He also put a like on my fotos from last journey in fcbk.
    I really haven't ever asked him to come back or looked needy. But smth like a week after separation and no contact by my own will (before starting with this couching) we met. He cried and was saying that his feelings were not gone. So I like in a way of calming him down said: so would you like me to go with to your home town?? Because this was the issue during the relation ship and there he went when left me. He answered: I should think about it, 4 months ago I wouldn't doubt, but now I should think. During that meeting I also said I thought he was right to go and I had committed many mistakes in the relation ship. He said it was a pity to hear that now and no before. So my question is basically : should I continue no contact now??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes, continue with NC in the meantime and he does not seem to really know what he wants right now. He may have lost attraction for you back then, but still has feelings for you. If you allow him to get back with you right now just because he misses the times, there's a likelihood of him repeating the same thing down the road again.

      Reply
  • Nick

    So my ex and I recently split up. Well. She said she wanted a break. same thing though right? Before reading all of this stuff and how texts can be useful, I told her I'd delete her number so I wouldn't feel tempted to contact her, she asked me not to, but I did anyway. But our text thread still exists and I cannot bring myself to delete it. I did slide it into the archive section though so I don't have to see it. Should I go through with the deletion? If I don't, and I eventually text her even after the NC time is up, I feel like I'll come off as weak and needy since I told her I was going to delete everything but didnt..?
    We also both have the WhatsApp, and her number is in there and we haven't used it in several months. So I could use that and just act like I happened to come across it, which technically I did just that. Thoughts?

    She also owes me a few hundred dollars, has a key to my house, and my kayak is at her house... I could probably just go get the kayak without breaking the NC rule, but that might be risky and sort of creepy and I don't want to cross that line. Should I ask for these things back? Again, that would be breaking the NC rule.. or should I just forget about it all until the NC time has passed and I'm into further stage?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Normally we would encourage you to get your stuff back first before starting NC. However, if that is unavoidable, a brief meeting to exchange items does not count as breaking NC unless you start acting needy or desperate when meeting her. It really depends on the motive behind the contact and whether it's necessary or not. You don't have to delete her texts if you don't want to since only you would know.

      Reply
  • Coop

    Hi there,
    My girlfriend broke up with me three days ago. I am still in substantial pain, but I fully understand why she broke up with me even if she does not. I was needy and jealous during the relationship and every time she wanted to hang out with a guy friend I would get upset or passive aggressive. Some other things added up and she decided to end things the other day. She said she needed time to think and she always talked about needing more time to herself. I was selfish and not understanding but I fully realize now what she wanted. I immediately initiated no contact after she broke up with me not wanting to make similar mistakes and wanting to show her that I can give her space and that I am truly not a needy man. My question is am I wasting my time in trying to get her back? I want her back because I still see a future with her and I now see this breakup as an opportunity for us to fix both of our problems and work on each other. She was crying in the break up for a whole hour saying she wanted to love me again but just did not feel the same way. I feel deep down she still has feelings but my controlling nature hid them from her. I am working on that immediately and will fix it by the time I contact her. Just want to know if I am on the right track or if I should contact her sooner because of how the breakup went. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You're on the right track. Contacting her earlier may result in reverting back to your old self because not enough time has been given for you to make the positive changes permanent. Also, she may not be ready to face you yet either, so you'll want enough time to pass before trying to win her back.

      Reply
    • Coop

      Thank you for your response. So she contacted me last week and we actually got dinner and went to Target and had a great time. But she saw it only as us being friends. She was really flirty and touchy all night. She talked to me all last week before the meetup, but now after the fact she does not talk to me barely at all. I think she sees that I really do want her back and not just be friends with yet. But the catcher is that I think she is with a guy who I had worries about in our relationship. She is definitely always hanging out with him late at night. Although he might be a friend I have my doubts about it. Should I initiate no contact and keep it or should I try and be friends with her again and win her back that way. I know I should not want her back at this point but like I said, I know deep down this girl is my future. I messed up and I am determined to fix it.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If there are changes you know you should be making in your life, perhaps it might be better to focus on them first instead of half trying to chase her back, and half trying to make changes. She may see you as a friend mentally, but there are still habits ingrained into her behavior after being together with you. However, if you want to win her back, you're only going to succeed by winning her emotionally, which may require the space and for her to be able to see you in a different light, hence the no contact period.

      Reply
  • Jay

    Hello! After NC I went out with my ex-gf a couple of times. She was friendly and we had a great time. Our meetings gave her second thoughts but she was determined to stick to her decision (there weren't serious reasons for our breakup and things ended really well). She saw through my plan so she told me we can't keep going out "as friends". She's not a huge fan of texting and I'm a bit afraid to propose another meet-up. Any advice? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps give it some time before trying to call her up since she doesn't like texts. You don't necessarily have to ask her out at that point. Even having a positive conversation over the phone may do you some good in how she responds to and views you.

      Reply
  • Nuo

    My boyfriend and I were in a long distance relationship for 6 years. We made it a habit to at least visit every other month. Whenever we would argue I would threaten to leave him. Growing up, when things got rough, I have always been told you could leave the situation. We never broke up; we always talked it out. This past March I went to visit him for a week. He proposed. At first, I was hesitant, I was never one to think of myself as being married. Some days past and the idea really grew on me; especially with him. On April first we got into another argument and I made the same mistake again; this time he did not take me back. He would not talk to me (texts, phone, etc) I gave him space for a week before reaching out to apologize. However, since I was so quick to ask for forgiveness he thinks I use breakups as a weapon (looking back, I totally did). I asked if it was something that we could work on and he said he did not know; that he just did not want to talk to me right now. After another week and a half of silence, I caved. I told him I loved him but I couldn't live with the ghost of him. That I want the opportunity to show how I could fix my mistakes but how it seemed like I would not get that chance. He responded shortly after saying his heart wants to take me back but his head believes I would just make the same mistake. I told him I want to prove it to him but in the end I just want him to be happy. That it breaks my heart but I just want him to be happy. He said it broke his heart too and I replied I wouldn't know. He thought I was trying to be hurtful so he responded, "Fine, say what you have to to hurt me. Goodbye." After that, I made all of the wrong moves. I cried, begged, made promises (I am embarrassed to admit I did this during our post break up conversations). I tried to explain that I haven't heard from him in almost two weeks; that I had no idea what was going through his mind. This happened April 15th. It's May 5th. I have not reached out to him. Every time I get the urge to I write my message on a notepad. I have had time to reflect on myself and the situation and I have come up with action steps to take when the feeling of fight or flight arises. I have accepted the break-up and I understand why it happened. However, I do not know where to go from here. I want us to be together. We have been together for 6 years and he just proposed. I do not know how to reach out to him and I do not know what to say? Do I send a casual text or is it more of an elephant in the room scenario? Thank you for taking the time to read; I hope to hear from....anyone soon.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      This would require more of an elephant in the room scenario, especially since the relationship ended on a bad note with several issues that have not been addressed. Show him that you are sincere and apologetic about how you acted in the past.

      Reply
  • B.C

    Hey everyone,
    No Contact was a success for a month. Sent the elephant text/apology for my actions after and it was well received. I was planning on waiting five days, but she texted me one day after apologizing for hurting me. It's been a day since I read it, and I'm not sure if I should break that 5 day rule or not by responding to her. Ideas? If I stay quiet, how do i explain myself at the end of the 5 days? Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If things are going positively, I recommend going along with the flow but using our timeline as more of a guideline rather than a rule.

      Reply
  • Anna

    Hello,

    My ex boyfriend and I dated for 4 months and we were great! We were so in love and had a good time together. About a week before we broke up, he was concerned about me moving away and forgetting about me, though I will only be an extra 30 minutes away. We talked it through and we both said we wanted to get through it thick and thin. The night before we broke up, I went up to the church he performs at and it seemed like we didn’t have any problems. We hugged and kissed and I didn’t think that would be the last time I would. The next day we broke up because he said God was calling him to singleness for a while. It hurt so bad because we are both Christians and the fact God did this hurt so bad. A week later, I asked if I could call him to ask him some questions to try to figure out what this all means for us. He said he didn’t really know why but God called him to he single. He said he was happier being single but I really don’t believe it. He says he still wants me but he doesn’t want to be in a relationship. I told him to give it a month to make sure it was the right decision. My question is what do I do after this month has ended? Do I contact him? Do I wait for him to contact me? Will he lose interest in me after one month? Did I even do the right thing in telling him to wait and see? I’m kinda worried because I do love him so much and I don’t think our relationship needs to be forgotten so soon. I’ve prayed about it, and now I just need some really helpful advice. Thanks!

    -Anna

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Anna, you can use this article to serve as a guideline on what to do after NC has ended. Keep in mind that while as disrespectful as this may sound to the religion, ensure that his reasoning of God calling him for singlehood is not actually just a convenient excuse to use instead of saying that he lost feelings for you.

      Reply
    • Anna

      I think his feelings are honest because we talked about it and he said he felt that we were “unequally yoked” and “not on the same path spiritually”. I might be just oblivious to it and he might be lying to me, so what if he has lost interest in me? What do I do then?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he has lost interest in you, follow the guidelines in our website on how you could go about rebuilding attraction, but if he genuinely ended the relationship due to differences in both party's spiritual paths, then it might be harder to convince him otherwise.

      Reply
  • Charlie

    Hi,

    My girlfriend of 2 years broke up with me 2 weeks ago because she said she needed more independence and wanted to live her life and grow on her own. We go to different colleges about 3 hours apart so the entire breakup happened over the phone. It took me about a week to stop texting her after the breakup but have been on no contact for about a week now. We had agreed that we were going to meet up in person when we both got home after exams in a little over a week. I had told her she owed it to me to break up with me to my face and she agreed. After reading this article it sounds like that might be too soon to meet up. My plan right now is to wait for her to initiate contact about the details of the in-person meeting. When/if she reaches out, should I tell her I don't have time to meet? I'm leaving on a trip the day after so I could get away with saying I need to pack.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It depends on the situation, but generally yes, it is still too soon to meet her. I don't think you should enforce that face-to-face breakup as it would only serve to strengthen the reality of it and may even lower your chances.

      Reply
  • Phil

    Hello,

    Girlfriend and I dated for about 6 months, and to cut things short, things ended because she felt like we just didn't "connect" anymore. After 2 and a half weeks of no contact (by 2 weeks she sent a drunk FaceTime call, which I didn't respond to), I sent her a elephant in the room letter, apologizing for how I acted so needy and desperate during the breakup. After I started rebuilding attraction via text messages, slowly. I started to notice this new guy on her snapchat story. She always posted pictures of them together in friend groups, rather than just the two of them. I never thought anything of it. When I would message her, she would always reply but she wouldn't do so very enthusiastically. Her behavior changed a lot after I sent that letter. I started to notice that guy was on her story just about every weekend. Something to note, we are in college together. Anyways, just now I saw she went to Boston on a boat with some random people and this guy too. It was on her snapchat story again. My friend tells me she was walking with him, just the two of them, to his car so he could drive them there. It's been 5 and a half weeks, and she started hanging out with this kid only 3 weeks after the breakup. Finals end next week, and they are from two different states, hours apart. The kid looks nothing like me, and my friend tells me his ex used to date him and that he is a total douchebag and not a nice person. She has been with douchebags in the past and used to always tell me when we were together that I was so nice to her and she hated that all the people she was ever with were dicks to her. I haven't spoken to her in 9 days, when I sent her a memory text and talked about my past insecurities and how I've worked on them. Anyways, does this seem like a rebound? And does it work in my favor that this kid is a total dick, something that she has dealt with in the past and has no problem ending things with? Also, what should my move be now? Just no contact again during the summer? When will I know when to reach out? Thanks,

    -Phil

    Reply
  • Icho

    Hi,my girlfriend and I got back together in November.But recently,she spends more time watching tv and movies,than she does talking to me.I go all day and half the night without hearing from her. She claims that her house has bad cellphone reception,except in her living room,where she watches movies at.I feel she can make the effort,if her phone reception is good there.We used to talk all the time and I'm starting to wonder if it's something I'm doing wrong?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It could be that she's getting bored of the relationship, or losing interest in you. You're going to have to find a way to re-create the spark and new memories with her if you don't want her to pull away further.

      Reply
  • Mark

    Hi.. I had been in relationships with one girl since last 3 years, although she and me both had rough time in between. Last August we decided to get marry, but because of some serious family problems I had to stay away from her for two months.. In which she started having new new problems, eventually she broke up with me in November 2017. However we used to talk on phone on n off rarely, met few times in last 5-6 months. Then suddenly before few days she again started talking to me and u realised that she was seeing some guy since we broke up. Right away. And now they had very very ugly situation so she broke up with him. She is kinda miserable n so she came back to me to talk.. I wasn't seeing anyone in these months. I really loved her and was concentrating to move on.. Now we both still are single. What I should do, how I should behave and what shoul be my behavior with her and my own emotions??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Keep things casual and don't act desperate or needy but be there for her and slowly re-build attraction from there.

      Reply
  • ***

    Hi. My bf and I dated for 13 months though the last month he was really distant and we only hung out once and barely texted. I knew he was really stressed since he was switching jobs and had some important presentations coming up so I tried to just give him some space. I texted about once a week that I was upset at the distance and missed him during this time. Finally, he said we needed to meet to talk. That’s when he ended it by saying he just wanted friends in his life, nothing more. I didn’t say much and after a few minutes of just sitting there I left in tears. I texted him once that night saying that I was angry and disappointed and I wished he had just talked to me. Then I wished him good luck on the new job. That was a few days ago. I’ve told myself to keep all my appointments and plans and so far it has been really helpful but I have one problem. An event in a little over a week, a work happy hour, that I always go to has been turned into a goodbye happy hour for him (we used to be at the same company). My original plan was to go for a hour and then keep an appointment at the gym. But now I don’t know what to do. If I don’t go it will seem like I’m avoiding him and not ok (I’m sad and miss him terribly but I am ok), because I always go, but if I do then I’m breaking NC and maybe it looks like I’m trying to see him. What do I do? We have some mutual work friends and his new office is in my neighborhood so I know eventually we’ll run into each other but is this too soon?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could use this article as a guideline on how to handle events where meeting your ex becomes unavoidable.

      Reply
  • Will

    I had a question about after no contact. If they ask you about any women you've seen since the break up would it be best to be very vague and not really tell them much, or to tell them everything to make yourself look more available.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would really depend on the type of person your ex is, but generally I would advice on not to play too many mind games because it may easily backfire where she gets jealous or on the opposite end think you are trying to show off and win the break up.

      Reply
  • Frankie D

    What is a realistic time frame to keep in mind or to let me know when to call it quits and move on?

    I am on reconnecting right now. After a month of no contact back in January.

    During no contact, she messaged me that she missed me but I successfully proceeded with no contact and I even talked to someone else and went out on a date with them until no conact was over and then reached out with the elephant in the room text and received a positive reaction. We have been texting and talking on the phone and hanging out maybe once a week, sometimes twice, ever since but JUST AS FRIENDS.

    Reconnect started the beginning of February so it has been almost 3 months since we’ve started hanging out and talking again and getting along fairly well. We talk pretty much every day. Sometimes she’ll initiate and sometimes I do.

    Sometimes I feel as if she wants to take it further than friends again, and sometimes I feel as if she doesn’t. Sometimes I feel there is someone else she is talking to, sometimes I feel she is not. I take it this is normal.

    I want to keep rebuilding the attraction but some days it just feels as if I should move on.

    My question then is, is there some sort of time frame say for example 6 months and if she hasn’t said anything, move on? Or 8 months? Or is there no deadline, if you will. How should I proceed?

    - Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To be honest, there isn't a real guideline on this matter because different people would adhere to different speeds and success levels. Usually, it's up to your own personal stamina on this, and if it's taking a toll on your emotional well-being. Perhaps have a conversation with her soon regarding this matter and where she stands.

      Reply
  • Jade

    Hey. So I was quite far into no contact with my ex until I got quite ill this weekend and contacted him about it. He came to see me in hospital and has been texting me a little bit. Do I need to start no contact again with him? Thank you

    Reply
  • kokoro

    Hi
    Im in a very delicate situation, we have been together for 2 years and half.
    But so 2 weeks ago i asked him a time break, and that was when things got really messy, the morning after i said i didnt want the break time, but i thought he needed, and he accepted! During that week since i was feeling depressed, i was totally broken down to the core, i was having panic attacks and calling him when i knew all he wanted was space and time to deal with the stuff, i was sending him messages saying that he didnt care and if he was having thoughts of breaking up he just should do it. Summarizing i was the fuel for him to break up with me.
    I didnt want us to break up, from that day i asked him to pick his stuff at my place and up until now things are still in my place. I have broken the no contact rule and spoken to him 2 times already one 4 days after the break up, and another after 3 days.
    We talked like friends and the 1st time i only asked why he lefted me because on the day we broken up i wasnt myself, and i apologized to him for that. He also said things could have been different if he talked more to me at certain times, but things were done and we could only move on. Which i agreed because i want to turn the page and start anew but with him present, that time we spoke in fb but we kinda laughed at some things too. The other time was 2 days ago, i said if he agreed to stay as friends he should fb me more and he shouldnt ghost out of my life, and he said he would send more msgs, and we also talked for 1h and we spoke a bit and was kinda forced but we had a good talk, there wasnt bad memories from it. I said in the end that i liked to talk to him and i didnt know if he felt the same and he said that he liked to talk to me too and to not worry about it.
    After our break up my friends that see him in classes say that he looks like he havent slept he looks sad, and he started smoking again (he quitted this year by himself i never asked that of him).
    I know im an atomic bomb and i have a lot of trust issues and we broke up because of miscommunication and because of the bad mood i was causing due to my depression, we are still friends but and i know my hapiness is not defined by him, but what i loved the most was i could share my hapiness with him and see what made him happy. Can you help me what ca i do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As you've mentioned, he probably just needs some space and time to deal with all this, so it might be a good idea to let him breathe a little while you spend some time picking yourself up and building upon positive changes in your life. Find a way to deal with the emotions and insecurities because if you don't, getting back together may result in a similar outcome down the road if your emotions get the better of you.

      Reply
  • K

    Hi Kevin,

    I had been with my ex for 6 years and he broke up with me suddenly claiming that he does not love me anymore. His only explanation was that we had many fights in our relationship and it was very tiring for him to compromise. He was not willing to give me another chance to fix things because he doesnt want to give me any false hope that he will fall in love with me again. He felt that we will still be fighting over the same thing in the end if we get back together. We agreed to remain as friends but he claimed that it is still quite awkward and weird for him to become close friends again. He said that he needed time to sort things out but is not interested in pursuing a relationship currently.
    As I have always initiated contact with him after the breakup, he always replies but never tried to initiate a conversation with me. I have just started my no contact period but should I be posting my everyday life on social media or should i block him so that he doesnt know what is happening in my life? Please advice!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Keep him on social media and post on the positive changes you're making to your life. Ultimately, you want him to see that you're making changes and reconsider the relationship.

      Reply
  • Zante

    First of all, thank you very much for this comprehensive and detailed plan. I was not expecting to find Information of this quality.
    I would like to pick your brain about my Situation - My gf of a year and a half and I went on a break 2 days ago - she initiated this move which was very surprising and out of the blue. We are in a LDR, are seeing each other quite regularly and for Extended periods of time. The relationship has been far from perfect - she is severly depressed and has a hard time to get her life back on track. I have not been reacting quite insecure and codependent throughout the relationship because she is not the most loving Person at all times due to her Depression. Now that I know more about this illness I can see how my behavior drove her away and was not the most supporting behavior - even though I have been very supportive of her in general.
    She said that she couldn't handle the pressure of a romantic relationship at the Moment because she can't even handle herself and my insecure behavior has also been a lot as I already mentioned. She said that she loves me very much but my behavior has driven her away a Little bit. I was very understanding and calm throughout the whole talk and supported her in her decision, knowing that I also needed to work on my codependency. We agreed on no contact until we both felt better - however she texted me yesterday morning saying that she was thinking of me and the she hopes that I have a good day. And hoping that she wasn't intruding. I answered short but nice and I called her in the evening and we had a nice and short phone call where we shared quite some laughters.

    My codepedent mind is freaking out at the thought of not contacting her and basically treating this like a break up so that there would be a clean slate. But I know it's the only way.

    Do you see any chance in this going somewhere again?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As long as you had a meaningful relationship with her, it's unlikely that she would move on so quickly. However, avoid letting the codependent mind as you put it get the better of you because she clearly felt stressed out by the emotional aspects of the relationship, and by acting on your emotions may end up pushing her further away. You want to remain strong and someone she can seem to depend on when she needs to, instead of having to pick up because of insecurities.

      Reply
  • sb5293

    I ended things with my boyfriend, thinking I wanted to and that it was the right thing. It has been 4 weeks and I still want him back. The problem is that he already has a new girl. The week after I ended things he posted pictures of her on snap chat captioning it date night with hearts and other things like bae. I didn't know he could already be with someone after a week. We were long distance and it makes me feel like he may have been cheating on me, or that this is just a rebound. 2 weeks after breaking up even after posting those pictures of her, he drunk texted me and I should have left it at that, but I replied in the morning with this long text saying something along the lines of "while you're with a new girl, I am still heart broken and that your actions have been immature and that maybe it was right for me to end things." I never heard a response and the week after he posted a picture with the same girl at a concert on instagram that I was supposed to go to with him. Did I ruin my chances by that text? I want to get him back, but don't know how serious he is with her, and don't know if me calling him immature made him not want to be with me even more. I want to work harder on the long distance relationship this time around and need to know what to do to go about it from here. I feel like he may be doing this to get back at me, but he also is the guy that jumps into a relationship. Please help me what to do. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I don't think you ruined your chances by replying, but if he is someone who jumps so easily to new relationships, it might be something to be wary of because he may have been talking to her even before the breakup as you've mentioned. At this point, while he's still together with someone else, there's not a lot you can do either way, so it might be a better idea to focus on yourself for the time being.

      Reply
  • Julia

    The TL;DR: I'd love your advice on what to text my ex who abruptly ended things because he's moving for a job. Background is that we were dating exclusively for several months with so much in common, both were taking it seriously but slowly, no games, so I really saw it going somewhere.

    Although I knew he was interviewing, I didn't know his goal was to move to a different market within Europe. The second he got this job, which doesn't start for another 3 months and is an hour away by plane, 3 by train, he ended things, telling me that i was the “total package,” but that “for now, long distance seemed too difficult…”

    I responded saying that I had considered him to be the total package, that I have no expectations, but that I would like to continue seeing him, at least while he’s still in town. He never responded, which shocked me because what we had was really great, so no reason to just throw me away.

    The no contact period is over so my question is what can I text him to get him back, to get him to at least open the lines of communication and try to be open to having me in his life? I know a new job is a new life, (& I also understand his decision!) but I’m heart-broken and can’t believe that I’ll never talk to or see him again, especially since he’s still here and what we had was really great.. During the relationship, I wasn’t clingy at all, gave him a lot of space, time, etc, but I did cry when he ended things.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There was probably a reason why he didn't hesitate to end things with you the moment he found out that he was going to move cities for a new job. It could be entirely no fault of yours, and he just wasn't serious enough about you, or felt that he still wasn't ready to settle down, etc. I suggest you try to figure out what that reason is before you consider trying anything again because if he wasn't serious about you from the start, then it may be better not to waste your time any further.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you can't find your comment around, it may not have met the guidelines for posting and was not accepted.

      Reply
    • Julia

      The reason was that he'd been having quite a few conversations with this company, so already was in the mind space of leaving the current city & life behind. In addition, from the time he got the offer and we talked on the phone, to the time we met in person & there was still hope, and then to the time he ended it a few days later, it was clear that he'd talked to a lot of people who told him LTRs fail, and had really given it thought. When we talked Thursday, he said we'd talk about it together Sunday, made what sounded like normal plans on Sunday. On Sunday, it was clear he'd talked to people who were against LTRs, and had thought about it, BUT was still open because he said he'd never expected to meet me, and also said he didn't know what to do. And on Wednesday he texted to end it.

      I understand him being career-driven and doing what's best for his career, and I support that, which I told him, and also made it clear I had zero expectations. I don't understand completely cutting off all communication.

      I've been thinking of sending a few different texts. He's extremely goal-oriented, able to separate from emotions/can be "cold", so I don't know what to tap into to get a connection:
      1. that I was at place X we'd been to in the winter, that it made me think of him, and ask how he is/write "hope you're well
      2. same as above, but say how difference place X was in the spring, and either a. say "hope you get a chance to go before you leave" OR actually ask him if he would want to go
      3. Tell him i got back into sport X, ask about that place where he played, with a "hope you're well"
      4. be honest and say that I know he's got a lot going on as he's prepping for the move, just wanted to know he's on my mind, let him know that I'm always here for him (though I know this won't elicit anything), and that I'd like to be part of his life (though said in a more chill way)
      5. other option?

      To your point, I think he was starting to separate emotions for me/distance himself emotionally, from his career goals, so I'm stuck.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that is the case, to be honest there isn't much you can do to change his mind because a guy who puts his career first may very well be someone who isn't afraid to cut things off from his life to achieve his goals. If he genuinely is like that, perhaps you might want to consider being fair to yourself and moving on instead.

      Reply
  • Ms. Jonez

    I tried this.
    And yes it worked. Me and my ex are back together. I did not call text and when I saw him I treated him with respect and smiled. I held no unnecessary conversations. I concentrated on me and made some very positive moves. He had to realize for himself what he had. Even though we are back I am still following these guidelines to keep him on his toes. I am still making moves too! I'm unstoppable! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Lunian

    Hello, I have been dating a guy for 1 year, we were even planning to get married. Without a notice, he asked for a break beore valentine without giving me any reason. I tried to bare it for 2 weeks before i decided to contact him for us to talk, which he didn't do. After 4 months of been on a break with , i told him i couldn't continue like this . He then asks us to break up. i wish to get back with him but it has been 10 months since that we have broken up. Can it be possible for us to get back given this long time frame and also during this 10 months , every 4 months i was tryong to text him to get back together

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It sounds like he may have lost feelings for you and even possibly someone else, if he decided to break up so suddenly with no explanations and still refuses to entertain you even up till now. You could try contacting him again but if the outcome remains unchanged, perhaps you might want to considering walking away.

      Reply
  • Simon

    I'm 25 and she's 21, we have been together for about 1 and a half years. We broke up 3 months ago. During 2 of those months, I've done most of the things you're not supposed to do, such as beg, plead, sent roses, gifts and a hand written letter. She said she wanted to hang out but wasn't ready for a relationship, silly me said no I couldn't do that. So fast forward 1 month later with no contact, she has since then unfriended me on Facebook and Instagram. Updated her profile picture, and rejected my offer to go hang out to go to one of her favourite places. Myself I have started to get fit and active again, posting food pictures and things. So after rejecting my offer, I said ok no worries, hope one day we can hang out as friends. She said "dont think so" and "take care".

    Where do I go from here? I mean we were a good couple together, everyone said so and we both believed that too. At the start I had lied to her about my situation because I believed she wouldn't like me as I was then (I know I was wrong), but she confronted me 4 months into the relationship and I apologised and she said she would try to trust me again but it would be hard and slow.

    Do I still have a shot of getting back with her? I think she has moved on...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There may be a chance that she's moved on, but also a slight chance that she still cares about you, but feels negative towards you over the actions you made after the breakup and hasn't fully gotten over it yet. If you're willing to wait, perhaps give her some more time before initiating contact again and for now just focus on your own life and try to be happy.

      Reply
  • Chris

    Hi Ryan, my simple question is....How should I handle my situation if i made every mistake in the book and now i pushed it so far that I am blocked. I do not get the choice to initiate "No Contact Rule" on my terms. Does it still work/apply? Is my situation even salvageable?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If it has come to that extent, then no contact becomes the next necessary action because of your lack of other available options. It may still work, but may take longer than the stated time frame and there's still no guarantee that you'll get your ex back. It would really depend on how ugly the situation turned out and how mad/angry your ex is towards you.

      Reply
  • Jc

    Me and my ex have been together for a solid 5 years but before this we were on and off for 5 years as we were teenagers, I am 25 and he is 26. First of all a month ago he asks for space/a break as he was unhappy and needed time to miss me. I said ok but I said I would wait on him because I love him! We stayed in his mum and dads house confined to one room so which obviously isn’t healthy for any relationship so I think we started taking each other for granted etc and he was desperate to move out but I had quit my job a few months before and started working part time which I think he kind of resents me for and I think that’s where the unhappiness comes from.
    I gave him space for 2 weeks till I found out he had been messaging another girl. I went mad at him for this and he told me that nothing has happened he was only talking to her and he wasn’t interested in having a relationship with anyone else. He eventually said he thinks we should call it a day if I can’t give him the space that he needed. So we broke up. He said he couldn’t help how he felt and that the spark was gone. I gave him 2 weeks of no contact till he messaged me asking to meet up and talk about the break up for closure because he hated that it ended on bad terms, I said yes at first but then said I wasn’t ready.. I kind of let him know that I get why we broke up and I’m focusing on myself etc etc, so that I didn’t come across needy!
    he said he wishes it could be the way it was in the beginning because he still loves me and it’s killing him everyday to know that I’m hurting and he knows how much of an amazing person I am, he wants me to be happy and he’s rooting for me in life! This was 2 days ago and I haven’t spoken to him since, he has sent the last message because I thought that would be best if I ignored a txt message to start no contact with.
    I know we are meant to be together we are soulmates and he is a really great guy! We had a great relationship up until a few months ago. I’m just wondering if it’s salvageable and if I can make him change his mind about me because I know that I can do things differently next time around. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's still a chance that he has feelings for you and cares about you, but just needed breathing room and probably for some changes to be made in order to see the relationship and you in a different light. He says he lost the spark for you, so perhaps it might be a good idea to figure out how best to gain it back with him during this time.

      Reply
  • Molly

    Hi Kevin, me and my boyfriend were together for about 3 weeks and he told me he loved me, and that I was the first girl he ever properly loved, it made me feel really special, however we split last Thursday because of my jealousy towards his friend, they have no history of any kind but I felt insecure, to which point he said he needed time to which I gave him, however by Sunday he had already messaged me saying he missed me and he needs me in his life, so we started talking again but it was very awkward and Tuesday this week he got angry and said that there was no way back for us and that we were over for good, but I love him so much, so I'm going along with the no contact rule to give him space and time to calm down, do you have any other advice for me?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Keep in mind that your relationship with him was only for 3 weeks and there has not been enough time for a meaningful relationship to build up yet. I would suggest that instead of going with 30 days of no contact to give him a couple of days before trying to work out the issues between the two of you.

      Reply
  • Nessa

    So how do you do no contact if you still need to communicate regarding the kids and business stuff that we have to communicate on?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Keep the conversation strictly on a 'need to' basis, and only about the kids. Avoid small talk and personal topics.

      Reply
  • B

    Hi , I met a guy three months ago at a bar and we immediately clicked . He came home with me that night and all we did was talk for hours and hours ... ever since that night we had been inseparable . My friend was with me and met his friend and now they are dating as well . Everything was perfect and I quickly began spending almost every night and weekend at his place ... we had so much fun together and both shared so many things about our lives with each other that we have not shared with anyone else in a long time . We both got out of horrible relationships and clearly have trust issues . Due to anxiety and trust issues I decided to end it but quickly tried to take it back and he called my bluff . I’ve definitley committed the deadly mistakes and I don’t know if there is coming back from my craziness . I just know that he truly was falling in love with me and I don’t want to lose him . P.s my best friend is still dating his best friend so I see him all the time .what should I do ?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Give him some space for now. IF you say that both of you have trust issues, he may be feeling upset or betrayed by your actions so you might have to give it some time before you try talking to him again.

      Reply
  • Brandy

    My boyfriend ended it on Sunday, we have been together 9 months, he’s still married and living with his wife and kids but they are serparated. She doesn’t know about me, he wanted an amicable divorce with no names mentioned. We had a life planned together and were so very in love. He decides Sunday he can’t handle the double life anymore and ends it. Blocks me, I get angry and send the wife a message of our relationship. I immediately regret it as I know I have hurt other people now just becuase I’m hurting. I sent him a message after saying how sorry I was, all I got back was “never ever contact me again”
    Is it even worth me trying to get him back? we were so in love and I know it was all getting to him. I’m completely devestated and sorry.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Given the context of this situation, it may be a long while before he forgives you if not at all, especially if your text to his wife causes his life to fall apart. It might honestly be better to focus on moving on instead.

      Reply
  • Sayo

    Hey Ryan. I have dated my ex for two months and things we're great til he has to back to France. We had 3 months of long distance relationship and things became less good and we broke up ( we broke up few times in the middle but he always texts me and tell me he doesn't want to so we never really broke up). But this time we did broke up. He still texts me since Christmas or randomly snow pics. After I didn't reply him he asked " do you care about me?" Then I got mad because he was the one who got distance first. But then he still texts me each festival. It has been four months since we broke up and I did the 30 days no contact rule and improved myself. I started talk with him this week and he responds positively or neutrally. I wish he will like me again. What should I do ???

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      People have very different behaviors when in a close distance relationship and LDR because of the lack of physical contact, but it may not mean that he lost interest in you or stopped caring back then. Perhaps start by trying to build up a level of familiarity again in texting him, but just keep in mind that trying to get back together without actually meeting may be a little tough because of the lack of actual reconciliation.

      Reply
  • ***Anonymous***

    Hi Kevin, I once posted here about my boyfriend and was advised to do NC which I did and when I later messaged him he was like "shey you've forgotten about me ". We spoke casually but not as normal.. And since then we haven't talked again... It seems he has deleted my contact. Just figured one way or the other. And it makes me feel like he wants to delete me totally from his life.. What do you advice I do.. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There would probably be bits of awkwardness again at the start of contact, but you should continue to try building a comfortable level of communication with him so that any hint of awkwardness or animosity goes away.

      Reply
    • ***Anonymous***

      Hi, how do I do that because, I'm the one who has to do the contacting first.. So how do I get to build communication when it feels like I'm the only one interested... Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It certainly has to be a both ways thing in the long run, but perhaps for the start if the other party isn't as interested, build on mutual or familiar topics that can keep the conversation going.

      Reply
  • Emiley

    Hi. My ex boyfriend broke up with me about a month ago and we spoke last two weeks ago. But we live in the same building, so I bump into him quite a lot and I feel so bad after seeing him. And we have a lot of mutual friends. So this weekend, I have a party at a friend and I´ll know he is going to be there. Is it best to avoid it? I want him back so bad and I’m trying the no contact rule, so I don’t know what I should do in this situation.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could go to the party if you feel confident enough, but avoid contact with your ex and hang out with other friends instead. However, if you think that the situation may get too awkward, it would be better to avoid such events until you're more okay seeing your ex but without the emotional downturns.

      Reply
  • Kris S

    Hi Ryan just a up date ... she has been very wish washy lately.. I found out yesterday her ex sent her roses and she never mentioned it to me.. I told her she was a tease.. I went to her house last night to watch tv and she acted like she was getting ready to kiss me then walked off.. it’s like she is playing with me.. last night we talked and she said if she is offered the job (which I hope she’s not) she will be moving in 3 weeks! She was looking for apartments yesterday in another city.. we talked about it last night and I told her I supported her moving like you suggested.. then I asked about a long distance relationship with me.. at first she said she wanted to focus on her self and her new position but then when I asked again she said yes and would like to... girl doesn’t know what she wants and seems like she will start ignoring me when she’s moves.. fresh start as she calls it.. help Ryan I don’t want to loose her.. also she will be working in same office as the jerk that constantly flirts with her at work.. and I won’t be there if she goes.. what do I do to win her and keep her?! Also Rryan please I need answer soon. Also please read my question from April 9th below Kris S.. you didn’t respond. We are together now but she feels distant or like I annoy her.

    Reply
  • Peyton

    My BF and I broke up 3 days ago. We began dating about 5 months ago and became extremely serious very quickly. We lived 2 hours apart from each other, and only got to see each other a limited number of times each week. For the first few months of the relationship, we could not be broken apart by anything. We would constantly talk throughout the day and we always video chatted at night for hours. We had an occasional argument every now and then, but nothing that we did not work through. He always told me plans of his future and how amazing it would be, and I was always included in these plans. After approximately 4 months, things started to become different. When we would go out, things just did not seem as special, and we did not have that original "connection" that we once had. We would get along, but then one of us would say something that would trigger a negative response in the other, which would escalate into an argument. I began to feel as though he was putting other things in place of me and that I was moving down his priority list, day by day. Finally, one day after a pretty hefty argument that ended in making up, he told me that he had planned work events for the next several months during our regular times of meeting. I responded with fear and voiced my concerns to him; however, he found my response to be condescending and took it in a way that made it sound like I was being selfish for worrying about when I would get to see him and how the distance would affect us as a couple. After a few days of arguing and going back and forth, we decided to end things before they became any worse. He now claims to be happy and is moving forward with his life. We still talk on a daily basis just as "friends", but the occasional affectionate comment is made, which confuses me. I am very confused as to what to do at this point. I love him, and I can truly see us having an amazing life together in the long run, and I feel like this is a mutual feeling. I just feel as though he needs to get his priorities straight. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      This is common for most relationships. After the initial honeymoon stage, and the novelty of the relationship wears off, couples start to get more impatient with each other, less tolerant, and generally feel a loss of spark or passion. Talking with him on a daily basis may have helped him avoid dealing with the breakup thus far, and isn't going to help you win him back. The best advice I can give is to read our articles and follow the guidelines on winning him. This includes applying no contact to give him an opportunity to miss you and let the breakup sink in for him so that he may end up regretting his decision.

      Reply
  • Jimothy H

    Hey there I had a question, how long or how many months before one should cut our losses and walk away? I’ve been rebuilding attraction for about 2-3 months and I’ve tried escalating and so far she has responded positively, i suppose. It seems she has gotten used to the idea of talking to me every day again and often times she’ll seem upset that i dont reply or if she calls and say im at the gym, she’ll say “call me when u leave” and sometimes i dont just to test the waters and she’ll tell me “why didnt you call” or “i didnt hear from you anymore”. From time to time she’ll bring up things from our relationship that she didnt like (things i wasnt even aware of) and then she’ll say lets drop it and she’ll seem upset. Kind of a mood killer. It wont be out of the blue though, for example this last time she brought it up because we brought up a particular event we went to and then she said something about that event that i did that she didn’t like (which she never told me at all).. She doesn’t respond negatively to physical touch either. I know this is all good news i guess but there are often times when it seems she doesn’t want to get back together or it seems she doesnt have feelings for me. It’s odd but sometimes it feels this way. So idk if i should bring something up or just keep it going???

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would seem that she isn't responding negatively to you which is a positive sign. However, it does feel that she has communication issues, and you would have to learn how to get around it and find an effective way to get her to tell you about what she feels. Her feelings towards you right now may not have increased from the last time perhaps because something is stopping her from doing so, and she isn't telling you about it. You could try to talk to her about it to understand how she feels towards you, and decide again from there.

      Reply
  • Leah

    My ex of 5 years and I broke up 6 months ago. We had just lost the spark in our relationship and felt more like best friends. I initiated the conversation more than him but it was a mutual decision. We shared a home and had to move out and it’s all been very painful. We continued to speak everyday up until recently when I noticed him become slightly more distant. I knew he had been speaking to another woman a couple of months ago but he kept promising me that this had stopped and that he was unsure of his feelings and whether there was a future for us. In the last couple of months I have started to regret the break up a lot. I wish we had put more time and effort into things instead of giving up. A couple of weeks ago after a conversation, it came to light that he had been on a couple of dates with someone else and told me he had slept with her and there was were the start of some feelings towards her. He said he didn’t want to tell me because he still loves me and cared about my feelings and hurting me. Luckily the girl has now moved to another country so it was a short lived thing but really hurtful as he was still speaking to me everyday. Although I am still worried they will keep up contact and maybe they may have a future! He has said now that he is sorry but he thinks there is no going back for me and him. To me it only feels like the break up has started now and not 6 months ago due to the fact we were still speaking all the time. I started no contact 3 days ago and today I had a message from him basically summarising our conversation from the other day saying how he feels and he still loves me and hopes I can be happy. I didn’t respond which has been really difficult as he sent another message asking if I had received the previous and that it had been hard for him to send and he hopes I’m ok. Do you think with continued no contact this could be salvageable?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps, down the road but you'll have to figure out what went wrong with the relationship exactly and if the spark can be re-created again with him. It works both ways, and if you think that by going through NC properly you'll be able to make clear positive changes in your life, the chances of you attracting him back would still exist. However, it might not be immediate and even then, there's no guarantee that he would become attracted to you again so you will have to mentally prepare for that as well.

      Reply
  • Kris s

    Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team
    Apr 9th, 2018 at 04:20 am
    To be frank, you're going to have to act supportive of her decision if you still want a chance at making things work. I understand that you don't want to see her leave, but if you start begging or losing control of your emotions, you're only going to push her further away. Right now because the relationship is over until you win her back, she does not have a longing reason to stay and whatever obvious actions you make will only make her think you're trying to win her back because you want her to stay.**************************************************To: -Ryan sorry dude I had to put you last message on here because it would not let me reply down below.. I’m not sure how often you get on here but I truly wish I had gotten this advance sooner be I already did this by begging her to stay and it pushed her away even more.. she s kept saying it’s a good move for her.. yesterday we went on a date to see if we can make it back to that point of relationship and I gave her a promise ring saying I wanted to marry her and I promise to do what it takes to makes things right between us.. she was so happy and said she would marry if I had proposed with a ring however she would still move to another city for her job.. I said that would put a strain on our relationship and wouldn’t work.. I said how cane we be engaged or married living in different cities? She said if we both make the necessary adjustements and work at it , it could work.. also she use to flirt and went on a date with a ex Co worker and is also moving to that same city.. she doesn’t have any family out there and doesn’t know anyone except the person who has been actively trying to her her attention and to have sex with her.. that pissed me off.. that’s one of the main reasons I didn’t want her to go.. I won be there and this other person will be around her 24/7.. the last night we had a argument because even though we are not together now she has been talking late night with her ex (child father) she spent the night at my house last night and he called after hours.. she admitted to talking with her and flirting and staying up in phone with him.. I got angry because I asked her how can we have a marriage if you’re still doing same things that broke with up so many times.. her excuse was we are just friends and I get from him what I don’t get from you.. however she doesn’t want me talking or being friends with any of my ex’s or even opposite sex. DOUBLE STANDARD! So since I just read your message now to supporting her she’s already mad at me and said she no longer attracted to me ..that she doesn’t have feelings for me anymore... that we will never have same intense love relationship we once had.. keep in my just yesterday she was onboard with marriage before our argument to today I don’t like you at all and she wants me completely out her life and wants zero contact. Doesn’t make sense.. I sill love her and want her back and know we can work... her attitude changed when I brought up get communication with ex recently and me feeling she will cheat if she moves.. Help Ryan! Below is my last text to her .....Ok.. I still love you and will never fully understand you or the way you do things.. truth is I was real with you at the end of the day.. never wanted anything more than a healthy relationship from beginning.. I've given you a part of my heart no one has had in a long time.. always wanted better for you ..it's crazy we can't even maintain a friendship... I still care about you.. good luck with your new endeavors. ..Also one last thing.. I support you making a better move for yourself.. not saying so that would change anything at this point.. I'm honestly saying that.. put that on my nieces who I love to death.. I always wanted and like to see you doing better and making moves.. same reason why I supported you going back to school.. which I still support. I was being selfish yeah before because I wanted to marry you. So for that I apologize, however it still stands that I truly support growth. Hope you get the job you want or need no matter where it's located. Fr....Lol ok I'll stoping texting you now. Hope you get the job you want or need no matter where it's located. Fr....Lol ok I'll stoping texting you now. Hope you get the job you want or need no matter where it's located. Fr....Lol ok I'll stoping texting you now. ... by the way she ignored all messages.

    Reply
    • Kris S

      Hi Ryan just a up date ... she has been very wish washy lately.. I found out yesterday her ex sent her roses and she never mentioned it to me.. I told her she was a tease.. I went to her house last night to watch tv and she acted like she was getting ready to kiss me then walked off.. it’s like she is playing with me.. last night we talked and she said if she is offered the job (which I hope she’s not) she will be moving in 3 weeks! She was looking for apartments yesterday in another city.. we talked about it last night and I told her I supported her moving like you suggested.. then I asked about a long distance relationship with me.. at first she said she wanted to focus on her self and her new position but then when I asked again she said yes and would like to... girl doesn’t know what she wants and seems like she will start ignoring me when she’s moves.. fresh start as she calls it.. help Ryan I don’t want to loose her.. also she will be working in same office as the jerk that constantly flirts with her at work.. and I won’t be there if she goes.. what do I do to win her and keep her?!

      Reply
  • Sandy

    Thank you so much for your quick response. So since then he has been replying, some positive messages but when I said - let me know if you want to meet for a coffee or something be replied saying he misses me and us but is worrying if it’s the right thing to do. I left it and then a few days later wished him a happy Easter.

    He’s been replying but with mostly neutrally to my positive good memory texts and I just don’t know what to do now. Please advise how on how to get him to want to meet with me/ attract him back?? I read somewhere you are supposed to text for a week those kinds of messages to open the lines of communication up and build rapport but I just feel like he’s not interested.

    It’s been 2months since the break up.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would be best to simply build upon casual topics right now to to build a level of comfort and habit between the two of you talking again. Get him used to that idea, until his trust in you and familiarity comes back, and he may then respond more positively towards your sweet messages.

      Reply
    • Sandy

      Thank you so much for your rapid response again. He’s been replying more positively. Your advice is working and he has now asked to meet with me this weekend. Very thankful. Will let you know how it goes!!! :)

      Reply
  • Aaron

    Hi. My girlfriend and i were a good couple. At least i thought so. We would quarrel but usually quick to resolve the issue and make up. We were together for around 3 months. During the 3 months, she loved me crazily, and i did the same. 1 month ago, i had to move overseas to study. At the start she was okay with it, she still loved me the same. But the past 2-3 weeks, she started making excuses for being too tired to text, or other reasons for not being able to video call. I could sense that the emotional connection between us slowly becoming distant. Last week, we called for short break in the relationship, we reconciled 2 days after. She said she wants to continue being together. Yesterday, she said she still has feelings for me, but it is lesser now, and she felt like her feelings were forced, which i didn't quite agree with because i believe that there is more to a relationship that just feelings; such as communication, trust, faith, effort etc. Nevertheless, i reluctantly agreed to break up. According to her, her love language is Quality time and Physical touch. Do you think it may be the lack of quality time together and lack of physical touch that could have caused her feelings to fade?
    Anything you can recommend to help? As of now i haven't had any communication with her except through following each other on instagram

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Long distance is definitely not easy for any relationship. It brings up the aspects we otherwise take for granted, and one being physical contact and time in your ex's case. Those factors can definitely cause someone to feel more distant from their partners. Depending on how strongly your ex needs contact and time in order to maintain her feelings for you, it may not be possible to find a permanent solution because the situation will still remain present as long as you're overseas. If you're only going to be away for a short period, perhaps it might still be possible to convince her to pull through until you return.

      Reply
  • Ben

    My gf broke up with me about 7 months ago. The first 4 months were just trying to patch things up but it didn't work. So I started NC last 3 months I messed up the first NC so i decided to do the second one. Next week would be the end of the second one. However my gf had a convo with my mum and she agreed to give me a 2nd chance. She told my mum I should call her. But I'm kindna like a phone call would be too confrontational. I forgot to say the main reason why we broke up was she accused me of not calling or showing enough care she just hate me texting all the time. Since she requested a phone call from me, do u think it is a good idea to text her and if I have to text or call her what would I say?

    Reply
    • Ben

      I think I messed up again. I messaged her instead of calling her this was what I sent her
      Hello, Good afternoon. How have you been? I would loved to hear your voice but since we haven't talked for a while now. I think a call would be too confrontational. I had a convo with my mum and she adores you 😊. I decided to initiate contact. I hope youve been doing well and you're loving your new job. 😊😊

      I had no reply. I dnt know how to approach her now. It has been 2 days since I sent the letter. Should i tell my mum to call her or i should call and apologize, would that look like I am desperate? What should I do?? Cos i have a feeling she might not pick up my call.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since she hates texting and has requested for you to call, texting her may end up getting her angry again and reminding her why things ended the first time. I would recommend that you follow her suggestion, and give her a call. You could apologize for not showing her enough care or calling enough, and if she really has given you a second chance, work to change those aspects if you haven't already done so.

      Reply
    • Ben

      I think I have messed up again. I did text her and I had no reply and it has been 2 days since I sent her the message.this was what I sent her
      Hello, Good afternoon. How have you been? I would loved to hear your voice but since we haven't talked for a while now. I think a call would be too confrontational. I had a convo with my mum and she adores you 😊. I decided to initiate contact. I hope youve been doing well and you're loving your new job. 😊😊

      Now I dnt know what to do. I'm wondering she won't pick up my calls but why would she tell my mum she would give me a second chance, does she really mean it? I would call her and try to apologize that I should have call when my mum told me to call. What do you think. Thanks for your reply earlier on.

      Reply
  • GAURAV SINGH

    Hi,
    Me and my girlfriend have a 6 months relationship, our family are conservatives and due to that I ended the relationship last month.
    But after 3 days we are back together.
    But now today she decided to end it.
    I said that you are on the same phase as I was last month, so I will wait for you for come back.
    I don't know what to do next.
    After my breakup last month I am more committed in the relationship than ever before.
    So what do I do to get her back. She is my classmate and I have to see her after 2 days

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could refer to this article on tips to deal with your ex if you have to face her on a daily basis. I would suggest going into No Contact for now, and giving her some space to decide what she wants to do.

      Reply
  • pam

    so after 2.5yrs together, my fiance of 6mnths has ended it. he was my 1st relationship in all sense of the phrase, i had only ever had 1st dates before him. although we are the same religion, our backgrounds were different, my family being far stricter, and this was always a problem in the relationship as we didn't have the freedom he felt we needed in order to confirm we belonged together. despite that, he did propose on what was the best day of my life, however 1 week later, a fight about the usual, freedom in our relationship, really burst the happiness bubble. we struggled through the next 4mnths, always about lack of freedom, how i needed to be honest to family about what i wanted etc. wedding planning was not good. i bought a dress on a weekend we fought, the venue deposit was paid through bad feelings, no dj/cake/decorator/honeymoon got confirmed. just always me researching and suggesting ideas and him telling me this isn't the engagement that he wanted. he did order save the dates off his own back, so there was something in him that showed he wanted to get married, but no best man was confirmed, no stag, no grooms outfit, nothing. all we had was me crying that married life would be better than dating/ engagement as we would have the freedom he craved so much. eventually i gave in and found ways to lie to family; id stay over but even those nights often got ruined as his whole attitude was harsh and sad. he was never abusive physically or verbally. but he was unkind for sure. its confusing for me now as i want to live happily ever after with him and get the wedding back on a track. but even typing this i realise how awful a relationship it was, because of him. if he really loved me, freedom would not have been the end of the world, but it was. so he just didn't love me enough. i hate to admit it. i think i coerced him to propose and stay together as long as we did. i hate that i played myself for so long. worse, i hate that the limits to a full relationship in his eyes made a really fun exciting man into a sad and hurtful one. he was a great guy, i was so excited to be the woman in his life as he always wanted to do fun things and he was clever and smart. i just wish it had worked out. i'm not angry that he was so unkind to me, i wish he just had more patience and understanding of the limits i had. id love a happy ending to this but my hope is finally starting to fade

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hang in there Pam. These things happen, and we do hope that you'll have a happily ever after, but it was clear that he didn't seem ready to get married because of whatever reservations he had. The relationship had also probably tired him out and caused him to change over time, which in turn made you very unhappy. Give it some time and space, and see how things go again, but if it was genuinely not a healthy relationship, you are better off considering the alternative of walking away to find happiness elsewhere.

      Reply
  • oraytt

    Hi there, My ex is dating with someone. though we still talk because were classmates. we still do the things we do. but im having a hard time with the new guy. and i cant make the no contact because we meet everyday

    Reply
  • Jade

    Hi,

    So my ex broke up with me less than a week ago and I have tried to initiate NC, however he has text me and we are seeing each other to sort through out stuff. I have told him I need space to process this however, he still checks up on me to check if im okay even though he doesnt say much back to me. I am thinking of giving him about four weeks to have space as I know I need that too. What would you recommend the best way to contact my ex? He knows I like to write letters but has never written one to me and I don't want to scare him off and would like to get a response from him. This may sound weird but planning out my next moves for myself and even contacting him is helping me accept the break up. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could follow the guidelines found in our article on what you should do. Alternatively, this article might help specifically for your game plan after no contact ends.

      Reply
  • Excalibur6

    I reconnected with my ex after 3 weeks no contact. Went good she suggested meeting for dinner, she bought I Did all the right things night went great.

    After she said she didn't want to jump back into relationship. Knowing her I took this as her stringing me along. I panicked and wanted to rush the makeup talk, because she ending things really badly with me, she faked cheating to push me away. For sure she didn't after having a honest talk.

    Anyways after I asked her to come to a club after a week. She comes we have a great dinner and night. She did say she felt she needed to date others to know if I'm the one casually during dinner.

    We had great time she got too drunk. I took care of her brought her home after vomiting everywhere, cleaned her etc.

    In the morning she's all over me affectionate and we were kissing etc. I haven't experienced this in months

    We were going to meet up for dinner at my place and she was going to take me out to dinner It was going great.

    Anyways few days later I get paranoid that she's maybe seeing that guy because I don't fully trust her after the breakup and still have doubts to whether she was cheating for real or not from before the relationship ended. Anyways I Caught her in a lie about where she was one night because I didn't want to continue if she was lying to me.

    Anyways she pulled away said we weren't right for one another said she remembers why she broke up when I annoyed her trying to explain my rational for confronting her lie. And I pleaded to try and keep her dating me.

    I said fine I'm cutting you out for good. Dot want you as a friend or a crutch while you date others. Or I'm a plan b. Your being mean etc. I said I'll. Give you a week to change your mind, she liked that idea and said she might contact me. I said I won't initiate ever again.

    Should I go nc again? 30 days? Let her cool off for a few or give up?

    She did says she was about to start seeing a guy off Tinder.

    She seems to have feelings but knows we aren't right for one another.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Let her cool off for now, and perhaps go about NC anywhere between 2-4 weeks depending on the severity of the incident. Keep in mind that you should learn to control your emotions better and not jump to irrational thoughts or get overly possessive because you are not yet officially back together with her. I think that if you want a chance at winning her back, you would have to make some changes to your mindset and emotions, as the possessiveness and insecurities were probably what pushed her away this time.

      Reply
  • Kris S.

    Hi Ryan I need you help again. I got my girl back in January after completely the 30 day no contact.. it absolutely worked! Here’s the problem now. She recently broke up with me again a few days ago and this is the 3 rd time we have broken up. First time I broke up with her and last two times she broke up with me. After the 30 day no contact I was able to improve myself and heal somewhat. We got back together even tho she was hesitant at first. She broke up with me recently because she said I kept bringing up the past situations we fought about (she hooked up with her ex more than I once). We would argue about how she hooked up with him multiple times when we broke up and I said it was shady because if she loved me she would not have done that. Also same day we broke up , she hooked up with her ex , which is why I said shady.. didn’t make sense to just happen out of nowhere.. also she said I don’t care about her anymore or the relationship because of my nonchalant attitude.. this is not the case I care and love her but she sometimes takes me for granted so I purposely would be act nonchalant.. of course this just made things worse. She said we don’t work and never will because of this also she was upset we don’t have sex a lot.. she wants more sex but I was somewhat turned off by her hooking up with other people in the past.. I want her back and for us to work properly. Yesterday I asked her out to dinner and she made arrangements to meet me however we ended up arguing.. she says she feels she can never open herself back up to me again. She has a history of saying she wants me to chase after her then turn around and tell me not to chase her heart. What should I do to get her back and keep her? We don’t want to be stagnant relationship. I asked her yesterday if she wanted me to stop chasing her and she said yes , but then when I asked if she would allow me to show her I care and we can work with my actions, would she allow me to show her exp take her out or hang out.. she said yes she was willing to allow that.. I’m so confused dude about what this girl really wants . If she’s really done with me or if she just want me to try harder. Please please help Ryan

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's not only about what she wants at this point, but also the communication breakdown that you both seem to have. You'll have to learn to let go of the negative past events if you ever want anything to work out. You'll also both have to communicate your needs, and try to reach a compromise, and to avoid bringing up the past whenever you get into an argument. For the time being, going back into NC again might be the best solution as you give her some time to cool off before trying to reach out once again.

      Reply
    • Kris s

      Thanks Ryan.. I have another dilemma now. She just told me today she has a job interview Monday for a position in another city. I love her and don’t want her to go. She says it’sore money and she would have stayed if we were together or engaged.. I asked her to be my gf again and she said no it’s too soon and I’m just saying that to get her back or to stay.. this isn’t true.. I was trying to do the N.C. rule again and give her space otherwise I would have asked her son time ago.. what do I do dude?! I can’t loose my girl.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To be frank, you're going to have to act supportive of her decision if you still want a chance at making things work. I understand that you don't want to see her leave, but if you start begging or losing control of your emotions, you're only going to push her further away. Right now because the relationship is over until you win her back, she does not have a longing reason to stay and whatever obvious actions you make will only make her think you're trying to win her back because you want her to stay.

      Reply
  • Pls Help

    My ex and I were together for almost 4 years, had a dog, lived together for the last one. It was a bad idea to move in together, we were at 2 completely different places in our lives. We started fighting more often than not in our last year, intense, hurtful fights. He broke up with me a month before Christmas when we were going away with his family- I was devastated. Although we didn't bombard each other with texts or calls we still didn't do NC and continuing arguing about everything in our usual fashion for about 3 months. We then did NC for a month, he reached out to me after we matched on a dating app asking to see me and the dog. We got together, it went ok, we didn't fight but we still had a bit of a heated discussion (on his end, I was calm in explaining how I understood we needed time to heal and get over our negative feelings). His issue is that he doesn't want to talk about things anymore, understandably so, because it's exhausting however we haven't actually resolved any issues.
    We didn't speak for a week- he called me at 4am which I didn't answer. He then started texting me quite frequently, said he thought about me and our relationship a lot and although he wasn't completely fine he recognized some issues and was open for a discussion. We hung out, it was great, ended up sleeping together, but knowing he is on a dating app obviously I felt vulnerable and wanted to talk to him about it. Bad idea, for 3 days we had yet another one of our blow out fights with him yelling and swearing at me, calling me names, being downright disrespectful, because my bringing up my feelings were a reminder of why we broke up in the first place, it took him right back to square 1 because he remembered all the bad things he was feeling from before, saw that nothing had changed and needed to take a step back again (and the guy has a temper so this was not said in a nice way whatsoever).
    So we are now back to NC which I intend not to break, it's been a little over 4 months since we broke up and I guess I'm wondering if we think he is going to reach out again, and if he does if it's simply because he misses me or because he's hoping to reconcile? Or if you even think we have a chance at reconciling at this point? His birthday is coming up and I'm wondering if I should text him (because he texted me on mine)- it will be in the 3rd week of no contact?
    I guess I'm just struggling with the whole idea of other girls in the picture because despite being a confident person, I think someone should be committed to working things out with you, not keeping other options open...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It seems to me that unless you ex decides to change his way of dealing with conflict and negative emotions, even if you do reconcile with him, the same issues would occur as communication constantly becomes a major issue for both parties. His activities on the dating app may be a result of breaking up, in which you shouldn't overthink since everyone has their ways of coping which could stop once things settle down with him. You could drop him a text on his birthday but if NC has not ended yet, perhaps try to limit the amount of small talk for awhile longer, but use the birthday text to get a sense of how he responds towards you.

      Reply
  • Raegan

    So my boyfriend broke up with me today. We broke up once before over a silly little thing which he admitted was a stupid reason. But this time I messed up. I lied about something pretty big and lied about it for a while. He found out from a friend that it wasn’t true. He asked me about it and I admitted to it. I lost his trust and he broke up with me. Idk if there’s still a chance or not.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You'll probably have to give him some space for now to cool off, and apply no contact first before attempting to re-gain his trust again and getting him to open up to you once more. It definitely depends on how badly he took it and whether he's a person who can forgive easily or not.

      Reply
  • Albert

    Hello.
    My gf broke up with me with a message WhatsApp, she texted that she was not comfortable with me anymore. that really hurt me a lot, i never expected that, yeah, we had some troubles before, she was so irritated all the time that i was with her. Everytime i tried to be nice and calm down the situation, but she always found a reason to be upset with me. We have been together for almost 4 years. I give her space, and then 2 weeks without see each other she texted me that she was done, and i asked her if at least can the break up could be face to face, i want to see her a last time to say goodbye and thank her for everything, and she agreed. that happened sunday, im gonna see her this saturday, but we dont set up it "formal" i only asked if saturday can we see us to talk ,but we didnt set time, and no place where can we meet up.. what can i do? i havent texted since that day, should i text her that day? Please help. i want her back

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes you could, or the night before to schedule a timing to meet. You might have to understand in greater detail why she could so easily lose feelings for you from 2 weeks of not contacting her, and if it's genuinely on her part that she requires patience and lots of physical contact in order to sustain an emotional connection, you might have a tough time following our guidelines on no contact.

      Reply
  • Jin

    Hi ,i were in a long distance mix culture relationship with my british ex bf.we have been together for one and half year,we visited each other or went to another country together. one month ago he broke up.with me.then he flew to Portugal to try to sleep with another chinese girl.and he made it.after that i started no contact.3 days ago i contacted him .he gave quite positive response .today he wanted to call me. i agreed.then he told me he was in the airport .going to fly to china to meet her new chinese gf which he slept with in Portugal.we talked only 8mins,then i hang up,he wanted to talk longer because he is bored waiting in the airport.now i am so frustrated,dont know what i should do during his visit this time.please help me.thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he is already dating someone new, perhaps it might a better idea to walk away from him and move on. It seems like because of his new partner, that he no longer displays romantic affection towards you and trying to re-ignite it while he is dating someone else is inadvisable.

      Reply
  • James

    Hello!
    I did all the necessary steps and it was working for a bit. After NC I rebuilt communication with her through texting. We went out on 2 "friendly dates" and we both had the time of our lives. She was giving me some vague signs that things were going well but that could be because we had a great 2-year relationship and things never got ugly during our breakup. However, when I asked her for another meeting she said "we can't keep going out like friends". I finally convinced her to meet once more so I explained that I don't see her as a friend, that I learnt from my mistakes, our past relationship ended for a reason and I wanted to start something new with her. She got a bit emotional and did some blaming on both of us. She told me she doesn't want to try again because she wants to move forward and put herself first. We then spent the rest of the night hugging and laughing to our stupid inside jokes before saying goodbye, seemingly forever.
    I now fully know the reasons to our breakup and it's definitely not something irreconcilable, more like bad timing and everyday life that led to losing the flame. We both know we can have a good time together, she still loves me and doesn't want anybody else at this time. She's affected by this but tries not to give me anything to hope for and wants to stay true to her decision because "not looking back" and "the best is yet to come". Seems like all hope for getting back together is lost. Is there anything I can still do?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The best thing left to do at this point is to give some time between the both of you. She feels this way now because ultimately, she may not have let go of all the negative emotions she felt back then. If you feel that bad timing and loss of spark was the key issues, if you really do want her back, perhaps address those issues by giving enough time to pass and both of you start to align more again in frequency. However, this time frame is not definite and it would probably require a lot of patience from you as you continue being her friend for now. If you think that you're unable to do so, moving on might be the easier thing to do instead.

      Reply
    • James

      Thank you for your response! It makes sense to think she hasn't let go of all the negativity. I'm all for being her friend for now but she isn't gonna let me be around because like I said it still affects her and makes her feel conflicted. So yeah, I'm not sure what to do next.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Continue giving her space for now since it's clear that she hasn't reached a stage where she's okay talking to you normally again. Continue with no contact and let more time pass before attempting again.

      Reply
  • Ness

    Hi Ryan, my 8months boyfriend broke up one month ago now. He confess me afterwards that he was going through a depression since 2 months (as he might loose his business) and that our relationship was stressing him out as I was often complaining. That he still loved me but he wanted to be single and focus on himself to sort out his life. I should have respect his wishes but instead I did everything I should not have done. Asking him to reconsider his decision many times, hookup maybe 3 times since then to keep contact, and sending him a lot of messages asking insecurity questions. I came at his without no warning to talk face to face 2 days ago around 11PM and he literally lost his temper saying I was weird, I was sending too many massages which distracted him, that I had too many red flags to be together again.. He asking me to leave and that he didn’t want to hear about me again. The next day I deleted everything phone number, messages, and unfollowed him to start to move on as I didn’t think I would hear from him again. But he eventually send me a text to apologize and explained me that he had a stressful day and was literally fed up with everything. So I am wondering do you think I have a chance to get him back with the NC period ? What shall I do ? Thanks a lot

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since he is feeling stressed out and is facing many issues, perhaps NC might do both of you some good since it gives him space to deal with his issues and let go of the pent up frustrations he might be feeling towards you. At the same time, it would be good for you to take some time to change any negative aspects of yourself so that when you initiate contact again, he would see you in a different light.

      Reply
  • Cory

    Hello,

    My boyfriend (33) and I (29), a same-sex couple, were together for one year and four months. We would see each other every weekend and we would stay at either of our places since we live about 1.5 hours away from each other. During our relationship we texted daily, we travelled, I met and became friends with his friends, I would cook for us, everything was going great. About 6 months into the relationship there was a decrease in sex/fooling around, but I attributed it to him taking Adderall after we became a couple. I calmly brought it up twice throughout the relationship. We talked about it and he said he thought it was the medicine. We never really argued or fought at all. I felt that we communicated fairly well.

    About a month ago, we met up in the city for dinner with a friend and we had a great time. The next evening, he drove up to my apartment and was shaking when he walked in. He said, "Babe, I think we need to break up." I felt shocked and said, "Ok, but can you tell me why?" he gave me answers that he wants to move to a new city and start a new life. That he wouldn't feel right asking me to move and what if he failed or decided to move back. He did say I could text him if I had any questions and he said he would answer them. I texted him a few times and he later said, he wasn't sure there was anything to bring the spark back. About a week post break up, he defriended me from Facebook, where I had only posted twice, but would "like" comments and other posts. I will admit that I went to his Facebook page and saw that some guy tagged him on a post. I had never heard of this guy before, and now I'm coming up with all sorts of thoughts and scenarios in my head. I'm trying my best to believe they're just friends.

    I did no contact and finally sent him an email a couple days ago. It was formatted like Kevin suggests and puts no pressure on him to reply, and I'm not expecting a response. I know him well enough to know that he's a determined guy and will want to stick to his decision. I was blindsided by the breakup, but now that I've had the chance to look back on our relationship, I can see where we each could have done better. I wish I could have realized this earlier. I'll be waiting a week or two to send him a text message. My question is, would it be wrong to send a photo too? He always had the perfect meme or image for any situation and I'm wondering if sending one might help lighten the mood.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If it's a picture relating to the relationship that might lighten the mood as you say or bring back familiar memories, by all means include it within the next message you send him.

      Reply
  • Mohammed SB

    Hey,
    My ex gf broke up with me on 4th of Feb 2018, we were together for 8 months things were going so good we loved each so much other until our last month, things changed and she got busy and we stopped communicating like we used to but i used to ask her whats going on and why she changed, she kept saying that shes busy moving to her new house but suddenly one day she told me that she cant continue this relationship because she got tired and shes afraid that nothing will happen between us in the future i tried to ask why whats wrong then she told me about this guy she met on the last month of our relationship and that she wants to be with him, at first i was shocked and really upset and i stopped communicating (NC) for 17 days then i initiated contact with her on day 18 but never showed a sign of weakness and i kept the conversation brief i made her laugh and everything was good but at the end of that week i couldn't hold myself about her and the new guy and i told her how i missed her and that we can sort things out and i tried to meet her but she refused and said she cant and refused to get back, she said its hard for her to be back together with me i felt so bad and That's when i stopped contacting her and used NC again but this time I'm doing it the right way and its my 27th day on NC but she didn't contact me and she didn't show any signs of missing me but 2 days ago she started posting pic of her new bf on Whats-app (we are friends on Whats app) and saying how much she loves him and she's happy with him she kept that post for about half a day then she changed it, I started to panic and I don't want to lose her,I love her so much and I'm sure that we can sort things out, so should i initiate contact with her? so that she doesn't move on with her new bf and forget about me or should i stay in NC ??

    PS: she started to show her new relationship on snap chat and Instagram with this guy, she didn't use to do this stuff with me but i unfollowed her on snap chat and Instagram since the day we got broke...... so Why showing!!!!! ( we are apart for more than 1 month)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There might be a possibility that she may have moved on since the break up, but there's also a chance that he is simply a rebound, since people who get into rebound relationships tend to amplify their feelings of affection towards their new partner in order to escape the negative emotions of the breakup with you. Unfortunately, while she is still together with the new guy, there isn't much you can do (or should) because your actions would be met with hostility or negativity, and things may only end up getting worse. Right now, you can either decide to continue with NC further and observe what happens down the road, or consider moving on from her if you're unable to wait it out.

      Reply
  • Anakaren

    So I was only able to stop texting my ex fiancé for 2 weeks. When i messaged him he was being really cool. I asked him if he wanted to work things out and he said he didn’t know that we had to talk in person first. Well he was taking hours to reply to me but I saw on the app he was texting and talking to someone on the phone constantly. I called private and it was a girl. Well long story short I made a huge deal I texted her and told her whatever she could keep him. He wasn’t mad that I went through his privacy. I ended up apologizing to both because I obviously did wrong but things in a way for better for my ex and I. He said he still loves me but he doesn’t want to be in a relationship right now. He told me to do myself and go out on dates. I’m really confused because he said he’s not going to be dating or sleeping with other girls but he is going to go out and socialize. He said we can be friends with benefits if there isn’t any strings attached. But we both love eachother so this is so confusing

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Not to be negative, but it honestly sounds as if he has emotionally given up on the relationship with you for whatever reasons. The fact that he was nonchalant to your actions, wanting to continue going out to socialize and even suggesting to become friends with benefits does make it seem like he doesn't care. However, I may not know the full situation, and if you feel otherwise and want to win him back, perhaps give both parties some space and apply no contact. Definitely do not agree to becoming friends with benefits in the meantime.

      Reply
  • Sandy

    Please help me...I was with my boyfriend for 6months, he is 45 and I’m 31...it was a very good relationship but last month was bad due to arguments because his ex gf harassing him all the time causing insecurities. We broke up 6weeks ago now -he said he needed space. I did 1week no contact then messaged to see how he is and then we communicated briefly and then he ignored me.

    I sent him a hand written letter agreeing with his decision to split even though that’s not how I felt. I heard from him next day but then replied and he ignored me. I finished 2weeks of no contact a few days ago and initiated a good memory text and he replied with a polite formal message. I asked if he wants to meet for a coffee but he hasn’t responded. What do I do? I really need to see him and desperately want a chance to rebuild our relationship.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he still continues to ignore you, it would best to properly finish No contact and give him more space since he has expressed it. You should be spending time within this period to make positive changes to yourself as well, so that when you do make contact after NC, he would see you in new light as a changed person.

      Reply
  • Anne Klein

    My boyfriend broke up with me very suddenly about 4 days ago. He said he just didn’t want to be in a relationship anymore and wanted to explore more things. We are supposed to talk again in several weeks. I am trying to go through the no contact period, however I go to school with my ex and I am unable to avoid him. I recently texted him that I wanted him to keep his distance so I could have time to think and heal from the breakup. He agreed to this, but hasn’t really been sticking to those conditions. How do I get him to miss me if I have to see him everyday? I am trying to act nonchalant around him but I’d rather us not have any contact at all. He is also not acting like himself around others and is trying to get attention and be outspoken as if to look like he is fine without me. He’s never acted like this before, what does it mean? I’d love to get back together in the future but I don’t know how to go about the no contact period if I have to see him every day.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could refer to this article on ways to deal with an ex that you have to meet frequently. Additionally, his outspoken and unusual behavior may be the result of him still having feelings for you but unsure of how to process them, therefore actively trying to convince himself that he's fine.

      Reply
  • Niles

    Hey,

    my long-distance ex broke up with me very recently, just a week ago. It was pretty weird because the first evening she didn't even say "It's over" or anything along those lines, and also she gave me a variety of reasons, a lot of which did not make sense. E.g. saying that we wouldn't fit together, although we have mutual hobbies and the same sense of humor and more (which is also why I think the relationship is worth fighting for).
    She also said she just didn't love me anymore, but if so she was hiding it pretty well for the last few weeks and also made some odd decisions, like booking holidays with me not even a week before breaking up, or having me buy her a birthday present not even 2 days before the breakup (I know she doesn't give too much damns about birthdays so she could have easily said she didn't want anything).
    In the last few weeks we did have some arguments, but I could not have imagined her breaking up just because of that, at least not before trying to talk calmly about it first.
    So right now I am confused as to why exactly she broke up, and if she actually just does not love me anymore (since she really was not acting accordingly, and also because she broke up after an argument). And if she still has romantic feelings towards me, is going no contact still the right choice?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      First figure out the reason why she broke up with you. She may have been confusing during the breakup and giving her reasons because she may not be good with confrontation. If the genuine reason was because she lost feelings and was continuing with her actions out of habit, it would be better to give NC a go first. If there is something that can be resolved, try to convince her to give you another shot to work things out.

      Reply
    • Niles

      Hey, thanks for the quick response.

      How should you go about finding out those reasons? After reading and watching a lot about NC and that you shouldn't break it, and that you should not be talking to your ex about the break up anymore. So I don't know if asking her outright might annoy her, and if she can even give me genuine answers herself yet. Of course I have already thought about it myself, the problem is that there is just not one explanation that makes full sense.
      On the one hand she did start "distancing" herself from me, but her actions always had other reasonable explanations, and as far as I know up until then everything was fine (as I said she didn't really behave differently towards me and we did plan and even booked holidays together), we had seen each other over New Year and she seemed very much in love with me then, and in the meantime I didn't start doing anything differently that would explain her losing attraction.
      On the other hand, recently, we did have arguments which could have gotten too much for her to handle, and in my opinion that could be resolved (for once I could work on myself and the problems just occurred because it was long-distance but that would have changed pretty soon), but I am out of ideas how to convince her of that as well, all I could think of was to tell her I understand why she felt the way she did and sincerely apologize for my behavior. Then she might realize herself that the relationship can work and she can be happy in it.

      Sorry for the long texts, it's just a really dire and confusing situation right now.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I understand how you might be feeling right now. Most often times, we end up losing ourselves in an attempt to get closure over the breakup, but in reality, not everyone gets that chance. If you have somewhat figured out the reason why things ended, it may be best to accept it at that, and focus on making those changes you've mentioned earlier. You don't have to convince her just yet since you're about to go into NC, nor should you be obsessing right now on how to win her back. Spend this time focusing on making positive improvements, so that when the opportunity presents itself down the road, your ex would see you in a different light.

      Reply
  • Jim

    So my ex and I broke up 6 weeks ago. I only begged for about 24 hours then I went into complete NC. She messaged me after a week, asking me a few questions (as we had recently moved out of our home). Then she was sad I wasn’t responding, asking to help her because she was feeling lonely and didn’t know what to do. I responded with short but kind message and she responded with a very long message about how she has to let go of us and that she missed, I responded again (she begged me for a response) very kindly to that message and said I respected her decision to break up and I wish her well. I have worked on myself, I’ve lost 5kgs, I joined a running club, being on dates, rediscovered my confidence, got a new job, posting happy positive stuff on social media. So after 32 days of me not initiating contact, I sent an elephant in the room text (we had a rough few months with me losing my job and having to leave our house) because we had a big fight that lead to the break up, I got no response. So I left a week and sent a emotional text about an inside joke we had going and it’s being two days and no response, I did not say anything about the relationship or missing her or anything . Should I just leave it? Go no contact again? Try an advice text in a couple of weeks?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Go no contact again and wait a week or two before trying again. It could be that she's avoiding you for the time being, or trying to deal with her own issues right now.

      Reply
    • Jim

      Thanks Ryan, she pop up on my tinder too.

      Reply
  • Phillip

    Hello,
    I've sent some messages here a while back and it sort of helped me and thaks for that :). I was patiently waiting to contact my ex and after I finally did we started talking. Sometime we would talk for a few days then stop then talk again etc. I finally asked her for a coffee so that she could help me with some things for work. I kept it casual but we ended up talking for a lot of other things and it felt great we both had a great time. Now I am not sure that I should say how happy I was that we saw each other or not and I am not sure what to do next. I usually want to have a plan before doing something but more often than not that's too late.

    Thanks, Phillip

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Keep things casual, perhaps let her know it was nice meeting her and she looked really great. Continue with the casual conversations and work your way from there.

      Reply
  • Daliah Brown

    Hey Ryan, I think I destroyed everything, I had to take your suggestion of talking things over with my ex after a week or some time and I being needy and hurt beyond limits, called him and it started with just asking him the reasons and went on to be the worst phone call of my life because I begged, I cried, I blamed him, Then I blamed myself.

    He said this is why I need this breakup, you could not be on your own for five days! Had you given me at least ten days time, I would have thought about starting it again but this call is making me feel I was right about the breakup. He said that I didn't mean I cannot take care of you financially, I meant I cannot take care of your emotional needs. I cannot deal with your complaints of not talking to you well, not giving you time when I don't get enough time for myself. Someone in his friend circle was talking about girls, objectifying them as baggage and he said he felt he could relate and this is when he realized he cannot do this anymore.

    I broke every rule, begged him to meet me once, Begged him to take me back and felt ashamed later to have stooped that low. In my opinion, I never felt I was doing anything wrong because I have never ended his call even when I have been busy and this opinion destroyed everything because I felt I was entitled to get his time back because he made a commitment to me to be there for me. Now I realize how caged he must have felt. I am shattered right now. I feel a void inside but I still want his happiness and I want him to realize at some point that there were more happy times than sad and frustrating times in our relationship. I am sure of this that it was happy four years since he was still discussing taking a flat together soon until around March 15th...but he gave up on me when I said that I cannot make it until April when I had promised him that I will take care of all health issues by 20th February.

    I feel like I have driven him away forever, a guy who when was breaking up said it will always be you and only you and if I ever get into a serious committed relationship like marriage it will only be with you. How could I be so foolish to do this to the guy I love so much.

    I even said this to him that I ruined it all by today's call and closed all doors? please don't hate me for that and he said I cannot ever hate you, no matter what you do.

    this is the note on which all his conversational abilities ended from his side and he said I cannot take more of this, it makes me feel like a monster, it's no better for me than it's for you but I need it now.

    I want to be better Ryan, I want to be happy on my own. Just the way I was when he met me, a strong woman who fought back with him when he said something hurtful instead of pleading for an apology. I haven't changed, I just was reacting to my surroundings and my insecurities and it is ultimately that which drove him away.

    I really want to know how to make myself better after this. I had attached everything I own with him and everything reminds me of him and I don't want to live a teary-eyed life all the time.

    I really really want him back for the simple reason that we were both happy with each other until I went back home due to medical issues, stopped working altogether, started complaining a lot, blaming him and others around too, I had become a whiny little kid. This was the best part of the relationship that we felt happy like kids when we were with each other but due to my insecurities i became the girl they warn men about before getting into a relationship.

    I want him back, not now, I want to take time, give both time to grow but I don't want to lose him, I know for sure he is the one for me and I know I have been the one for him till now. I don't want to lose him forever.

    Please guide me, I need it desperately...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since the damage has already been done at this point, the best thing you can do is to mend at least a part of the situation, by first picking yourself up. Understand that you don't need a person in your life to become a strong and determined woman (although having a person helps on occasion). Right now, you know the issues that went wrong and hopefully you are beginning to understand the aspects that he could not take in the relationship that led to the breakup. Insecurities and emotional instability are issues that often break a relationship, but they aren't issues that can be worked on while you're together with someone.

      I suggest actually taking the opportunity now, to give him some space from the recent events and to spend the time working on these issues and learning to love yourself. If you aren't able to do so, it doesn't matter which relationship you get into, because the same issues would arise eventually. Understand what causes these insecurities (lack of self-confidence, trust, etc) and figure out how to go about in increasing these areas. Focus on positive changes in your life, and then when the time comes you could consider initiating contact with your ex once again if you still have feelings for him.

      Reply
    • Daliah Brown

      Thank you for showing some confidence in me. I just want to be a better person for now and want a relationship only when i am sure that i will never love my partner more than how much i love myself. That is what leads to insecurities and although our partners often try to change us but we shouldn't change who we are because they like it for a time being but ultimately they feel they have lost the person they fell in love with. This forum, this team and Ryan you, Thank you. I want to focus on myself not because i want him back, I want to focus on myself now to be happy, with or without him or anybody.
      Thank You

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      All the best Daliah.

      Reply
  • Desmond Tiny

    So me and my ex broke up like a week and a half ago after being together for roughly one year and 4 months. 2 days after I started no contact. But she kept messaging me and telling me she misses me and wants to meet me. But today I fucked up (4th no contact day) and told her my feelings after I replied to her msg. Is my chance to get her back over? What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It depends on how she responded to your feelings. If she genuinely misses you and wants to meet you, I don't think you would have ruined your chances of getting her back.

      Reply
  • Mari

    Hi. So...my ex broke up with me after I texted him a million times. Short version of story - he cheated for some time, got caught. Then he wanted to work on us and save us. My emotions were everywhere. I love him and i believed him when he said he wanted to make it work. I thought that we were headed in the right direction. However, a family member got ill and I didn't listen when he said he needed to focus on family right now. I bombarded him with texts and calls because I was scared he was pulling away and didn't want me anymore. I don't know - maybe I'm still being naive. But I believe what we had was true love and we are still meant to be together. I begged and pleaded for him not to leave me and then he broke up with me and said he isn't coming back to me. Is this beyond repair, or can NC help in this case? I don't know if he did it because he is really done, or because it was an emotional decision and it was the only way to get me to stop texting, etc. Nothing feels right.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      NC might help to pick yourself up, and to give him some space for the time being since he needs to focus on his family. It's not wrong of you to feel insecure especially since he cheated before, but you have to ask yourself if you really want him back if you're willing to set that aside and trust him again.

      Reply
  • Daliah Brown

    Hey Kevin, My boyfriend broke up with me four days ago after a happy relationship of four years, He said he doesn't want to do this but there is no other way since he is not sure about his future and his job growth and that he wouldn't be able to provide for me even when i argued that He need not provide for me, I can do it very well on my own, he said he has decided and there is no way we can get back together. Saying that he said, I love you very much but this is for you, You deserve better.

    When i had met him, I felt i have found love at last. It was all good till we were in college, as soon as he started working. He became angry and irritated all the time, went on days without sending a text till i texted him or called him. we used to fight but we started talking within the hour. I had to move back home due to illness and within that time of around eight months he asked me to come back, but i stated my reasons. It was as if he understood it all but then didn't want to understand.

    But things were never so bad that he would break up, He had brought up the issue of me coming back in the afternoon saying that i didn't need to. At night he called and said that he wants to end it for good stating an entirely different reason.

    Now i want him back but i feel so betrayed because he brought it on me out of blue, stating my happiness as the reason but didn't even ask me whether i was happy or not. I am angry but it has always so been that no matter how angry i am, i look at him, talk to him or hug him, I have a huge smile on my face. So, I want to know how to fix this... since he broke up saying that he loves me a lot but it is impossible for him to keep living on with the commitment of a future when he is not earning so well.

    I am so confused.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I suggest giving yourself some time to process everything and consider what actually happened, and what caused him to suddenly end things. You could try talking to him about it to get an honest answer, but perhaps wait a couple of days to even a week first. If he does not respond positively or you feel that he is dishonest, perhaps go into NC for awhile to let things cool off before attempting to talk to him once again down the road if you still want to be with him.

      Reply
    • Daliah Brown

      I should have listened to you, I messed it all up. Please read the entire comment I wrote today

      Reply
  • Iza

    Hello, my boyfriend of 3.5 years has just broken up with me. It came literally out of nowhere as we were very much in love, and had the most amazing, healthy, loving and fun relationship. We had the friendship, we had the companionship, lots of the same hobbies. We’ve created our own language for christ sake! We’ve lived together for almost 2 years, well still live together but he is currently in his country visiting his family. I am 42 and he is 35. When we first met he had some doubts because of the age difference but then he just forgot about them and just enjoyed our relationship. Recently his younger brother’s gf got pregnant. Another friend of his is trying for a baby, his best friend just got a serious girlfriend so everybody around him is settling down. That made him finally think about his life as he’s been a happy go lucky person without thinking about his future. He finally did and the doubts about me related to my age returned. He thinks is better to break up now because he is confident that we would break up sooner or later anyway. Because i am not necessarily the person he thought he would end up with. Neither does he want to waste my time as he is not ready to have kids now and when he might finally be ready, i may be too old. So basically, he loves me very much and cannot imagine his life without me but chooses to leave me because it’s for the better for both of us. He has a lot of preconceptions about his life that he hasn’t revisited for a long time. 2 weeks ago he asked for some time in order to think things through and revaluate his life but then he decided it’s better to break up. I dont understand how he can just give up on us like this. Surely if he really loved me we could work something out in order to postpone having kids, we live in the 21 century! There are options!
    Do you think there is a chance he comes to his senses and realises that he’s made a mistake by giving up on something so special? How to make him do that? Am I wasting my time on this guy? We’ve just said goodbye to each other at the airport and he cried like a baby. I know he loves me and I am not in a denial.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      He may be feeling the reality hit him as you've mentioned and decided to pull away as a result. I would recommend you trying to talk some sense into him, but perhaps give him a couple of days to deal with his own emotions first and calm down before telling him how you feel. If he still does not want to listen, then it might be wiser to consider walking away unless you're also not in a rush to settle down and wouldn't mind waiting for him to see if he ends up eventually coming to his senses or not.

      Reply
    • Iza

      Hello Ryan, thank you for your advice. I started the no contact period and had the most difficult 3 days in my life. Today he got in touch and got my hopes up. I thought that maybe he missed me so much that he changed his mind. He didnt. He just wanted some news from me. And then he quickly retreated when I got angry. We only had a brief exchange but my peace is ruined, I am in pain again plus i am angry at myself for talking to him. Right now, it doesnt feel like is ever going to change his mind...by the way, we were discussing the whole situation for the last 2 weeks, since he told me he wanted to break up for the first time, so he knows exactly what i think, but he still chose to break up after 2 weeks of honest discussions and considering various options. Therefore, i dont see much chance that he will change his mind eventually.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's still worth a shot if you really want him back. However, NC isn't just meant to make him miss you. Ultimately, what NC advocates and attempts to do is to give you some space to distance yourself from all the emotional negativity you feel as well, while encouraging you to make positive changes in your life so that when recontact happens, your ex begins to see you in new light as a changed person. If there is no change to the situation or yourself, then there wouldn't be any motivation for him to change his mind either.

      Reply
  • Happyin2018

    My ex and I broke up in December after 4 years dating and living together. Last March he had to move about 40 mins north of where we lived for a promotion at work. My career was 40 mins south so we agreed we would have 2 roofs for just one year. We started bickering because entertaining was now a part of his position. I felt he started using the excuse of work entertaining to go out every night he was up there. Up until that point I loved everything about our relationship.

    In November we put in an offer on a condo up there (terms couldn't be agreed to so it fell through) we were talking about having a baby in the next year and then in December we argued over something minor and his reaction (or what I felt was an overreaction) was we needed to take a break to reset. I felt he made all new friends in the new city, all in his industry and they went out all the time so I asked a lot of questions. He didn't like being questioned. After a week I went up to see him and found out he'd been texting a female co-worker and deleting it. He swore they were just friends, no attraction (she was not attractive) but he knew I wouldn't like it so he lied. We cried, we said how much we loved one another, he said it hurt his stomach to think of us apart but our relationship would never be the same - I'd never trust him again. We kissed, we cried and held each other as he walked me to my car. I asked why wasn't I worth fighting for - he said I was but it was "too soon," we said I love you again, he yelled it again one last time as I got into my car and that was The last time I saw him.

    The 1st week his texts were I love you, I'm so sorry I hurt you, the 2nd week was we probably shouldn't talk for a little, the 3rd week was an email letting me know he started to date - his tone is now cold and harsh.

    I started no contact, he had a 4-week rebound relationship in that time (a former high school classmate of his - they reconnected on fb "shortly after we broke up", not the text buddy. The rebound has already ended - I found out through mutual friends) More no contact and then I emailed the letter. I said how special i thought our love was, I was sorry for things in the last few months and ended it saying I knew we would always love one another, I understood how difficult the decision to end us was but I agreed it was for the best. He responded with just "I love you too and agree with everything you said."

    After 2 weeks, I emailed again. We started emailing on a fairly regular basis, every couple of days over 100 in about 2 weeks. He said to tell our dog he "loved and missed him so much," I invited him to join us at a dog park for an hour, he said it makes him cry to think of "our dog" and it would be to tough to see his face and leave him again. Another week goes by, more emails, more playful always initiated by me but he keeps them going. He sends our dog a new bed without telling me, I just came home to the box on the porch. I email to say thank you and I ask again if he'd like to see us and again he says its "too soon."

    We have been apart for 3-1/2 months. What do I do now? Do I continue to email every couple of days? Do I wait for him to initiate now? I feel we've made so much progress but I'm not sure if this is a case of grass is greener syndrome and he's not done figuring that out yet? Any advice on how to get him to see me? I feel like once he sees my face there'd be little to no resolve left.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps it really is too soon on his part to see you again, in which case continue to build the relationship up without too much pressure from you to meet up. You could always just put it out there for the time being as an open invitation whenever he's ready and see how he responds to that.

      Reply
    • Happyin2018

      Too soon for what though...because it hurts? Because he's afraid seeing me will make him want to get back together? Or because he's waiting until he no longer feels that way in which case should I just move on? I don't want to hurt him further, nor do I want to continue to hurt without him. I don't know what would be the right thing to do.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There could be various reasons, but until you know for certain it's all just speculation. It seems that there is still a level of connection between the two of you, and he may have feelings for you but isn't ready to deal with them by meeting up with you.

      Reply
  • Rob

    5 months post break up. First month and a half I did all the wrong things begging crying pleading logical reasoning. I got her to see me before I go over seas she came. The convo went okay. She called that night in didn't answer. Called me again after a week we talked but I messed it up asking her out again then being mad I told her not to speak to me again. No contact from me for 2 and half months. I sent a upbeat fb message she responded soon and called me. I didn't respond. Also in the message she apologised for the way we broke up. She was being cold. I didn't pick up. Then she tried a week later i didn't pick up. I called her a few days later. Chatted for about 10 mins then she said she had to go. Then calls back a hour later. I told her I didn't have much time but we ended up talking for 30 minutes. I told her I'd call her back. She asked when I said when I get time and then went on to say you don't have to call me. I call her back 10 days later. She gets cold and ask me why I called. I said to finish the convo. She said she didn't have anything to say but if I did she call me back in a few and we'd talk. Calls back we talked for the first 10 mins serioiusly and last 15 minutes just joking around. Ended on a good note. How should I move forward? Been a week haven't spoke.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I suggest doing less push and pull at this point and working on building up the connection once more, perhaps by speaking more frequently.

      Reply
    • Rob

      So I ended up calling. She always ask why I call first. She won't call me first. I apologized for my behaviour after break up. Then asked if we could be friends. She said in a year lol. She enjoys the convo. I get her to laugh a lot. Don't know what to do from this point forward. She answers everytime. I asked her for favor to help in person she declined. I insisted and told her to think about it she said she'll see. I know what that means. Any help?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you've completed NC already, perhaps continue with the conversations on a casual basis and try working on rebuilding a friendship with her before anything more can be considered.

      Reply
  • Darragh

    Hi. Me and my girlfriend broke up 3 days ago. She ended it because she didn’t want to be in a relationship anymore and focus on herself for a while but wants to see in 5 months if she wants to start dating again or stay broken up. We’ve been doing long distance for almost 3 years now and have never went more than 3 weeks without seeing each other in that time. Do I stay with the no contact and let her have her space that she asked for for the whole 5 months? I really do love her and It physically hurts me to be apart from her. Do I have a chance at being with her again?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You don't have to go NC for 5 months, but rather complete NC and initiate contact with her again to slowly build up your connection and bond with her once again leading up the end of 5 months. Perhaps she might end up reconsidering sooner if things go well.

      Reply
  • Ally

    Hello, my ex broke up with me yesterday but told me he still loves me. He’s a war veteran and suffers from undiagnosed PTSD. We lived together. He told me he wanted to marry me, have my child someday, and that I was his soulmate. The hardest part is he still tells me those things. But he also says he has to go get help for himself because something is wrong and he needs to get healthy for himself and his son (previois relationship). I want to be there for him so desperately, that’s the commitment I made to him, myself, and our relationship but he says he doesn’t want to drag me down with him. I love this man with all my heart and every fiber of my being. I truly believe he is my soulmate. He also told me I could stay at his house until I found someplace new however I could not do that. I packed up what I could and left I am getting the rest tomorrow. He’s deleted our photos off social media as well as blocked me and blocked my number. I am just so confused. Are all these contradictory actions his way of handling this? Or should I believe that he does love me and he does need to get help?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It could be his way of coping as it would be easier to focus on his personal recovery without the emotional influence of a relationship. It's like the saying goes, 'if you can't even take care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of others'. He might be feeling this way at the moment, hence his sudden decision to end things. I suggest giving him some space for now since you're already moving out, and contact him again perhaps in a week or 2 just to check in. Or you could apply the full NC period of 30 days and let him work on himself for the time being before you attempt to contact him again.

      Reply
    • Ally

      I got the rest of my things. And we had a long talk. He again says he still loves me but that he’s going through a lot more than I even know and that he knows I would just go through all of it with him over and over. He doesn’t want to drag me down through that. He said he still wants me in his life? I’m confused as to wether or not I should do the NC? I truly love this man and this entire ordeal does not sit well in my heart.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Applying NC is entirely up to you under these circumstances, and there's a chance that by showing him that you're not going to be 'dragged down' just by sticking with him, he would be calm enough to get back together. However, there's also a slight chance that he may feel even more stress from you being around because he's constantly worried about how you feel or think.

      Reply
  • K

    My ex boyfriend and I dated, long distance, for 2 years while I was in college. We then spent another 2 year together in the same city. I broke it off and moved to another city. For the next 2 years we spent time on and off together but I could never completely commit and was always looking for something better. I dated someone new for a year, but as soon as he broke up, my first ex was right back in the picture. Still, after his huge efforts and persistent plea to get back together, I was wanting something more. Months went by and we didn't speak, my mother passed away, and I found myself yearning for him. I would drunk dial him and confess my love for him, but deny the feelings to him the next morning, telling him I didn't and that I was just going through something. I did some soul searching and found myself thinking I might actually love him and wanted to reconnect, but found out he had been dating someone. Regardless, he pursued the opportunity to together and we spent an evening talking about our future and getting back together. Fast forward a week later, he called with news she was pregnant and he was going to stay with her. My heart shattered. Fast forward 2 years, I am still madly in love with him, haven't been able to move on even though I have dated a few different men, and he is with his on/off again girlfriend and 1 year old. What do I do.....

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As long as he's still thinking of working things out with his girlfriend, it isn't a relationship you should get involved in as you would only come across as the bad person. I would honestly suggest for you to try and move on from him, since things are always going to be complicated as long as there is no clean break between him and his girlfriend.

      Reply
  • c.y

    good morning, I cheated on my boyfriend with someone I didn't know was his relation and now he wouldn't talk to be ave done a lot of begging n so on but he say he doesn't want me again, the other day he asked me to call him in a video I did n he was with a lady I was so heart broken I really love my boyfriend n don't think I could stay 30day without talking to him even tho he doesn't seem to be responding my calls, and messages please what do I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      He is definitely still angry at you, and has not forgiven you, which explains his expression of spite by the call. I suggest at this point you give both parties some space by applying no contact, before initiating anything further down the road when he has perhaps cooled off.

      Reply
  • Sanaya

    Hi Kevin
    I would like to ask that,my ex was so rude with me we work together in a same place we meet everyday.im not calling him or texting him. I gave back recently all the things he gave to me.he had blocked me from all social media contacts.w at I should do to follow no contact period even v have face each other everyday.im not doing any eye contact nor speaking to him.if he talks to me on d matters f work also I'm.not answering him.suggest me some thing please

    Reply
  • Aman

    Hey,
    Hope your feedback on my situation help me to get my ex back.
    I am 23 and she is 21.
    We both are different nationalities.I asked her to be with me or leave me after spending 3 weeks.Then she cried for one hour when we reach campus and I asked her to just give me 10 minutes every day from her schedule and if she can't do that she can delete me from everywhere because I just don't want to befriend and I gave her a daytime to think about us.Next night we met and she said "I need to focus on my career for next 2 years, so would you please wait for me.I can't be in a relationship now".She deleted my Wechat id and I deleted her as well.After few minutes, She sent me the request to be friends and I accepted it.Then I did all the mistakes that you mentioned in your article.I asked her for a meeting and she ignored me every time.She told me that she is in a relationship and I should not trouble her anymore and I wish her good future and then she deleted me.I didn't contact her since that time.Is there any way your team can help me to get her back.I am ready to follow each and every step your team is going to recommend me.I had 2 relationships, after her in order to forget her but I can't forget her.I don't even know why she left me.So please help me.I do go out with my friends and enjoy but still I have a wish to get that girl back into my life.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Apply the steps found in the article. Start off with no contact to give her the space she needs to erase any negative memories she may harbor towards you.

      Reply
  • Paige

    My ex boyfriend broke up with me in about 6 months ago I haven’t heard from him yet. He block me and changed his cell number :( how long is no contact rule :(

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's typically 30 days, if not more depending on how bad the breakup was. If he has yet to unblock you and you have no means of contacting him, it might be better to consider letting go of him and moving on.

      Reply
  • Sun

    Hi,
    This was such a great read. You have such great advice and I can't wait to actually start using it at some point. Okay, so here's a bit of background about me and my ex:
    I was in a same sex relationship with a girl for more than 5 years. We lived together for almost 4 years. She was my first girlfriend and I was hers. A lot has happened in the 4 years that we were together. Stuff happened and I kept getting angrier and angrier. I couldn't control my anger. She broke it off a couple of weeks ago and at the moment everything is still fresh. She asked me to move out of our apartment, quit my job (because we were working together) and leave the country (because my visa was actually dependent on our relationship). She wanted a clean break from me. She did agree to throw away the no contact rule in a year. She said that if I contact her, she will respond. I've known people that have gotten back with their exes. One relationship actually took 3 years to mend. I believe that my ex is the one. I'm an idiot for letting her get away. I will respect her wishes and won't contact her for a year. Be honest, is there still a chance for me to get her back? I'm willing to follow all of your steps. I love her and I know that she's worth it. Unfortunately, it's a lot harder for me, since I live in a whole different country. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As you've mentioned, it's going to a be a lot tougher in your case (not impossible), especially since you basically have to leave the country and start life over before even considering taking another shot down the road. I believe at this point, it's more essential that you manage to pick yourself back up in your home country first, then start to work on your issues you had during the relationship. Only after everything has settled down should you try to initiate contact with her again. However, as all these would take time and effort, you should not get your hopes up as many things can change during the time you're apart.

      Reply
    • Sun

      Hi Ryan,
      Thanks for getting back to me. I know that a lot can change in a year and to be honest, I’m gonna try to use the year as an opportunity to improve myself. Is a year of no contact too long? Am I gonna lose her because too much time has passed? When we both started dating, we used to spend months away from each other. We’d talk everyday of course, but because of the long distance, we spent loads of time apart. She’s my first girlfriend ever and I was hers. I don’t think I can move on and I don’t see myself dating other women. We were also engaged. She asked me to marry her. I still think she’s the one. How do I get her back in 11 months?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As I mentioned, time can play a part in causing many things to change both for you and her. The immediate focus is still going to be on yourself and making positive changes, or there won't be motivation for her to return into your life if she sees you unchanged. The chance is definitely there, but you can't obsess over it and instead move forward with the one goal of changing yourself for the better.

      Reply
  • zach

    my ex broke up with me because i was flirting with a girl, we have a trip in a week I really don't know what to do since i know i should follow the steps. FYI i really want to go to the trip since we both invested money.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps apologize for flirting and try to make it up to her, if she's the sort that can be appeased. You might have to consider letting go of your trip though since 1 week isn't much time to appease her with regards to the reason she broke up with you.

      Reply
  • Alex

    Hi! My gf and meet on work. We work together even now. She decidet to leave me a month ago, the relationship lastet almost 2 years. We had a lots of fights for every small detail. When she leave me she said to me that she cares about me and wants to be friend. After a week i found out she had another guy. She even post photos with him on instagram. I ask her and she said nothing serious. I was afraid she cheated me before with him. She said didnt have sex or even kiss him. I was so mad. I even create an instagram account to spy on him. I pretend to be a female and ask him about her. She find out what i did. I am really sad now. Dont know what to do. I feel like i still love her but dont know if i really have any chance to get her back to me.

    Reply
  • John

    Hello,
    I'm 28, my ex is 26. We were in a relationship for 3½ years and she broke up with me six days ago. Before that we were effectively on a break for a week or so, because she needed some time to think about our relationship. She says she still loves me, but feels we lost the spark (our sex life was almost nonexistent for some time) and lack intimacy. I agree with the points she made, the only difference is I wanted to start from the beginning and re-ignite the elusive "spark" while she felt this is an impossible task. Our breakup was civilized (or boring as she put it) because that's the kind of people we are, and we agreed we will continue to be friends after things settle down a bit. The thing is I want her to be my girlfriend, not just a friend: we have so much in common and never really had big fights. At one point she even said there are more reasons for us to be together than not, but she perceived the problems we had as unsolvable.
    Some background: she studied hard this year, and just before our breakup passed her last exam. She said she feels a bit lost in this transition phase between university and looking for a job. Also, she always feels more depressed during the winter months which may have contributed to her state of mind.
    Some of the things that were a turn off for her: I was often indecisive, not dominant enough, inexperienced (this was a first relationship for both of us and I could not guide her with my experience, which would make it easier for her), it exhausted her to point out some obvious things I should do and it made her feel like she was my mother sometimes (like cleaning my apartment or buying new shoes because my old shoes were full of holes, etc). It's not that I don't know what I want in life, but I am a laid back and mild mannered guy, dominant behaviour doesn't come naturally to me and I don't care much for fashion. I do think I can change and be more assertive.
    Anyway, I started with NC five days ago and yesterday she contacted me to ask if I was ok (when I logged to Facebook for literally three minutes). I briefly answered that I am and that I decided to take some time for myself. Today she contacted me again, via text message (I didn't log in to Facebook at all) with the same question. I repeated I need some time for myself and that I hope she understands. I plan to continue with the NC but I have two questions:
    1.) Does her behaviour indicate she is regretting her decision to break up with me on some level, or is she just concerned as a friend (we did agree to remain on speaking terms)
    2.) Am I going to push her away by continuing with NC? We did agree we'll keep in touch. I don't want her to think I'm not active on Fb because I'm in despair or behaving childishly.

    Thanks and best regards,
    John

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To answer your questions, firstly her behavior is too vague in nature to be determined as regret, but it does show her level of concern towards you, which means not all hope in winning her back is lost. Secondly, if she claims the relationship was a 'boring' one in nature, pushing her away might actually add to the mystery or interest she finds in you since this behavior becomes non-predictable. It's not being childish since you've mentioned to her that you needed some time to yourself already.

      Reply
    • John

      Hi,
      Well she said the breakup was boring i.e. peaceful, not the whole relationship. But I agree, NC may be beneficial. I'm going to try following this guide and see where it gets me.
      Thanks,
      John

      Reply
  • MP

    Hello,
    I told my ex after the break-up (when I was drunk..) that I wont have contact with him for a month. Is it ruined now? I also told him that I wanted that because I needed time and want to give him space to miss me.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Not necessarily, but it really depends on his characteristic (if he's stubborn about things), as that might lead him to actively deny his feelings of missing you (if he does) because of what you said.

      Reply
  • Anakaren Pineda

    I was in a relationship with my ex for 2 years, we had been engaged for 6 months. I know he did really love me but I had a problem I’ll admit. I was really mean, I told him I hated his proposal and the ring when I was mad. I would break up with him daily because I wanted more attention. We only saw each other once a week and the way I got him to text me more was if we were arguing. I broke up with him on Valentine’s Day (not really meaning it, just like I always did, thinking we’d be back together later that day) and then he said no that he really didn’t want to be with me anymore. I know I hurt him cause he really genuinely loved me. I kept calling, texting him for 3 weeks. But like a 1.5 weeks ago I stopped messaging him. I haven’t talked to him since and I started going to the gym and I’ve been hanging out with my friends. But this isn’t getting any easier. Every night I cry because he told me he’s not in love with me anymore. I feel a big empty hole in my chest. What we had was great. I haven’t seen him in over a month. I really am sorry for everything I caused. I know if he gave me one last chance I would never do any of that again because I know that I never would want to loose him again. He deleted all of our pictures from social media and off his phone. I don’t know what to do, it’s driving me insane. I don’t know if I can go another 20 days without messaging him.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Right now, as his feelings of negativity may be overwhelming since he has distanced himself from the relationship, it might be best to give him some space to allow him to deal with it. Seeing or hearing from you might cause him to feel more negativity which is not what you want. Continue working on change and your method of communication for the time being and remember that you don't necessarily have to argue in order to receive attention from your partner.

      Reply
  • Mehmet

    Hi Kevin, I'm Turkish and my English is bad for that I'm sorry.We've been talking to my ex for six months and we're dating.Our relationship lasted 3 months and left me.after I left, I stopped communication and I didn't text for 30 days.We talked at the end of 30 days, but he said he didn't want to talk the other day.My ex-boyfriend is far away, and we're gonna meet him in the same city in three months.Would it be better if I completely cut off contact with him in three months?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As the time frame for the relationship was 3 months, it might not be a good idea to completely cut contact since he might actually move on. Since it has been 30 days of no contact, perhaps you could initiate conversation with him once again to see how he's doing and start to slowly build a bond back up so that it's easier to initiate something when you visit his city in 3 months time.

      Reply
    • Mehmet

      thanks for the reply,but our departure has been bad and I'm not ready to communicate.What am i supposed to do when we meet him in the same city?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      In that case, give it more time and continue with NC for now. It's best to build up some form of friendship first prior to your trip regardless, as it makes things easier if you want to meet him for coffee or lunch to catch up.

      Reply
  • Ankit

    Is it possible to get an ex back even when she sent her brother to beat me up

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you might want to give her more space to let go of her anger, or simply choose to walk away since it has come to that extent.

      Reply
  • William

    Hi Kevin,

    [The reason why we broke up is "I cheated", and she got the news from one of the ladies]

    Me and my ex girlfriend have been in a relationship for 5 years and a month. For the first 3 years, we lived in together. For the next 2 years and a half, we had a long distance relationship (I went back to my home country for good. And then, she decided to study in Australia a year after because Australia is a very nice country in terms of economy and tourist and also to have better future for our family someday. She's currently there on a student visa, and just have one year left to finish her degree)

    My ex girlfriend and I broke up last February 17, 2018. Our last conversation was on February 25, 2018. It's been almost 3 weeks since we last exchange messages because she blocked me on all of her social media accounts (FB, IG, etc.)

    I really admit that it's my mistake why we broke up. Lust is the main reason why. She got the news from one of the ladies, someone made an anonymous account and sent proofs to her hat I am cheating on her. I did those things because got tempted and did a huge mistake in my life. And now I am facing the consequences because of my foolishness.

    she's so angry at me, since she knew about me cheating on her. Up to now, we are not talking to each other. With that, I came up to the ideas of talking to her parents and apologized to what happened between us and to what I did. And also I sent a delivery package containing an apology letter with a simple gift to Australia, I used her workplace as delivery address because I don't know the exact address to where she lives there exactly.

    I already stopped my foolishness after what happened between us. My first objective is for me to have a chance to speak to her, and to slowly show to her my sincerity in saying sorry for everything that I have done wrong.

    Because I really love her. And I already promised to myself to not to do the same mistake ever again. And I will make sure to make up to her to what happened between us. And to slowly get back her trust on me.

    By the way, she will be on her vacation leave
    in our home country this coming May 2018. Would I wait until she comes back home to talk to her in person or just let her have space and wait for her to contact me?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I would suggest you give her space for now, and when she arrives back in your home country you could try initiating contact to see if she responds negatively or not. If she still appears angry or does not respond, you would have to give her even more time to let go of the negative emotions she feels towards you before trying to talk to her again.

      Reply
  • Lóránt

    Hi,
    I have a not too long, just a 3 months old relationship. I didn't realize something was going wrong. I was happy, but... At a random moment, at night when I was in her house and we wanted to sleep together because we had an anniversary, she asked me with a crying face "Do you love me?". I was very surprised. I said: "Yes, of course, I truly love you". Then she told me "I don't love you as much as you love me". I didn't understand that because I thought everything is fine. Maybe I was not so attractive as she knows me, and she wanted to be still so attractive after a couple months. I really don't know, she doesn't told me the reason. She said I have 0 unbearable habit, but she doesn't feel as she wants to feel. My heart is totally broken now. I want to take a no contact period, but I think I need to know the reason. I think the 30 days is too much in this case. What do think about it?
    Thanks for your advice

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could reduce the 30 days to around 2 weeks since the duration of your relationship wasn't that long. It's common for couples to lose physical attraction for one another after being together for awhile, it's similar to when someone raises the issue of their partner not doing the thoughtful things they once did while chasing/dating them.

      Reply
  • Cata

    Hello , I really need some advice. My bf broke up with me yesterday and it was totally unexpected. I mean we were great or at least that’s what I thought . I’ve been here before and it took me almost 3 years to get better . When I meet him I was already ok and we’ve been in a relation for one year . He called me today just to check on me. The problem is that I don’t know if I should answer to he’s call or just tell him that I need some time by myself ( I did that already and I still got a call from him ). He is important , he truly is but I’m not even sure what went wrong . I didn’t begged him to stay as I’ve been here before and I know is not working . Should I try or just respect he’s decision ? I find it very strange than in the morning you tell me I love you and by night you want to break up. There is only one thing that I used to joke about and sometimes get a little jealous, the kissing part in he’s plays. And acting is really important to him. He told me that he was thinking about this for 2 weeks already . He didn’t cheated I never did it too , Even when we were upset with each other we will still call to say good night and I love you . He always respected me. I don’t want to let him go but I don’t want to see him unhappy .

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You might want to have a chat with him to find out the reason he decided to end things and if there were underlying factors affecting the relationship you were unaware of. If there are aspects you can change for the better, you could try to do so since it would benefit both of your happiness in the long run. I would recommend that if the reason isn't something that can be resolved overnight, to spend some time working on those issues, and initiate no contact to give him (and yourself) the space to work on those aspects.

      Reply
  • josh

    I am Josh I have a serious problem with my relationship. my girl left me after six yrs of dating, due to my financial problem I really don't know what to do is really affecting me badly, I really don't know how it's so easy for her to 4get about six yrs just like that. for the past 2months I still can't get over it.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If she only sees you and values you based on your financial worth, and you aren't able to meet those expectations, it might be better to consider letting her go since it's not a solution that could be resolved easily. However, if there are more complicated circumstances regarding your situation, perhaps it might be possible to win her back, but you would probably require improving your situation at least by a little bit before trying something again.

      Reply
  • Emma

    Hi, please help me, I need advice from an expert,

    My boyfriend and I broke up recently, it was a mutual agreement but I feel like he thinks that he was the one broke things off. We actually were on a break for a month prior to that, because he needed space. I did not respect that space and I am guessing that's why things ended. I was desperate during the break but started getting better with myself, maybe even moving on, I'm not sure. I was actually expecting the break-up since I have screwed no contact during the break up and as the one month-long break proceeded, I started feeling better as I said, but he didn't, he was angry with me, quite abusive actually but we ended things in a nice way, stating that we just couldn't work as a couple and both of us were very relieved. He did say that he thinks our romantic relationship has no future.

    Today I started thinking about him and I decided to give him a second chance, though I don't think he wants me anymore. Keeping no contact will be hard, especially since we are in the same group of friends, we will be attending a same party this weekend and in a little more than two weeks, we are going to travel abroad with this same group of friends. How can I get him back if no contact is not an option? I am also afraid that with us being around the same social group he will start to see me as a friend, thus pushing away from the idea of a relationship.
    What can I do?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since you feel that you have changed and picked yourself up since the break, no contact may not be as necessary for your case. In your following interactions with him in the group gatherings, perhaps try and make those changes visible and show him how well/happy you're doing, since that may spark a level of interest from him. Try to limit the amount of one-to-one interaction with him too, for this may make you easier to read since you want to keep your level of mystery there.

      Reply
  • Bongo Hayibo

    I was in a relationship for 5 yrs. We love each other very much, she was my best friend and vice versa. At first when i met her she has low self esteem but i managed to boost her confidence. She is one hell of a happy lady i ever met. Just last year i got a job and i had to relocate eventho she was hurting she supported me through it and she was so happy for me that i got a job of my dream. At the early stage of my relocation things were going on well. Until last August we had our very first argument and i literally texted her let quit. And for the very first time in our 5 yrs we didnt call or text each other and that lasted for 6 days. When i finally did all she said was why did i take so long to call. I realised that i didnt treat her well so i quickly got a transfer back to her. But things werent the same since that day. She completely shut down, she isolated her self, tge sight of me irritates her, she doesnt eat but gained weight. She told me she lost feelings for me. Nothing excited her any more. She said she is unhappy and something inside her is broken. We do text everyday but she refuse to hang with me or see me. I asked her if she wanted to see a counsellor, she refused think about it and let me knoe if she is ready. I dnt want to loose her. The only person she hangs out with now is my sister.i started a NC rule for a month and I had a mini holiday she is not a social media freak but all of a sudden she starts to post photos and videos continously of herself and with friends at the pub. Last 2 days I messaged her that I wanted to talk to her and her mum and she replied me as saying there is no point I know me and her is not going to work. But I took things personally that I was like we had the best relationship ever why would she just throw it out of the window just because she lost feelings for me. I know through all this hurt n pains I would thrive and be a winner. Apparently she didn't take the word winner likely and she was complaining about it to my sister.but all this whilst she kept on saying we haven't spoken in ages why are all these coming from. And she also told me she got a job and she is feeling good without me asking. Currently I have pulled back a bit. I wanted to start the no NC rule again and perform the reconnection very well

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should probably restart NC as you've mentioned and try to give her more space to let go of the negative emotions she feels. Perhaps ask your sister to find out why your ex is so against talking to you or meeting you, and what you did wrong specifically. At least that might give you a better idea on how to handle the situation.

      Reply
    • Bongo

      I think the NC has make things worst. My gf has complained bitterly to my sister about my lack of contact. But she told me it's not gonna work out. I'm confused cos she says different things to my friends and do the opposite when I try. I dnt really know what she wants.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If she has complained about your lack of contact, it means that no contact is actually working since it has gotten to her. She is used to you pestering her, but at the same time also used to reacting negatively and angrily towards you whenever you try to talk to her. Give it some more time with no contact and observe how she behaves during this period. If it really is getting to her based on what your sister says, then you might want to consider asking your sister to ask her why she feels bitter about it.

      Reply
    • Bongo

      This was the last message she sent me b4 the first NC Bongo please I'm fine. You can't be doing things like that for me when I don't have feelings for you. Just give it a rest. I appreciate the thought but just relax. You're my friend... allow me to come to you when I'm ready. Do you think I have chance??

      Reply
  • Bou

    I have used 30 days no contact once with my ex. Is 30 days no contact a one time use only or will it work the second and third times as well?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The NC is not a ticket to get back together with your ex, but rather a rule of thumb to adopt whenever a breakup happens, to give both parties enough breathing room to let go of negative emotions and to pick themselves up. Even if you've done NC once, you can always use it again if need be as long as the mindset is correct.

      Reply
  • J

    Hi, my story is for all the hopeless cases out there. My ex of a couple years broke up with me, then moved to the other side of the country about a month and a half later. I did NC for about three months and followed every rule of the full-length guide and work sheets down to certain exact quotations. Today, we’re together again and our connection is so much stronger even though we’re on different coasts. I think this guide is the best kept secret in love and relationships and I thank everyone involved in its creation. Even if your ex splits for the coast, stay positive (=

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Thanks for the positive sharing J! We hope that others would be reminded of the positivity they stand to gain at the end of things by being strong, staying positive, and persevering in the guided steps.

      Reply
  • Sarah

    Hey! I typed a comment before but I'm not sure if it submitted or not, but I really need advice.

    My boyfriend and I broke up 3 weeks ago after dating for over 4 years. We started having problems last year with our sex life. We weren't having sex as much as he liked, it was partly due to a medication I was on that lowered my libido and made me very dry. Anyways, that was our biggest problem. We tried to fix it by just agreeing to do it more but it was easier said than done since we still each live at home and its hard to find somewhere private.
    Back in January, we were still having sex issues and I was so confused and started to wonder whether or not I was still attracted to him. I started to also wonder what it would be like to be single and do things with other people, and i think thats normal to wonder for some people who have been dating for so long. Anyways in January i suggested a break as we had been having other issues like finding fun things to do and places to go out to. When I suggested a break on the phone I think it came as a total surprise to him and he was really confused and probably angry/upset. After a week I missed him and I didn't want to lose him, we met back up and he said I had to do the talking. I didn't have much time to come up with solutions since I had been so busy with school but basically I said that I'm still attracted to him, and that I will find more places for us to go to instead of putting all the pressure on him. He said this was my last chance, and we got on with it. Things were going really well and we were making progress in our sex life and communication and everything. We decided to go out one night to a bar which we never do but it was something new and fun. I had been up since 5am that day and was really moody and stubborn so we got into an argument. I guess that topped it off for him, and I apologized when we got home and told him I have fun with him when we go out, and it was okay, but he needed a day to cool off. He came over the next day and was all nice saying I looked pretty and everything. We went downstairs to talk and he kept saying how he thinks I don't have fun with him when we go out, etc, and we both started crying. He said he wasn't sure what else there is to do and that maybe its just not our time. He broke up with me but it didn't feel like he was 100% sure.

    The next day I went to his house and dropped of pictures of us, a 3 pages letter and a bear telling him how much I love him. About a week later her changed his relationship status on Facebook to single, and I felt to broken I drove to his house and had to talk to him. I told him my feelings and that I am sure we can fix this with more effort on my part. I made a huge list of activities we could do at home and going out both sexual and non sexual. I said I'm still attracted to him and still love sex we just don't take up the opportunities we have to do it enough. I said everything I needed to and he said he needs to focus on himself now and we aren't getting back together. :( a few days later his friend called me on the phone and said something that hurt my feelings so I texted him kinda angry saying I felt like he didn't communicate to me well enough, etc. He got angry and told me not to talk to him and i didn't. Its been about a week and a half now since that argument and he sent me a text saying that if I want I can meet up with him this week and he can explain why he did what he did and answer any questions I have.

    I'm not sure what to do cause it doesn't seem like a good thing to meet up but I really honestly think that I can fix this with more effort on my part. I just wasn't on the same page he was at the time. I love him so much and its not that I feel like I can't do anything by myself because I can but I miss him terribly, and talking to him, and seeing him everyday, and being in his company. Please help me :( I love him so so much. I don't want to lose him.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since you're trying once more to work things out, I suggest giving it your best effort to make things work this time around but remember that it's a relationship ultimately and there needs to be reciprocity or compromise when it comes to efforts in maintaining the relationship and working on issues. If it doesn't work out again, there's a likelihood that something is wrong with both your frequencies or communication methods, and it might be better to give both parties some space to work on those issues separately before trying anything out again in the future.

      Reply
    • sarah

      So My ex and I met up at the park on Thursday night. And I got out the car and came across all like good and happy like “heyyy! How are you?” And you could tell he was down and was like “good 😞” and so we went in my car and talked. I basically started out asking “how did u get over a 4 year relationship so quick?” And he said like “ i think Ur thinking I’m over it because I have thick skin and I bottle up my emotions, but I’m not, I’m still upset and I still love u and care for u and think about u everyday and like right now it hurts me to see you” and stuff like that, and I asked like why he blocked me on stuff and he said that it’s hard to see me on social media. And I asked him like if he ever thinks about me and misses our constant texting and calling, and he said that he thinks about me everyday and it’s hard he tries to stay busy so he doesn’t and he misses me a lot cause I’m his best friend and he misses me driving in his car and being with me and everything so it’s like we r still so in love, and he got really emotional again and like started crying and I was holding myself together but seeing him cry and asking some questions made me cry. And he would hold me and cuddle me and he kept holding my hand, and it’s hard because I want to be with him still and seeing him made all my feelings come back. But idk how he’s feelings but he said he still loves me but I think he needs this time to focus on himself still. I told him I’m working on my insecurities and stuff and he’s happy about that. I told him that like I miss hanging with him and I am still attracted to him and I’m sorry about like not expressing that enough. I also asked how is it so easy for him to talk about me dating other guys in the future and he said it would kill him to see me and another guy but he would rather me be happy with someone than sleeping around because I deserve the best. But idk, I miss him so much. And like I felt he does too. It’s still hard for him to be around me with all his feelings so I said I hope one day we can be friends and I’ll wait for him to reach out. And in the car I tried to show him like how I’m still easy to talk to and made jokes and stuff at the end to just kinda cheer him up.I felt like out chat went well and I miss him so much, I’m just not sure what his take on this is. what do you think?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I'm sure he feels similar, but may not actively express it towards you. As he mentioned, just because he doesn't express certain emotions, it doesn't mean he's over you yet. If you really want him back, perhaps you should try to maintain a level of friendship with him in order to slowly build up a level of trust and bond again for each other, while still working on both your issues of communication and frequencies.

      Reply
  • Emma

    Hey Kevin,

    To be brief, my ex and I broke up on feburary 20th. Since that day, we haven’t been in any sort of contact. I’ve been through many difficult and questionning phases and I really wanted to get back with him but since two days, I’ve been feeling a lot better and I am not sure that getting back with my ex is really what I want now. But yet, I’m not quite sure and I’m just really confuse. This morning, after 21 days no contact, he texted me: « When can I come to your place to get my things? I had totally forgot. »
    But, the thing is that he doesn’t really have anything left at my place except the gifts he gave me.
    My question is: What should I answer, how should I act with him and espicially what do you think all of this means?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could ask him which things he wants to come by and collect, and gauge from there. If you're not entirely sure whether you want him back, perhaps it's better to figure that part out first before you take any action.

      Reply
    • Emma

      He said he wanted to collect his hoodie, his bag and his socks but, the thing is that he gave them all to me when we were together. I don't want to be rude to him or do anything that could cause some other tensions between us , but should I accept , and give him the things he gave me back or should I just tell him that those were given and I am going to keep them, what exactly should I do?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should accept it if he really wants them back because by being rude, like you say, you may cause tension and he might think of you differently. Just take it as a restart to things instead of the end of hope.

      Reply
    • T.A.E

      I'm not a part of the Team, just someone who read your comment, but I would text something like "I thought they were a gift, but if you really want them back, sure. Would xx work for you, my schedule is pretty full until then?" And choose a date a week or two away, just to show him that you are not eagerly awaiting. This will also give you more time to reflect on your feelings.

      Reply
  • Gabriela Arreola

    I met my ex six months ago, since day one we liked each other, we were in a relationship for four months, things were pretty good, we fight from time to time but we always figure it out, we had a tough week by Monday he told me he was feeling a little weird but he didn’t wanted to loose me, that he loved me and couldn’t see himself without me, by Friday we were barely speaking, we met and he told me he just didn’t felt the same anymore, I was shocked because even though I knew we were struggling I didn’t think he would end things that fast, we kept talking because I heard rumors that I wanted to clear up with him, then we stoped talking for two days, then he texted me and we talked for five days and then I decided to stop texting, a week has gone through and he only replied to a pic I posted, but now I am suspecting that he is dating someone else and I just don’t know how to react, is there a way to get him back? I really miss him, I think our relationship had potencial and ended too soon. I love him and he made me very happy. I just don’t know what went wrong and how to make it right

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he's capable of dating someone so soon, it could either mean the new relationship is a rebound or that he didn't see his relationship with you as significant enough. Either way, continue with NC for now and work on improving yourself and working on the areas you felt caused the breakup (on your part, at least). If it's true and he's dating someone else, you might even want to consider moving on from things, but if not - initiate contact again with him some time later and show him the changes you've made to your life.

      Reply
  • someone!

    Hi there!

    I don't know if you'll respond to my comment, but I have nothing to lose at this point.

    If you would be so kind to give me your sincere advice I'd really appreciate it.

    So, 4 weeks ago, I had a last fight my ex-girlfriend. Then, she asked me for space to think 'cause she doesn't knew what she wants anymore. Out of fear, I tried to reach out to her for a period of 3 weeks by calling and texting, even pleading and begging her that this time will be different... but, of course, my words lost credibility in front of her, she saying "To be with you, for what, just to be happy for a period of time, a month, two or a year and then getting hurt again?" I reassured her several times, that I wouldn't dare to hurt her again, but she didn't believe in me. As I contacted her in those 3 weeks, asking for a last chance, I know that what I did was not okay, she gave me that chance many times, but she took it away from me after a day or two, before I could prove it to her that everything will be okay this time. This has happened repeatedly in those 3 weeks... one day she gave me that last chance, another day she took it away from me... just to give me again that chance to took it away again, saying that she doesn't want to see me again or stuff like that... She did that out of fear of not being hurt again... overthinking everything.

    A week ago, we had to go somewhere together with her car. She was really cold towards me all the way... when we arrived at the destination, I said to her that I have something to say, she was reluctant at first... When she stopped the car, I touched her hand, askin' to look me in the eye and I said that I do not want the break-up, but if that she really wants, I'll agree about leting her go... Then, when I get out of the car, she came to me, hugged me really tight and when I kissed her for the last time, the expression of her face changed, turning into her old happy self again. I felt her regret for leaving me, I felt her immense love towards me... And when I felt that, I knew that she still loves me despite stating that she doesn't want a relationship with me right now... after I felt that feeling that night, I just can't stop thinkin' about her and to just give up. After that day, she contacted me about her university grades, I replied politely, and that was it... I haven't had contact with her for a week now. It just hurts and I do not know what I should do, to be patient and wait or... ? I do love her sincerely, not because I feel lonely without her, but because she's really special to me...

    For the past week, I uploaded some love quotes to "My Day/ My Story" on Facebook, and I can see who saw them and she always check them out, but when I post something on my profile I do not receive likes from her, which don't really bothers me, but she checks every story I post (that's available 24 hours)... I do not know what this means, probably nothing...

    We were together 3 years and almost 5 months. University students. She's 21 years old...

    Best regards,
    someone!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      She definitely still loves you, but just isn't sure she can trust you yet. It's something you'll have to prove to her as you go along with your actions and not just your words. Bear in mind that you'll probably face resistance from time to time as she overthinks or even wonders when you'll hurt her again, but it's something you're just going to have to to overcome and be patient each time with her if you want her back in your life for good.

      Reply
    • someone!

      Thank you for your quick reply! I really appreciat it!

      As I said in my previous comment, I haven't seen or spoken with her for a week now. I feel that if I do no contact her, she'll never initiate a conversation.

      She's someone really proud and the most difficult part is how to change her perspective about me...

      I'm thinking about what should I do? To give her more time and space? I do not know when is the right time to approach her. And if I approach her, what should I say? If I start a conversation apoligizing and dropping hints she would back off, I think...

      Reply
  • J

    We live 1.5 hrs away, part of why we broke up. I have stuff to return, but should be in no contact after. Thing is, she called me drunk to say she wanted me to come over but didn't ask because I'm too far. I'm seeing her this week, and already told her I'd call her back tmrw.
    This whole nc thing is tricky because of our distance, and its easier for her to forget than to wonder, right? Should i just send in a spontaneous step 4 text every couple of days and kind of do a push back-pull in kind of approach after i see her?
    One last thing, i am an upcoming musician and made a song inspired by her, and want her to hear it. Thoughts? (Btw its all positive)
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you could let her hear the song after you've completed NC. For the time being, return the stuff, and avoid any messy situations until you've given both parties some time to let go of the negative emotions relating to the break up before initiating contact with her again.

      Reply
  • Josie

    Hey, it’s been a year and I still can’t get over my ex that I was together with for 3 years. For the past year we would meet up randomly, all by my own doing, sleep together, only to be told this can’t happen again. I feel rejected at every turn and it keeps weighing on me. He’s moved on but hasn’t been in any relationships. I would love to do the no contact rule but unfortunately we work together at the schools district office and he’s my boss so we have to communicate. Luckily I rarely have to to see him but I do have to email and talk to him very frequently about work. I just can’t get over this. He’s made it clear we will never get back together and I’m starting to lose hope. I thought he was the love of my life and he did at once say he wanted to marry me. There was no cheating yet we just bickered a lot due to us being too much a like. He said he fell out of love with me. I miss him so much and I just feel like he’s slipping further and further away. Is all hope
    gone?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      For now, keep all conversation at work with him professional and avoid small talk - this is how you practice NC with an ex that you work with. If he's fallen out of love with you, it simply means he lost attraction after all that fighting. Perhaps it's time to make some positive changes to your life that he may notice, and even ignite his interest again if you're really keen on wanting him back. The good thing is at least things didn't end ugly and on non-talking terms, so you definitely still have a chance.

      Reply
  • Alizee

    Hello,
    My boyfriend broke up with me 5 months ago, we were 2 years together and before that 3 years best friends. He had a new relationship with a girl from his university after 2 months (he told me 1 month later). Now she broke up with him (she cheated) and he comes back to me. He wants the friendship back, he said he wanted to recontact me long before but his (ex) girlfriend has forbidden him to contact me. He asked our mutual friends how I was. Now I don't know if I am the rebound? If he comes back because of regret? Or does he really just want our friendship back? I don't know what to do because I still love him a lot!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It could be any of the 3 reasons, since you wouldn't know his intentions for wanting to come back to you. However, if he is bound by what his ex allows (and doesn't allow) - it means that he still probably has feelings for her and there's a strong chance that he's coming back to you out of comfort (regret) rather than genuinely wanting to be friends.

      Reply
    • Alizee

      He still loves his ex, but wants a friendship with me and she will have to accept it no matter what. She is trying to gain his trust back, but he doesn't know if he wants her back, because the relationship will never be that deep like our relationship. He said he doesn't have feelings for me, but I'm still the one he wants kids with... How can he say that without having feelings? Do I have to make him fall in love with me again or do I have to just sit back and wait because "if its meant to be, it will be??" ??

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It may be because he's confused about his feelings towards you at the moment. Usually under these circumstances, he probably have a stronger connection with you but a strong passion for his ex resulting in his confusion. You would probably have to try and re-create a spark if you want him back, in order to give yourself an advantage in terms of both connection and passion.

      Reply
    • Alizee

      And how can I try to re-create this spark? He is going to give his exgirlfriend a second chance and I am going on a longterm vacation next year so maybe I should wait for it? He said over text he doesn’t feel anything for me at all..

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that's the case, then maybe even more time apart may do you good in order to create enough positive changes to your life so that it's obvious enough to peak his interest down the road if you ever cross paths again. However, under these circumstances, I would think that moving on might be the easier thing to do instead.

      Reply
  • Katie

    Hi there,

    I really need advice. My ex and I were on and off again for a year and a half. He left me 4 times. This last tome he packed his stuff the day we broke up and i begged him for weeks to come back. He moved out of town for a job which is initially why he left me because I have a son and we couldn’t move with him and he didn’t even do distance. The last time I saw him like 3 weeks ago when I showed up at his job he had been telling me pretty much to have a good life. He had already removed me off all social media and he blocked my number before I saw him. We said our goodbyes since he was moving. We have been in no contact almost a month and he had told me to move on with my life. He isn’t dating anyone but I feel like he already moved on. He had always come back after begging but this time I haven’t heard from him at all. I want him back so badly. I’m not sure what to do anymore. Please help me. I feel like by him telling me not to just stay in my house all the time and focus on my son he was telling me he didn’t want to be with me. He has abandonment issues and couldn’t commit to being a family which is what we argued about when he left. He always told me he wanted marriage and kids but then just left me for this job and didn’t even try distance.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Even if you want him back, begging isn't the way to go about it since it will only get you blocked. You should focus on picking yourself up for the time being and also remaining strong for the sake of your son. Your son comes first, and since he's moved out of town for work and didn't want to do long distance, it might be best to move on from this, as there's not many opportunities for you to rekindle the relationship. If the chance presents itself in the future, and he moves back to town, you could always try again.

      Reply
  • Leah

    Hey Kevin,
    My boyfriend and I recently broke up. We had been arguing quite a bit the past couple months but go through them and I he also felt I had lost attraction to him. We have been dating over 4 years and the past couple months I wondered maybe what it would be like to try other things and meet new people. In January I suggested a break which took him by surprise. A week went by and we agreed to meet up but he wanted me to do the talking and tell him why we should try again. He said he would give me one more chance, and we were making progress, and things were gradually improving. But a few weeks later we got into an argument and I think that topped it for him. We have been broke up officially for about 3 weeks now. During the first week I tried to get him back by writing him letters and going to his house but it was too soon. He told me we aren't getting back together. Its been 3 weeks now and we have only not been talking for about a week and a half. He texted me yesterday saying that we can meet up if I still have questions for him to answer. I'm wondering if I should go or not. I still have questions but I want him to contact me to possibly try again, and I want him to miss me and miss what we had. I know what we had was special, I was just always insecure, and we struggled on new activities to do, and our sex life. I have had some time to think of how to repair this but I think its still too soon for him to listen. Do you suggest I meet up with him or maybe hold off a little longer?
    Thank you! :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I suggest holding it off awhile longer as it may still be too soon, and meeting him may cause you to do something that you may regret later on - such as begging for him back, especially if he doesn't respond positively.

      Reply
    • Leah

      Whats your take on this situation? Do you think that he will come around maybe even in a few months? or would you say there is no hope?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I would say that there's always going to be a chance, depending on how you play your cards and make your moves. However, there's no guarantee on the time frame it would take, and it's more of questioning yourself whether you're able to hold on. If not, it might be easier to give up and walk away because things may not get easier for the immediate future.

      Reply
    • Leah

      I feel like I can't NOT hold on though because I genuinely feel that he is the one for me, and I love him more than anything. No-one has ever mattered like him. This breakup has taught me so much and a lot of the lessons I have learnt late but I have learnt a lot and in the process of still learning. It's kind of hard to explain but I want him to know that. I received an email this week cause I signed up for the Kevin Thompson emails and it was subjected "And it's called...". It was the email about how once a guy has made a decision he has to stick to it. He needs to be consistent with his decision. And thats exactly how my ex is. I met up with my ex last week and he didn't want to tell himself or me this but he does see himself being with me again, and getting back together. But how do I show him that and make that real when he is dead set on his current decision like the email said? I just feel like when boys make a decision they are have to stick with it but how to you show them that by not sticking with that, it doesn't mean its wrong or all for nothing

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As for whatever you're going through, stay strong and understand that when boys make a decision, as stubborn as they try to stick with it, they potentially waver just as quickly. You ultimately have to show him what he's missing out on, and by continuing with making changes in your life and improving yourself, that's what you'll be showing him at the end of the day.

      Reply
    • Leah

      Also, since last week he has texted me saying things like "Hey! I hope you have a good day!" and if I don't reply but read it he will ask something else. I replied the first time but a few days later he sent another and I didn't reply. He is being friendly and showing her cares, but its hard only have a 5 text conversation vs. an all day conversation like we used to. Do you think I should just ignore them for now. I want him to miss me but I don't want it to work out the opposite effect.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would be best if you could ignore the texts while going through NC, but if you're really worried that it results in the opposite effect, perhaps reply to him letting him know that you are working on yourself right now and trying to deal with everything that has happened, and request for some space with a date to catch up again.

      Reply
  • Christy

    Hello,

    I lost my guy to circumstance. He has things to work on. He said he needs space, so should I contact him after the 30 days, or wait for him to contact me?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could always check in on him to see how he's doing after 30 days, but keep it casual.

      Reply
  • Adrian

    Hey, there's this girl i was dating who ended things between us 5 days ago. She ended our relationship through text and when I went to approach her on that night, she chose to ignore me. I did text her following that night but she ignored all my texts. The last time i texted her was 4 days ago.

    We first met through Tinder and had a great 1.5 months together but all this came as a shock to me. It was very sudden without any real signs that suggested it was going to happen. After she ended things with me, she unfollowed me on Instagram the next day and made me unfollow her too (i guess it's through block and unblock). She unmatched me on Tinder either yesterday or today, although she didn't block me on the phone so i can still text her but i dont know what new developments are going to happen. I'm just curious whether the no contact rule will apply here, and if it does, how long should i do it for? If it's applicable, then how do I approach her while it ends - memory texts or the elephant? And does the fact that she didn't block me on the phone and Instagram mean that i still have a chance?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since it was only a short period of dating, perhaps you might want to give it around 2 weeks for the NC period. However, you should also keep in mind that winning her back is dependent on how she viewed the relationship with you, and you have to be mentally prepared that she might not have been as serious as you were.

      Reply
  • John

    We’ve been engaged since September and out of the blue I was sat down and got told that my fiancé is leaving me. Concerned it was pre-marriage jitters, I told her that we can cancel the wedding and just work on us. She told me that I need to realise that this decision isn’t temporary and that she has considered it over a few months. I’m very confused at the moment as all I have as an answer is that she needs to be alone and work on herself. I want to start doing the no contact thing, but obviously logistics of staying together, wedding plans etc. needs to be worked out ASAP. Not sure what to do as I really want to do anything in my power to make things work again and want to follow the above to do so. How can I go about making sure all the arrangements have been finalised as well as starting with the no contact?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could still go ahead with no contact, even under these circumstances. Simply limit the small talk with her and keep any engagement purely on a necessary basis, relating to the logistics of your wedding and other arrangements. Try to get them sorted out as soon as possible, and from there fully focus on no contact after.

      Reply
  • Christopher

    Hi im having problems with my ex gf, we broke up around a month ago, she told me that she wasnt ready for a reletionship, i been writing and calling her all the time, and asking why?dont you love me and stuff, and 4 days ago she called me and said she is prenant, and we been fight so much there pass 3 weeks, she started to lose feeling for me, and now i do not know how to get get back, and she is carrying my child, she still tells me that she doesnt want a reletionship, if you could contact me would be great, i still do love her, i want to be with her, we been fighting/writing so much together, that like i said she is losing feeling for me, i dont know what i have done to make her end the reletionship with me, everything was good, then she started to be distances/didnt wrote much, and one day she just said it, i dont wa t to be in a relationship right now, she saids she loved me but she wasnt ready, can you contact me and please help me win her back

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you need to show her that you're capable of change if you want to win her back. You'll need to make some changes in your life, and show her that you love her not just by your words but also by your actions.

      Reply
  • Jack

    Hi there,
    My gf of 8yrs broke up with me cause I've continously shown a lack of communication skills (i shut her out during fights) throughout our relationship. Issues were never resolved and were always repeating. At the end i gave her less attention and that was the last drop for her. She said she loves me and knows i love her too, but wants to move on as our relationship is too toxic for her and she's afraid to get hurt again.

    I'm already seeing a therapist to pick up on these issues, mostly were from my troubled childhood.
    But i'm a bit late to fix me.. We've tried to stay in contact, but i only pushed her away more. After 2 months of trying to get her attention (we did cuddle alot and still kiss a bit once in a while), i started NC, cause that's what she wants too. She wants to forget about me..
    She is now making arrangements to basically cut me out of her life.
    Is it too late for me? Is there anything else i can do?
    Thanks, Jack

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since there's so many negative emotions associated with you at the moment, it may be best to let her cut you out for the time being to at least let go of these negative emotions, while you make some changes to yourself. You'll be able to re-contact her again later on, and these changes you've made should have a bigger impact since she may not have a jaded view against you by then.

      Reply
    • Jack

      After 1 month of NC, we had some contact (she contacted me) as we're separating our mortgage on our house since I've been living in another house a month after the break up. So she contacts me once in a while, she's already noticed some of the changes made.
      Should i ever contact her or always let her contact me? When she does contact me i try and be nice and sweet to her. I'm just unsure if i should try and keep the convo going or just give her a little and let her have the option to 'pull' if she really wants to keep the convo going, just so i don't put any pressure on her and maybe actually letting her wanting more.
      She's also going away on vacation soon.. unsure if i should wish her well or be completely silent. My gut is telling me to wish her well, my mind is telling me to steer clear

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could be the one to initiate from time to time, and see how she responds to it. At least you get a gauge of how she responds to you when you're the one who contacts her instead.

      Reply
    • Jack

      It seems it's always me initiating the contact. Every 3/4 days. She's still being distant and i can tell she has her walls up and keeps talking about us in different lives and that we'll get used to it... Almost as if she's heartless. It's so confusing how much a person can change in so little time.

      Btw, my last email from you guys was "The Soap Opera Called Life". Was that the end? Aren't there any more e-mails?

      Thanks, Jack

      Reply
    • Jack

      Need more advice please. And why aren't there any subscription emails from you guys with more advice??

      Reply
  • white123

    I met my ex on holiday and at first I wasn't really interested it seem to be all him we kept in contact for 7 months and then he came on a work course up near me ( he lives 4 hours away). he spent every weekend at mine and we got on really well - still do - we have so much in common. He came and spent weekends with me and I went down to see him. but after 4 months or so he thought about it and decided a relationship isn't for him right now because of work as he is unsure what he is doing. he said he has feelings for me but obviously aren't as intense as mine but wants to keep in contact and meet up every now and then because he likes spending time with me and thinks im a great person. He hasn't really had a relationship before so has never had to commit and he also isn't one to get attached to people.
    im currently (successfully) on day 13 of no contact and he has pretty much made contact everyday by sending a instagram or facebook post but yesterday he messaged saying "even though you dont want any contact with me you need to see this picture" which was of a cat, so I didnt really need to see it. Im just really confused what to do or what is going on. By him saying that does that mean the NC is getting to him and that was his way of getting my attention and trying to get me to reply or am I in the friend zone?. Never mind his head being all over the place mine is!! I would love to try make us happen as we are so compatible but what do I do? will he commit? is he starting to miss me? he also did say it will take him a few months to sort out his work but doesn't want me to hang on to something that is 100% certain because of how strong I feel.

    Any advise would be great!
    thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As you've mentioned, it's clear that he has feelings for you but isn't sure of them and being someone who hasn't had a serious relationship before, finds it easier to push you away than to accept and deal with those feelings. Your options now are to either convince him that it can work out and lead by experience, or let him continue chasing you in the hopes that he figures his feelings out someday and commits to you. Either way, it seems that NC is somewhat getting to him judging by the fact that he continues to maintain contact with you despite.

      Reply
  • Ireme

    I am 20 years old while my ex boyfriend is 19 years old. He broke up with me saying that he's not ready for a commitment but we've been together for 2 years. 1 year of friendship and 1 year of being in a relationship. I just don't get it. I want him back but I think he fall out of love and is confused of his life. We are now friends but I don't talk to him anymore because he is just ignoring my message. What shall I do? Some of his guitar stuff are still in my place, when I asked him when will he pick up those stuff he just replied "standby".

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could apply NC for the time being to pick yourself back up, and distance yourself from the situation so as to not get affected by his actions. You'll also want to prove that your life doesn't revolve around him. Due to his age, he might genuinely not be ready to commit because of his maturity and still wants to explore his 'choices'.

      Reply
  • Randy

    Okay, this has worked but it's been about 18 months and I contacted her about 4 months ago. Trust me, she's worth it. We're meeting this Friday night and I'm nervous. She's nervous too, I can tell. It didn't last long in our past relationship, it was quick and love really didn't have a chance to blossom, but recently I feel that either 1.) she's realized that she's falling in love with me and is afraid of how things in our current situations could change as we're both married and unhappy, or 2.) she has walls up because she's forgotten how to love and wants to keep me in the friend zone until she figures out what to do including giving me her heart. She has been opening up to me a lot over the last 30 days, like some kind of switch was instantly flipped and it's much different than our first relationship. We laugh a lot about everything and I feel like I'm now trusted which is extremely important but I don't want to blow it and have my heart broken again even though I'm already in love with her. She's an independent woman and I intend on not smothering her with love and affection even though she has told me that she is missing this. I want her to fall for me when she's ready, not try and force it, even though I can't wait to pull her close, stare into her eyes, touch her face and kiss her again. Any advice is surely appreciated. She really means the world to me and all I've ever wanted is to have her back. So here I am, only three days away from my second chance and my anxiety and excitement are very very high.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Normally, just being yourself is enough, especially if she's already started to fall for you but isn't sure of her feelings just yet. You could increase her confidence by assuring her of these feelings and letting things progress at her pace of comfort.

      Reply
  • anonymous

    me and my ex broke up from 3 days ago and the reason was because his mom didn't approve for the relationship and he couldn't disobey her and so he dumped me so shall i start the no contact rule hoping we might get back together becuz i really love him ?

    Reply
    • T.A.E

      Just someone who read your message here... if you think he feels bad for the breakup too and is genuinely hesitant only because of his mom, I would send him a text saying something like "Even though I feel it's a shame you let your mom's feelings override yours, I understand why you feel you must do this. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for the relationship, I've learned a lot and know that this experience will help me in my next relationship. Best of luck to you!"
      Then go no contact.
      This might a) make him think of you in another relationship, which might make him fight harder for you and b) leave a fond memory; who knows, maybe you'll have another chance one day, when he is no longer quite so dependent on his mother.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Your chances would depend why his mom disapproved of the relationship, and whether there are things that could be done to change that. Figure that out, and if the answer is no - his mom won't ever change her outlook, you might be better off moving on from the relationship since he is unlikely to change his mind about the breakup.

      Reply
  • John

    Hi Kevin,

    My girlfriend broke up with me about 4 weeks ago. We were together for a 4 years and she broke up with because of constant arguing. She had told me before and given me chances before but i never changed and she decided it was the final straw. The breakup was messy and angry and its only in the last week that we stopped talking. I had a realisation that my communication method had still not improved and therefore i have now sought professional help to improve which i feel is working. She called me by mistake so i rang her back and i apologised for being angry and tried to approach the conversation in a confident and calm manor, she started crying because she said it was hard to hear my voice. We had a nice chat then i left it on a positive note. She has however been pretty adamant we need to not speak to get over eachother and we certainly are never getting back together. It feels like i can never show her that things can change this time. What should i do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps give her some space for now and apply No Contact in the meantime to continue working on your communication issues and yourself in general. Contact her again after and see how things go.

      Reply
  • Alice

    Hey I wrote a message a while back - I'm 21, he's 24 and moved onto an 18 year old girl from his school less than a week after a big fight. We were talking for several months/in a relationship for around 3 months. At this point, he's been dating her for longer than we have but they only “clicked” after that fight (from what he's told me, idk) which was on December 1. We were trying to work things out after we broke up in mid November and he even said he loved me and that we have a lot to work on a couple days before that fight where we stopped talking for 2 weeks. That was the longest we didn't talk before it was like 1/2 days, we talked everyday almost all day. We started getting into fights more often before the breakup and I was surprised when he wanted to break up because I thought we were serious about each other because the fights were so silly. I focused on myself for those 2 weeks because we both had finals so I thought he was focused on that too. I found out he was with that girl 2 and a half weeks later and he said he had already been with her for 2 weeks. We got into a huge, ugly fight and I called him a cheater because his stories weren't adding up. I acted really needy, texting him a lot but then I stopped, did no contact, and worked on myself.
    He added me on snapchat randomly like 2 weeks after when he had blocked my number/all social media so I figured out he unblocked me. I didn't add back or anything and he unfollowed 5 days later after I posted pics looking like I was happy/with friends. So then a month later I sent an 'accidental heart' in instagram message and said sorry it was a mistake and he adds me on snapchat again. I ask him why and he said he "thought we could be friends but slowly" and I'm like okay. At this point, I thought maybe things weren't working out with the new girl because she hadn't posted pics of them in a month when they were posting many pics before. So then a couple days later is Valentine's day and she posts a pic with him carrying her on his back and I message him angrily that ‘I don't want to be friends, what did you think you'd get out of this’ and more long, angry texts that he didn’t respond to and he blocked me again on everything. Then I tried messaging I'm sorry but no response. I felt so stupid after. A couple days later, she posts 3 consecutive instagram posts with him like her arms around him, him around hers, seeming really happy. Under one of them I noticed he commented “so the worst pictures of me 🙄” and didn’t like the post and I saw the comment was deleted afterwords. I know I’m getting into the details but I just don’t know what to think. I messed up again and I’m hopeless at this point that I even have a chance. I’ve stopped contact again but I don’t know if it’ll work, I’ve messed up too much. Do you have any advice on what could be going on and what I could do from this point?

    Reply
  • key

    Hello
    My girlfriend left me one month ago.she prank on me and I had take it seriously and I call her again and again to talk to her but she ignored me all time.After that one day she clearly said to me on phone that she don't want me because of my behaviour.she was thinking I was getting psycho,possessive and doubt about her.Because this misunderstanding she avoid to talk with me.sometimes I only message her.I can give her time but she is very stubborn about her decision so what to do now?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If this past month hasn't been enough time for her to calm down and she's still upset with you, perhaps give her some more space to let go of the negative emotions she may still feel towards you. Depending on how you reacted to her prank, there are clear issues that both parties need to work on, in terms of respecting each other, boundaries, and the communicative skills to know when one party is joking. If you really want her back, you could let her know that you're sorry for reacting that way and it was a misunderstanding. Tell her you'd still like to be friends but would give her the space she needs before she's ready to talk to you again.

      Reply
    • key

      Hello
      She said all time you have same behaviour and I want to focus on carrier so stay away.
      I am ready for give her space but after my reaction she don't want me to accept again.
      What to do now

      Reply
  • Lana

    Hi, this may be a really long and complicated story but I will keep it short.

    Two things I have to mention. First, we, in fact, were not a couple, because we did not date, but we acted like one. Second, I was serious with him and committed to this relationship. I did have feelings for him first since we rented the same place and he was always there when I needed him. I could say that I was emotionally attached to him. We were in the same house together for 4 months (around 7 months ago). All good things happened. We shared things, talked, went on trips, did things together. I did think he was the one for me, and I could feel he had feelings for me too. Then I had to go away. We kept in touch for 2 months at least (about 2 months ago?), and he told me wanted to be serious since he liked me a lot too. He asked me when I got back to the house if I wanted to date him and be in a serious relationship and something further. I had to say this was what I expected yet did not give him the answer at that time. But after that thing changed. He told me that I was so indecisive and could not sure what I wanted in life. He did not want to be with someone like that. That was 5 weeks ago. The reason was he was quite mature and he wanted to get married less than 3 years times. Then 3 weeks ago he told me that he was seeing someone else but he knew that relationship did not go anywhere, he did not have an attachment to her. Of course, I was in a total mess since he gave me hope and as I told you I was quite serious with him, and I did think we could be committed to each other. Things shifted too fast in just 5 weeks, how could I deal with it normally?. When I came back to the state a week ago (I moved all my stuff out when he said he was seeing someone so I am not with him now), I texted him a lot, called him a lot, and like most people here, got blocked too (just a few days ago). He told me he had moved on, so just take my time and do my thing, let it be for a while and should not disturb each other for a few months.

    Today I accidentally found your blog, I read some and realized a lot. I know 7-month knowing each other is not long, but we are both mature, and we were quite serious for a couple of months so I did think this worked out. I am still a mess now since things have happened quite recently, but I am picking up every piece and start to think straight. If I follow your 5-step, do you think if there is any chance we can get back together in a few months time? Or at least, just be friends without letting out past disturb our friendship (supposed we could both actually move on)
    Hope I can get the answer from you since this will mean a lot to me. Thank you so much for your time

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The important thing for you in this scenario is to work towards building up a friendship with him again. Perhaps the distance had caused him to disassociate himself with you despite how he felt, and now it's easier to push you away than to work on continuing where things left off. There's definitely still a chance, but it's dependent on how strongly he felt towards you back then as well. Since he already knows it won't work out with his current date, he has not dismissed the idea of dating you, but he probably knows it won't happen anytime soon. I suggest that you give both parties some space for the time being and apply no contact. You could start talking to him again once things have settled down, and you are in a better place emotionally.

      Reply
  • Kevin

    Last year i met a woman, she was very into me, you see Im the kind of guy who doesnt fall in love fast, after a while spending together she liked me very much and even told me first that she loved me, at that point i did not love her but i liked her very much, after a little longer a month we started a relationship and i started to really love her. In fact in the beginnings things were so great that we couldnt get enough of eachother, she even said that she loved me forever, at a few points i did some stupid things and made her very angry with me, after that i showed her how much she meant to me and started to do everything for her, everytime we had problems i tried very hard to make things better for her, we both live in different countries but she comes to my country to visit family, she has 2 children ( girls) her exhusband was no longer in the picture before i met her, 2 months ago the day when she left my country i spend the day with her and everything was great, before she go away she said i love you and i will text you next week, so one week later she texted me and sended me pictures of her and told me she missed me, i started to text her several times and she and i just got simpel messages back but still with a line like: (you are my heart).
    I was doing my own thing but missed her alot so i started to send her a few texts, just telling her how much i loved and miss her, i started to get stressed, after the last text she told me that she loved me too but doesnt like to text me all the time, she said not to stress about anything and that she comes next month, so i told her that i promise that i not stress, i waited one week and it was valentinesday so i texted her, she texted me back and said to me happy valentinesday my love i miss you, after that we havent talked since then, i dont know what her point of view is on us? Maybe she wants to be alone to miss me and stronger our relationship or Maybe she is seeing another guy, i have no idea? I had a special gift made for her and her children to show her how much i care and how much my heart feels for her, i want to give this gift to her when she comes again and i see her.
    Do you have any advice on what i should do when i see her? I know exactly how i feel and this is the woman i want to spend my life with.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      For the time being, try not to over think so much, and perhaps text her occasionally leading up to her visit. Wait until she comes to visit again, then give her the gift you've prepared. From there it would be easier to observe as well, whether she seems different emotionally towards you, or if you were thinking too much. If it is the former, you should definitely address the issue with her and let her know how you feel.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Thank you for the advice, i already decided to not overthink so much, so have been keeping myself bussy and its working great, the fact that she has 2 children means that she also is very bussy with taking care of them and i have to respect her space, i only texted her a few days ago to tell her how i have been and told her that i hoped that she and her children are well, she pretty much texted me right back and told me that she was happy that i am good and that she is also very good with her children she said she missed me and i texted her back and told her i missed her too, after that the conversation was ended because space is very important i decided to not overthink and did not text her, she wil come soon so Im just living my life and taking it one step at a time, when i see her i will give her the gift and see how things are just like you said, even whatever happens, her happiness is more important to me.

      Reply
  • Sarah

    Hi,
    My girlfriend left me in January after being together for 4 years.
    She was jealous of my ex who is my business partner and my best friend. She found some messages on my phone which meant nothing I tried to explain everything, but she doesn't accept friendship between me and my ex. She is jealous of even "Hi Hun" message.#
    Well after finding the last message on my phone she decided to break up but she kept living with me another 20 days, we had a laugh, we had sex etc. But she kept saying we have to break up and after a big argument she left the house on 17th of January and took her stuff on 28th of January. I didn't contact her until the 13th of February but when we met up she invited me for a drink where we kissed and she said she loves me but we cant be together and we have to move on.And she was upset that i didnt contact her past 3 weeks and didnt care about her. on 14th she got drunk with her friends and texted "I love you too. Happy valentines". on 15th we met again we kissed, cried and she said she will block me on every social media and that we have to move on. This is driving me crazy. I applied no contact again but contacted her yesterday and again humiliated myself saying I love her and that we should get back together. She got pissed off and said that i didnt love her and that I chose to stay friends with my ex. she suggested me to date my ex again. She said even if we get together everything will remind her of my friendship with my ex and she will get angry and snap.So she suggested me to see the specialist and move on
    So about my ex: we work together. She has a girlfriend and getting married. She is the person I rely on, I trust.
    I never cheated on my girlfriend. I just don' know what else to do? I want her back. But I have this feeling she will not come back and no contact will push her further away from. Please advise
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You have to understand that it's normal for your partner to feel insecure and jealous over an ex being your best friend because they are worried that a relapse of feelings could happen at anytime and they feel threatened by it. It's clear that your partner still loves you, but as long as your relationship continues with your ex as best friends, it will be hard for her to accept it, and it's always going to be an issue. Ultimately, while I'm all for exes remaining friends, I've come to realize that boundaries still have to be drawn, especially when you enter a new relationship, because most people aren't going to be able to accept it. Perhaps you have to understand why your partner feels threatened by your ex, and what goes through her mind, so that you may be able to come to some compromise on the matter, without severing ties with your ex and still getting your current partner back.

      Reply
    • sarah

      Hi Ryan,
      Thanks for the reply. Do you recommend I do the no contact?
      I am training someone at work already to leave that job where I work with my ex (friend)
      And my ex wrote my current gf an email saying that she doesn't want to be part of our break up and that we have to sort out ourselves. That she has her family and fiance and doesn't want to be blamed for the problems she hasn't created.
      I am going on holiday soon. I will be back in 45 days so all this period of time I want to do no contact.
      whats your advise.
      Many Thanks

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that's the case, I do suggest you follow through with NC since the opportunity is there and your ex has expressed herself already in not wanting to get involved in the process, so you should respect her decision and not 'involve' her until everything has cleared up.

      Reply
  • rey

    Hi, I met my ex 3 years ago, I was and still are a college student. Im 35 now she is 29. At that time I was married and lived far from her. Eventually I divorced and everything started to go perfect with my girlfriend. Now, she was and is ridiculous jealous, I mean crazy ridiculous, even from her own family, it's like I'm a walking Brad Pitt. Not even 3 months into the relationship she told me she wanted kids, I talked to her and said it wasn't the best moment and she took it bad and even accused me of being sterile. Tired of that crap I said to myself, ok how bad can it be? At 5 months she got pregnant of twins. Since that moment it was even crazier. At some point I had really given up since she didn't trust me and was suffocating me, so we talked and kind of broke up. From that moment I felt happy and just kept a father relationship with her. Like 4 months later I found that she was talking to a guy. She actually looked for him and I got really upset. I tried to explain myself why, and just could understand she felt I wasn't giving her attention as a woman, so couple weeks later we sit down and talked and decided to give it a chance. We started again and everything was good. Now the problems in our relationship have always been her jealously and money. Even when I was a college student, I paid her bill until she got a job a year after the birth. When it came time for the taxes I let her get all the refunds, even though I have rights to claim one, and even more when she took me to court to pay child support. Eventually after 3 years she broke up with me again for money reasons. Her reason are that she thinks I won't ever change and have proved nothing to her, that I have no commitment. And I'm like, how can you say that? I always paid your bills, didn't claim my kids even when you made me pay child support, proposed you marriage and everything. My friends tell me I should move on, she is not worth it. I'm not perfect by any means, by im average handsome, good guy, no bad habits, never cheated on her, and even better parent than what she is. But for some reason I can't stop thinking about going back to her as bad as it looks. I wonder why someone like her that met bad men before me would be able to find someone good after me, even after all the crap she has put me through, how life can be so unfair. I see my kids everyday but wonder whether if I take them to my house for some days of the week will affect her and maybe make her realize a relationship is compromise and sacrifices, or if she would be happy she would have more time for dating a new guy. I miss my relationship as bad as it was and wonder why? Initially I screwed up and didn't do the no contact period, I begged her and humiliated myself, and now feel ashamed. Since the last argument we had there has been 10 days of no contact, only couple call regarding the kids, I'm holding on, but is extremely though. I have been working on myself but I find it hard to focus. I can't stop thinking or wishing that her next relationship is bad enough so she can value me. I even talked to a therapist and she told me she won't be able to put aside her own issues by simply dating a guy, but it hurts to even think she will. I can't stop thinking about the probabilities that some guy will be willing to date a single mother of 2 and be able to handle her craziness. I try to tell myself that the probabilities are low, but can't stop fearing for that one chance, as she is physically beautiful. I don't know, I can't stop asking questions, like did she really love me? why did she wanted to have kids with me when I was a broke student? Does she still love me somehow? After breakup in one of our discussions she mentioned I was doing everything to go back but I was doing it wrong, and was like why you tell me that when you said you didn't want to go back? Then things got worse as I didn't do the no contact. But for some reason she always tells me that she has lost hope of me changing, and everytime we comeback, but I'm afraid not this time.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It can be hard to accept the breakup, especially when your ex seems to be doing much better than you are, but you have to ask yourself honestly if this is the kind of life you want to lead. She seems unlikely to change anytime soon, and the only way things may work out now is by your compromise, which is emotionally exhausting. You'll have to figure out what it is you want, and why it is you want her back because ideally if you're going to attempt to win her, it should be a permanent thing and not some temporary moment of happiness with no change to the situation.

      Reply
  • Haidiee

    Hey.. I've been dating him for 11months,i love him so much... But this year is too important for both of us (the last yr of high school).. We hardly communicated... Then he told me that he don't want to talk to me.. And gave no reasons ..just he had some problems and refused to explain,,,,. I told him that i love him he don't have to do that to me.. He just said that he loves me too..and asked me to remember him any way...
    now we don't talk any more.. I don't know or understand anything..am i single ?? What to do with him.. Also i know he is talking to other girls rn .. Not dating....and that makes me jealous and really angry... i miss him so much though

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should have a talk with him about this, and figure out what it is he wants. There's a good chance that he wanted to break up but didn't know how to go about it, eventually deciding to keep things vague hoping you'll forget about the relationship.

      Reply
    • Haidiee

      If so y did he told me that be loves me and misses me and promised that whatever happens he will love me... How could he be such a liar!! It's complicated... When he said he didn't want to talk to me he said that after finishing our study we could be together.. And refused to explain more..
      What if i talk to him !!!! And he pulls me away again..it will hurt me.. Isn't there any other solution? <3

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Like I mentioned earlier, instead of overthinking and speculating of all the possible scenarios that may or may not be true, you might want to consider simply talking to him and asking him for an honest answer. If he doesn't want to give it to you, then you might be better off distancing yourself from him for the time being, until there's a better opportunity.

      Reply
    • haidiee

      thank u for helping me ❤❤but i didn't talk to him.. yesterdays he texted me that he missed me so much and wants to be with me again.. i asked him for explanation he said he was sorry and told that he was depressed about his study, he said he wasn't doing well so decided to be away from me as he didn't deserve me.. he wanted to be successful in order to make a serious relationship... i believed him and i was so happy about his thoughts...but when i told that to my bestie.. she told me that he is lying.. in ordor not to lose me.. and it seems like he is playing.. knowing that i didn't talk to him since yesterday.. i don't know what to do.. ! is he really lying? should i support him? or leave him!!?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      This is something you would know best and I cannot give you a definite answer since I do not know your ex and how he's like as person. You should consider carefully, and follow what you think is the best solution based on whether you think he's lying or not.

      Reply
  • Rishty

    Hey
    Me and my ex broke up 24days ago
    The reason behind the breakup was his family concern.It is necssary to mention that we belongs from different religion and his family would never accept me.But from the very begining of our relationship he said that we will not live with our family as he don't have any problem regarding my religion. To be really honest our relationship was the bestest one I have ever seen. He was so supporting, understating, loving, caring. I can't think my life without him. But as I was quite stubborn so he had to always pacify me that what made our realtionship a bit complicated. From last 2 months he was behaving quite weirdly as we weren't able to contact frequently due to some problems. Last day before we broke up we had a fight and stopped talking to each other. But at the end of the day I couldn't resist myself and called him. But he didn't talk to me properly. Later on he said that he wouldn't be able to continue this relationship. When I asked for reasons he said anyhow his mother got to know about our realtionship and he can't take the pain from his home.And also added he can't progress in his life because of me as he is fully obsessed with me. He said he can't concentrate in a single thing as he always think about me, ourself and our future. As a result he wont able to make a good result and wont able to make a future for us.So he said he can't continue the realtionship. My world was just ended right there. I was completely blank then.I begged him and cried out.But he didn't hear. He was sticked to his logic. Lastly I couldn't resist myself and said a lots of bad stuff about his family and him.Which made him more angry. He blocked me in all kind of social networking sites. He blocked my number too. I begged to him but he didn't pay a hid to it. I also tried to reach him through his friends but it didn't worked out. Intact last night also I called him more than 25times but he didn't picked.Am just driving crazy day by day.I've become completely depressed and my health got also affected by this. The next month I have a big exam to appear which will literally decide my future but for this I really can't concentrate.I've tried to suicide by taking pills and by hearing that he became more angry and thought am trying to distracting him. I know what I've done to him wasn't right. I shouldn't say those stuffs to him. And am really sorry from the core of my heart. He is the right one for me and no one could be better than him.I have no clue what I'll do the next day. I just can't live without him. I want him back the love of my life any how. I am getting destructed day by day
    Plz help me reagarding this
    I really love him and ready to apologise for all wrong things that I've done to him. But he is not even ready to listen.Plz help!!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Then you'll have to give him space first to let go of all the negative emotions he has towards you at the moment from the recent events. If you really feel unable to cope with your emotions and have suicide tendencies or thoughts, perhaps it may be better to consult a specialist for therapy before you try to contact your ex again. By being like this, you will only push him further away because you come across as desperate or needy, which would make him raise his guard against you.

      Reply
  • Eric Hall

    Hey Kevin,

    about 2 weeks ago I broke up with my girlfriend because at the time it felt like the right thing to do. It was our first real relationship any of us had and we dated for about 5 months. about 2 hours after breaking up with her I realized how much of a mistake I made. we are both young and were each other's first love. We talked the day after and I told her how much of a mistake it was and everything, but she feels that we have grown apart and this is for the best. a few days went by and I gave her a valentines day letter, just talking about our good times and how ill always love her, she texted me that night saying how much that meant to her and everything but that was it. about a week went by and I heard from my friends that she honestly wants to keep things this way so I sent her a text explaining the only reason I did what I did was because I thought she was losing interest in me and was afraid she was going to end things with me.
    She said that she appreciated me telling her that but honestly thinks its best if we both move on, she said that people change and that's okay, difficult for sure but okay, she also said that maybe in a few years if everything works out that we could try things again but right now she cant. I told her I respect that and only asked for a second chance but was told: "I cant, I'm sorry".

    I've tried to get my head off her but I honestly believe I lost something truly special. I don't want to be needy but I also want her back. she says that she misses what we had and will always care about me and that the past week or so hasn't been easy but she keeps saying that this is best for us.

    am I in a hopeless situation?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You're not in a hopeless situation, but it's best if you give her some time to loosen her stand on not getting back together. She's currently adamant about it based on the current you, and if you want a shot with her, you might have to make some changes to your life to re-attract her back. You could follow this article for further guidance.

      Reply
  • emmanuel

    my girlfriend broke up with me recently after 4years of the relationship,she says she doesnt trust me and love me anymore,i want to start the no contact rule,i dont know if it will work and she has started seeing another guy 3montgs before we broke up,what are my chances??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Why would she not trust you if she's the one who started seeing another guy even before you broke up? You might want to consider the possibility of walking away and being fair to yourself. However, if you genuinely want to be with her again, it's most likely that this new guy is a rebound for you, and she probably ended the relationship because 4 years is a long enough time for couples to lose the passion or spark in the relationship. I suggest making changes to that aspect, and applying no contact before considering any action down the road.

      Reply
  • Dipti Sharma

    Hi Kevin...
    I want to tell u that I was dating one guy ... We both were serious about each other n loyal too.. We dated for 5 months he always used to talk with me n he made commitment in front of everyone that he going to marry me... He said whatever happen I ll stay with her.. N Now I don't know what happen he brokeup n reason given that I irritate him n tortured him... I said sorry even I said I ll never do it again still he was like noo I don't want u... 20 days ago he brokeup with me n we having mutual friends they too tired for patchup but he is not ready at all Plzz tell me what to do??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could consider applying No contact and spend some time figuring out what you could improve on with regards to your personal life, and if you still want to be with him after NC, try initiating contact then. This gives him some space to let go of negative emotions he may hold towards you.

      Reply
  • Jared Malcom

    My ex girlfriend broke up with my almost two months ago. She gave me multitude of reasons but after reflecting I know she lost attraction for me and we were not successfuly communicating. She kissed a guy the day after we split (and maybe more). I begged her to stay and give me one more chance a week after the breakup when we met to talk and gain closure. She told me she has been in relationship after relationship and doesn’t know how to be happy in her own. She just couldn’t have me as her boyfriend anymore she said.

    It’s been super hard to do anything and I’ve read countless articles on how I should handle myself and what I should do. I still want her back for the right reasons. In the first month apart she sent me a gift, posted a pic on the one social media site that I didn’t block her on in a jacket of mine that she has, and txted me on my birthday that she missed me.

    I reached out about a month after going no contact to see the reason for these actions if there was any. She told me she wasn’t trying to confuse me but rather express her want to be on good terms. I never replied and I’m wondering what I should do.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since no contact is over, you can consider remaining on friendly terms with her first, and slowly work your way towards something more again. Even if she has lost attraction towards you, the fact that she once fell in love with you meant that there is a certain factor you possess that attracts her. You're just going to have to recall what it was, and implement it as part of your plan to attract her back once more.

      Reply
  • Bridget

    I'm so dumb! It's really balffling how someone can love you deeply for over 3 years and suddenly, they have turned off all feelings. It's been 3 weeks since we have been officially broken up, and I have messaged him around once a week, to which he would politely reply. He's been out every night, and I am just freaking out inside because he's so good looking, I'm sure women are all over him. I talked to him yesterday, I had to call him at work. We talked about our finances and took care of some of those things, I told him I was doing well, and he said the same. Then I stupidly said "I miss you". The heartbreaking reply was, "yeah" Now I feel like I blew it. It's been 3 weeks, I feel like he is so done. Is it too late for no contact now?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could apply no contact now, but perhaps do it for 2 weeks before trying to initiate contact with him, especially if you're worried of him getting together with someone else. However, if you're able to do so, then complete NC for 4 weeks and spend this time focusing on yourself.

      Reply
  • dwee

    i broke up with my bf about 11 days ago and currently doing no contact. however, i was unwell recently and he was helping me to get home from uni. we also have some classes together and he did texted me a couple of time during nc. the last contact i did was when he asked me how was i feeling after he sent me back. i only replied 'im okay and thanks for helping me,' and then i never replied any of his messages after that. after that we saw each other the next day and he started talking to me. i did my best to keep minimum contact while trying to not appear cold. i dont know what to do. this is harder than i thought. i miss him terribly but i also realised that we need space, well at least i do. i kind of disliked the fact that he is treating me as if i am a friend. i realised i cant be just friends with him, hence why i hope by doing nc and following these advises would help me get him back.

    we were in an on and off relationship for 2 years+. we are now 20 years old and we have been together since we were 18. all the times we broke up, it was his decision and all the time he was the one asking us to get back together. we broke up because he believe we have no future together due to different religious beliefs, and he also said that a small factor that pushed him to wanting the break up was to experience how his life would be without me. he felt like he would lose his 'youth and college life' if he stayed in the relationship without exploring the experience of being single.

    he did said that he doesnt know whats going to happen in the future and we may cross path again, although he thinks that we should not get back together again. i personally want him although i know i dont need him. i want him cause although he thinks we have no future, i realised that we both grew to be a better version of each other when we were together. we learned a lot together and we were compatible except for the fact that his parents would never approve his relationship with me due to the difference in religion.

    what should i do? am i doing the right thing? please help me

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It seems that he is experiencing a common effect many couples go through in slightly longer relationships, where he starts to think that the grass is greener on the other side and wants to see it for himself. Under these circumstances, there really isn't a right or wrong thing you can do, but more of where your heart lies. If you really want him back, you'll have to show him that the grass is better with you than elsewhere. If the relationship was a meaningful one as you said, when you begin no contact and work on improving yourself as intended during NC, he may start to realize that.

      Reply
    • dwee

      thank you for your response Ryan. i really appreciate it. yesterday he texted me again asking about how am i feeling and i didnt reply at all. a few hours later, he texted me asking 'what happened to not avoiding?'. i guess he started wondering why didnt i reply back to him when he reached out to me. when i saw that message i was feeling a little guilty cause i never want to ignore him but i am currently doing nc, so i would naturally/unconsciously ignore him somewhat. i then asked my friend to helped me, which she was more than happy to do so, to indirectly talk to him on my behalf that i need time and space from everything that has been going on since i have other things that has been burdening me emotionally on top of the break up.

      he then replied to my friend saying that he is worried about me since he is aware that im going through a hard time and the fact that i am not replying to him made him even more worried. he told my friend to let him know if i am unwell/ or not feeling okay physically or emotionally, or if i ever need his help. he was telling my friend that it meant a lot to him that my friend was willing to tell him about me.

      i personally feel like he is treating me like a friend. and i understand that he felt weird that i am not replying to him since before we broke up, he told me each to give space but try to not ignore one another, cause he believe that we are still good friends of one another and we shall not let the break up ruin our friendship. i personally do not really like the fact that he is treating me as a friend cause i cant be just friends with him.

      was it wise for me to ask for my friend's help to talk to him indirectly? will it ruin the concept of no contact? will this make him wonder whether the break up was a good or a bad idea? what should i do next?

      thanks in advance :)

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      No it wouldn't ruin anything. When you're on NC, you can still reply him if necessary but keep the conversation short, and let him know that you're working on yourself. The fact that he's concerned shows that he still cares for you, which is a good sign as opposed to being cold towards you. It's just that he may not share feelings of passion towards you right now, like a lover would. You should continue with NC for the time being and focus on yourself. If he contacts again, you could always choose to reply if you want to, but as mentioned earlier, keep the exchange short.

      Reply
    • dwee

      thank you for your reply Ryan. it means a lot to me. i have a question regarding whats happening recently between my ex and i. this is going to be quite a long post, i apologise in advance if i am troubling you with my problem.

      My ex and i are in the same classes for uni. On Monday, i went to see his friend who stayed in the same accommodation to return his shirt for me since he wasnt in the morning class. Few hours after, i was heading to my afternoon class and i was waiting for the lecture hall to be open. I recently had my blood taken for a general check up and sprained my wrist as i fell due to the slippery stormy weather. I guessed he saw my bandaged wrist and came up to me to asked what happened. As i cant runaway, i hesitated at first but i eventually told him what happened. i told him about it although i was a little panicky at that time since i wasnt expecting him to approach me after the 'no reply messages' incident. I just said 'i fell,'. And the he asked how i did fall. I just said it was slippery and i fell. Then he saw my bruised injection scar and asked me was it because they took my blood and i said yes. He started chuckling cause he knew im scared of needles and said how did it go? I just answered with 'i fainted'. then he was like because of the needles or anemia? And i answered 'both'.

      When i was in the middle of telling him, my class was opened and people rushed into it and i cant help that i have to get into the class with him. After im done answering, he was next to me still then started asking where am i gonna sit. I said idk because the class was starting to be filled by students and there were not many empty seats. He then said lets just sit here and we ended up sitting together.

      I was trying to create a space between us, i asked him dont you have anyone thats gonna sit next to you, like a friend you just met or something. Then he said, do i looked like i have a friend from this course? So i just answered him and said, 'i dont know, maybe you do'. Then after that we sat and he tried to make jokes and all. I responded only when he initiated any conversation, but never really asked him anything. I only asked him a question that's uni related. Then he asked if i can move my wrist around and all but i just said, 'i cant, it hurts when i try to move it'.

      He then started to google on his laptop about how to reduce the pain and swelling of sprained wrist. He typed 'sprained wrist :(' on the search bar.

      After googling, he gave me painkillers (idk why he has them). Throughout class, he was looking at me, stealing a few glances while i kept my head straight ahead. I realised before my lecture ends that i didnt know where my next class was and he saw that i was trying to locate the building. He then started showing me where to go and all. After class was done, we walked out and i was about to leave to my next class. He then said 'why are you going to your class so early? Besides you dont know where it is.' I just looked at him and kept quiet.

      Then he asked me if i have eaten or not. I took about 5 seconds before answering an unconvincing 'yes'. Then he was like, 'im gonna grab some food since i havent eaten at all, do you want to come with me? That is if you dont mind,'. I hesitate again before saying, 'what am i gonna do there? Im not gonna eat either way. And i have class,'. He then said i can just sit with him and i dont have to eat.

      I knew i was supposed to say no to that. And i knew that i shouldve just left. But stupid me was too happy that he asked me that and i eventually went with him to accompany him to eat. i know that i had to asked him some more questions about school work as well although i shouldve just say no to him and left but i couldnt.

      After he got his food, he asked about the morning class that he missed. He asked if the lecturer said anything important. I just told him there's nothing much as it was all in the lecture slides. He told me he was late and he didnt know who else to ask since i never reply to him. Impulsively, i apologised and i told him that i need space away from all of the things that has been happening. And i told him that 'i did that too to everyone,' and idk why did i say that and i felt so goddamn stupid for that.

      Then after a while asked me, 'hows life?'. And i didnt know what to answer. Then i answered with, 'its just like that', and to avoid him asking more, i asked him how about you, hows life, and he return my words; he also replied with, 'its just like that,'

      To avoid him asking me about how i am doing since he asked me that 2 times already, i just asked him about his new place. he decided to move into a student accommodation before our break up as he thinks that he could experience the most of student life by being in one. i think that it could be one of his way to achieve that 'college life' that he always wonder about. He said his new place is good and all. He also said i can come and see it before he realised that i have seen it already before, whne we inspected the place before we broke up. But he said i can still come if i want to. Then after he finished eating, i started to leave for my class and surprisingly, he wanted to send me to my class. I told him that he doesnt have to but he said he didnt mind and he wants to.

      Then i just looked down. Cause idk what im feeling. I was happy but i was sad as well. I miss him and was happy to see him talking to me but i also want some space so he can miss me more and wonder about me more. He looked at me and i could see him from my side that he was doing it. I told him to just look straight and not look at me. He then said if i cant then i wont look at you.

      Then after a couple of moment, i was sighing and he heard it. He asked me whats wrong and i said to him without me realising that i was saying outloud that i just simply dont know how to face him. He then asked, 'why would you feel like that? Its not like you did something that makes you guilty towards me or anything that makes you dont know how to face me. I mean idk, you may slept with someone after we broke up but if you dont then you shouldnt feel that way,'. Then i boldly asked him, 'what if i did then?' He paused for a while before asking me to repeat myself. And i did. I asked him 'what if i did?' He then just replied with, 'well if that really happened then i guess i would just spend another night drinking another glass of vodka and sleep it off,'.

      I shrugged it off, and say, 'sure,' sarcastically before he answered, 'i really did that, dont you know im a drunkard now?' We both fell silent before i joked it off and said, 'nah, those vodka may be there to serenade girls,' then he replied almost instantly saying that the only thing that he would serenade is his right hand.

      Then we reached my class and i said to myself i didnt want to go to class anymore since it looked like another strom was coming and he heard it. He told me to just tell my tutor that im feeling unwell and skipped class. But i said no and i told him i should go. Then he asked me what time will i be going to our class tomorrow. I just said earlt cause i have things to do then he was 'like how early? Morning or noon?' I just said 'dont know maybe noon idk yet,'. He then just said 'oh okay, i was just wondering since our class is at 3 and it'll be too long of a break if you come too early to uni and all,'.

      I just smiled and then he said that he will see me tomorrow and that he has been a good boy as he hasnt skipped class yet. I once again said 'sure' sarcastically since he just missed him class this morning before he smiled and said stop judging him and all. Then i bid him goodbye and he left to go home.

      One thing i realised is that he still called me by the name that he use to call when we were still together.

      Today, i met him on the bus on the way to uni and he once again asked me about my wrist. And i replied with 'its just like that,'. Then he asked which shirt was the one that i return and i answered that it was one of his long sleeved shirt. After that, i continued walking before he asked me some questions about my appointment with my lecturer and I replied with, 'no she cancelled it,' and then i kept quiet. Mainly, i kept quiet because i felt a little awkward since he is treating me nicely. but i cant tell if its because he thinks of me like a friend or because he genuinely still care for me like how he was when we were together back then. and i dont really like it because it makes me confused. I want him back and i dont want to be treated like a friend, he is being really nice and almost as caring as before but its confusing me a little.

      As i reached class and before i enter the room, he was next to me and asked if it was the right classroom. I just said 'im not sure,' and opened the door before choosing a seat. He looked at me, looked around the room before going to an empty seat far from me and said 'bye,'. I just smiled and then thats all.

      What should i do now? Does this mean that he is treating/only seeing me as a friend? Do i have any chance to ever get back with him again or should I just give up? Will continuing NC would give me better chance in getting him back?

      please please please help me.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It seems that he's showing you care and concern still, that is seemingly beyond what a friend would do. However, this is something you would know better than me since he's your ex and you know what he's like as a person. Continuing with NC may be good as it keeps a level of mystery which may keep him intrigued, but it may also end up backfiring in your case if he thinks you're being cold and decides to respect your decision and limit contact with you. Like I've mentioned, you would know best how he's like as a person, use that knowledge and make your decision on whether you think he's simply being friendly or may be showing something more.

      Reply
    • dwee

      if you are wondering about the date, days or time i am referring in my post, I am in Australia so the time would be a little different from where you are.

      Reply
  • anonymous

    Hi Ryan,

    Thanks for all the helpful advice on here. My ex broke up with me after a 3 year relationship about a month ago. I have followed all of your advice and didn't bother her after the breakup and told her I support her and want the best for her. 2 weeks after the breakup she came over and spent the night at my place and seemed surprised and confused by how nicely I had set it up. She pretty much told me she left because I had been weak and was leaning on her too hard. I reminded her that this breakup process was changing me into a much stronger person. Afterwards we continued no contact. I'm currently in the no contact/self improvement phase. My question to you is regarding how much time to spend here before I begin reaching out to her via text. I think more time, maybe another month is good because like you say it gives her time to have less negative feelings about me. I think the longer I wait the more likely the communication will seem sincere rather than just an effort to get back together. So overall I'm thinking 2 months after she initially broke up with me might be around the correct time to engage her again. Let me know what you think

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      That's great to hear. Yes you're right, you definitely want to give her time to let go of the negative emotions she may hold on to regarding the breakup/relationship, as well as allow her to see the changes you've made to yourself more clearly during re-contact. Depending on how ugly the breakup was and context of it, the time frame for NC would differ accordingly. Supposing it wasn't too messy considering that she spent the night 2 weeks after the break up, I think slightly over a month from when you started would be a better time frame.

      Reply
  • arsene

    hi , my gf and i spoke last of last Friday after 3 weeks and half not seeing each other and she wanted to talk and she was telling she loves me but she want us to break up bkoz she tried to fix things so many times and i never listen to her and she is tired and she thinks that we lost each other and i did tell her that i do not want to lose her and promised that i was going to change.
    she said she was going to think again about her decision ... on valentine i had a gift for her that i bought since December and i paid for uber delivery to her work place and after she texted me saying that i did have to but thanks for the gift and when she got home she sent another text saying its beautiful and she loves it. and i tried to speak often and she said that we are not supposed to chat all the time because it doesn't help her or me so i stopped texting her since the 14 th of feb and she texted on sunday that she will let me know during this week when we will meet to talk but the tricky part is that my birthday is tomorrow and i am watching ...if she doesn't show up or meet me does it means its over or there is still hope?
    i love her and ready to change not for her but to fix myself first and have a happily relationship with her.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could use the point on whether she wishes you as a gauge on how she feels towards you, but I suggest not letting it get you down even if she doesn't. Simply focus on changing yourself in the meantime, since it's for you (first and foremost), and continue with no contact to give her the space she needs.

      Reply
  • anonymous

    Hi.. I met up with my Ex after no contact, it went really well! I left it a couple of days before speaking to her again.. I can tell she was a little bit cold as her response time was a lot longer than usual and the reply was pretty weak. I responded but ended the convo, saying i was busy with work. Just wondering what you recommend I say next? I know in your email service you talk about giving her some space, should I follow that approach? any other tips would be much appreciated, thanks.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes, if she responds coldly, it could either mean that something reminded her of the past, and negative feelings towards you formed again, or that she's distracted with something else at that point. Either way, by pushing for replies, you would come across as needy or pushy, which may cause her to further raise her guard against you.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      I don’t want to push for replies I just messaged her on Sunday night, mainly to ask if she had a good weekend but she didn’t respond till this morning. So I ended the convo straight away. I’ve seen these traits before. I know it’ll be an emotional past memory. Would you recommend that I message her calmly saying I’m going to give her space or just leave her alone for a bit? I feel if I don’t address the issue it’ll lead towards the friend zone path, and I don’t want that to happen.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes you could send her that. At least if it isn't the case, she would reply you saying that she doesn't need the 'space or be left alone'.

      Reply
  • Amie

    My girlfriend and I were together for 3 months, and the relationship was great. We had a very deep connection with each other. We had to break up because of some personal issues she was having. The personal issues caused her to become completely void of all emotions.

    We tried to be friends right after the breakup, but it was too much for both of us. Mostly due to us not giving each other a little bit of space after the breakup. We decided to go our separate ways, so she can work on getting herself better.

    I would like for us to get back together eventually, but first I want us to start talking again. I’m struggling with how long to do the no contact thing. I don’t want her to think I’m being needy, or that I have any ulterior motives.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The best would be to apply no contact for at least 30 days. You can refer to this article for more details regarding No Contact.

      Reply
  • Jin

    Hi Kevin.my exbf and i had a long distance cross culture relationship.we met in India when we both traveled there.then we went back to our countries,becoming gf and bf.we met in the third country or my country every two months averagely.most time he crossed 9000kms to see me.but we quarreled a lot .after being together For one and half year,he broke up with me.he started seeing another girl only 3days after.i know he still loved me,he just doesnt know what to do as i hurt him a lot when we were together.would you please tell me how to implement this plan especially step 3 and 4,as we Are so far away from each other now? Thank you very much.Best regards. Jin

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You can implement step 3 through the use of social media, by posting pictures of the changes you've made to yourself. Step 4 can be implemented by simply dropping him a message or email after NC is done.

      Reply
    • Jin

      hi kevin.After he broke up with me.he started to talk to a lot girls,one of the girl invited him to meet her in Portual.so he went to meet her.he told me he just want to sleep with someone,as i am the only person he has slept with,and i didnt fulfill his sexual fantasy when we were together.but we do have a lot othrr problems that i hurt him a lot.Today is the fifth day he has been there.when he was there i called him .we had few conversation,sometimes very good,sometimes end badly,but he said he loved me,he missed me,as the girl he is meeting is quite conservative and i showed some changes about sex problems to him.he was quite satisfied ,complaining about i should do this one year ago.i also said i gonna say yes to everything if he comes back,he said it was tempting.but he just got hurt too badly and doesnt believe me that i gonna change permanently.i read ur article on the third day,then i stopped contacting him since then.in the last two days,he didnt contact me,so i know nothing about what was going on.i know i need to stay calm.He is going back to his country tomorrow, in this case,should i shorten NC?He gonna have a holiday at the end of march,i am afraid if they goes well,he might go to her country to meet her,he might book the tickets already.is there anything else i could do about him in this case? thank you very much! Jin

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As you've said, keep calm. I understand your fears but right now because you've broken up, there's nothing you can do about his actions and intentions, and you should focus on not letting it get to you, because it may ruin your chances if you do. You could shorten NC by a bit, to ask him where he's headed to, but you should not try to pressure him against going (especially if it's to where the girl lives), or he might get frustrated and ignore you instead.

      Reply
  • Lovisa

    Hi, what does it mean if your ex visits your page on badoo (date app) and unblocks you on facebook? we broke up 2 weeks ago, he visited my page on badoo 2 days after break up, and for maybe 3 days ago he unblocked me on facebook, but is still blocking me on instagram and snapchat!

    Wer'e both 22 years old, we broke up because we had to, and i think this is just good for us because we (more from his side) broke up with eachother quite often these last months, but we got back to eachother every time since 'i like you more than anyone else, that's why i keep coming back' we had some issues with understanding eachother while fighting, but now when we broke up i can see both my part and his part of it all, and i'm working on myself right now. Our love was something i've never experienced before, and he said the same week we broke up, that he really believes that i'm 'the one' for him, in the relationship and even after, he told me he never felt this way before for anyone else, and he believes we got a chance later on if we let it all go and blablabla. We've been back and forth for almost 2 years and last year we broke up with each other from february- july.

    What do you guys think? i'm so insecure right now, all i want is being with him but i know for boths best we can't right now.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      He may have unblocked you because there was something he wanted to see you on your Facebook profile, hence. As to the relationship itself, since the breakup was relatively recent, I suggest giving it more time before you initiate contact with him again. In the meantime, focus on solving those issues you mentioned seeing after the breakup to better yourself.

      Reply
    • Lovisa

      Hi Ryan, he blocked me on facebook again.. what do you think that means? yes i will wait atleast 1 month until taking any contact with him, i'm fully working on being the best version of myself right now, both with gym and taking good pics haha.. yes i'm working on my issues, it's hard, but hey! i want to fix them. Do you think we have a chance later on?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The fact that he blocked you again could simply mean that he still isn't ready to let go of the negative emotions and probably requires more time. There's definitely a chance as long as you make changes, but it also depends on when he may be ready again to face you. Keep distracted for now by focusing on yourself, and give it more time.

      Reply
    • Lovisa

      Hi Ryan, it’s soon a month ago we broke up, and the last couple of month he broke up with me many times, due to the fights we had, and things i gave a promise about to change in fights (which i told him to i would change after every time he broke up with me but never did) so this time he broke up with me, he was very tired of repeated situations, should i really write to him next week? don’t you think maybe he needs more time? Or should i wait until he takes any signs of contact to me? :/

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As mentioned, you should try to give him more time since he has not unblocked you anywhere else yet. Since he was upset that you promised to change each time during the fights but never got around to it, perhaps it's something you should look at in the meantime.

      Reply
    • Lovisa

      Hi again, he actually wrote to me on Facebook 2hrs after my comment here, and added me on Snapchat, he snapchatted me without a response from me! He sent me a picture on Facebook and Said it still hurts looking at that, and just asked me how i feel and so on, i played it cool and answered him like a friend! I know i shouldn’t write back to him, but he’s really sensitive so i thought why not.. but what should i do now? i was the one who put an end to the conversation!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's fine, since by not replying you may cause him to react in a negative manner. Continue with NC in the meantime, and if he does not contact you further, wait until the end of NC to initiate contact once again.

      Reply
  • Lilly

    We were always in a distance relationship but not to far and in the same time zone so we could see each other often. Last December I decided to go abroad so I broke up with him. He didn’t want to break up and in the end we didn’t have a conclusion. He was sad when I left and we still kept in touch after I left. Then I complained a bit why he didn’t message me for a few days and we kinda had a fight. But he said he will be happy to message me often if that makes me happy and said I will be always in his heart. For some reason I came back after only 2 weeks and I wanted to meet him. He also said he hoped that he can see me even though he has been busy. I felt that he has been distant and I was so insecure. So I said I felt it’s gone between us. He said we kinda have to let it die because distance relationship like that is hard to sustain. We stopped talking for a week and then I contacted him again. He suddenly wanted to break up with me. I didn’t want to break up and asked him to meet me. He thought of meeting me again but didn’t reply my message..... So I sent him long text about not writing us off and we will be happy seeing each other.... He said he had kinda already set his mind on my leaving and asked me not to think about us and try to be happy. And then He stopped replying 2 weeks ago... We were always happy when we were together. I don’t know why he suddenly has changed a lot. Can I still get him back? Has he already moved on? I just think that we were always so happy together and we didn’t have any major problems. But he said he always wants to run away when relationship gets complicated.. Is there any chance that we can get back?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Sometimes the distance doesn't actually make the heart grow fonder like everyone thinks, but rather the opposite and causes a person to feel more distant or even lose feelings. Some people need physical contact to maintain their feelings towards one another, and your ex may have been the case, which resulted in him making his mind about leaving. You would best know if he still has any feelings for you or not, based on how the relationship was in the past before things went bad. It could also be the possibility that because of the distance, he's running away from the relationship now because it feels too complicated. I would suggest sending one more message to ask what made him decide to walk away, and from there you can decide if you still want to try and win him back, or to be fair to yourself and walk away.

      Reply
  • Sarah

    Hey Kevin.
    So my boyfriend broke up with me 3 days ago and his reason was that he’s a workaholic. And due to work he can’t give me time. (Even though I’m understanding) but he was like what if down the line if it irritates you that I’m not able to give time and stuff. He’s basically over thinking a lot. I tried to explain him but nothing worked. So anyway I decided to do the no contact thing but the thing is that he works at the same gym that I go to. So he did try to talk to me but then I told him that I don’t want to talk to him at all. When I broke up I did blast on him saying that how you give up and blah blah. But anyway I need your help now. He really wants to be a friend and act all normal but I’m ignoring him. Tell me what to do? And I know for a fact that he still is madly in love with me

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you have to understand his reason for wanting to end things, and what triggered him to overthink to such an extent. If you don't feel ready to be friends yet, I would suggest applying No Contact first in the mean time to give yourself some space to work on yourself, before trying again down the road.

      Reply
  • Aly

    I broke up with my gf 4 month ago on some misunderstanding .i text her again and again to tell her that was not me that's was my first mistake.I saw her daily in uni with her friends daily and can't control my emotion and feelings because now we don't even look each other she ignore me all time.Her friends dislike me i don't know why but they did all to saying her aly is not good blah blah blah........i try to close them but that's does't work.3 days ago ask her to talk but she said i don't want to talk u and went.i want to get her back.4 months already wasted by me what should i do know?i do noting on valentine's day.Her birthday is on 21 feb should i wished her r not?
    I read your's article.I don't know where to start?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It depends on how long the relationship was, and whether it was a meaningful one. If it's been 4 months and she still is treating you negatively, you'll either need to give her more space to let go of her negative feelings towards you or consider walking away because it may not be worth it to hold on since you don't know when she will forgive you.

      Reply
    • aly

      Thanks
      she has a boy (friend) or love her don't know but seem to be happy with her.i still in love with her.Time which spend with me now she spend with him.I saw both of them daily in university and can't control my feelings memories i want t move on but can't....what should i do???

      Reply
  • Angana

    Hi, so me and my boyfriend broke up 2 days back after dating for 1 year and 3 months. The reason for break up was he was stressed about his life (work and everything) and he moved to Australia where he is all by himself. Sometimes i was very needy and needed his attention while he was busy with so much stuff. I hope you understand what am trying to say. So, then he wanted to break up because i was causing so much stress and we would argue over those stuff. And he said 'that we don't suit each other so we should move on with our lives and even if we try to change we cant' but, we didn't care about those before he moved to AUS because we learnt to adjust to the way each other is and we were fine regardless of the little fights we had. I was needy and begged him to come back to me like you mentioned on your post and he refused. We honestly had a strong deep emotional connection and he loved me so much thats why i'm willing to get back with him if he gives me a second chance. I want to start fresh. Any advice on what i should do? Please

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should give him some space for now to avoid creating further negative emotions from forming. He thinks you're incapable of change now, and probably would not believe you even if you promised to change if he were to give things a second chance. Your best bet is to actually make those changes need first, then contact him again as an improved person in his eyes.

      Reply
  • Mohammed

    My girlfriend break up with me before two weeks, i spent first 5 days crying and bigging then found your website and now i am applying no contact rule and every single tips you said .. after 5 days of NO CONTACT RULE and till this moment about 10 days she keeps calling me and i do not replay
    What should i do ?
    I am asking you because this situation is different, he old boyfriend was always trying to contact her trying her to come back and i was always make problems with her cuz she replaies and write to him now my fears is that she could back to him permanently if i did not answer her calls ? What do you think please
    Help .. let me you know that i am 25 and we have been together for about 1 year and she is my first girlfriend ever .. so losing her was so much painful
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you're genuinely worried about her getting back together with her ex, then you could reply to her message or call but keep things short and to the point. You can even let her know that you're working on improving yourself now and try not to let things go back to square one or your efforts would be wasted.

      Reply
  • Debby

    Hi,my situation is kind of very complicated, my boyfriend and i have been together for almost 4 years, at the beginning of last year, he started acting very difrently i didn't understand why, i tried to ask him and he said he was just tired of relationships, i told him that we should break up then but he refused and said he dint want me going far away from him, to cut the long story short, he wasn't talking to me then i started seeing him with this certain lady oftenly,when i cpnfronted him, he told me she's her friend. He started posting pictures of he and her everywhere and he still insisted that she is his friend , we still met up like usual but we were not talking much, recently,i find out that the supposedly "friend" of his is actually his girlfriend, they live together and even worse, she is expecting his child, so i confronted him about it and it is all true though he dint want to admit it, so we like broke up though he still dint want it and is still insisting i be his friend. i just don't know what to do i feel so hurt because i still love him but i just dont know if he'l ever be with me again. pliz help.. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that person is his girlfriend and is expecting his child, I'm sorry to say but there isn't much you can do at this point but walk away before things get too ugly. In this scenario, even though he lied to you, you'll still be seen as the bad person if you try to do anything to win him back.

      Reply
  • Alyssa Carlson

    I recently got back with my ex and I've done a few of your steps but not in the right order. I just read your article and I feel I might have made a huge mistake. My ex and I broke up and he did try and move on and I was just starting to accept the break up and move on myself. Here is where the tricky part comes in. My ex and his rebound had sex and he still wanted to remain her friend even tho they dated for a week. He left her because he saw me in his ex. All good things. I had talked to him for about a week and went to spend the weekend with him to see how it went and we decided to get back together. Now I messaged his rebound because he was always hanging out with her but only as friends... And I tried to make things civil with her and tell her how I felt which I don't hate her I just was jealous that she lived near him and I lived two hours away. Now me and her worked everything out and are ok but he is mad and has threatened that I haven't change. She is a good friend and my intentions were only to keep her in his life without it effecting me or making me jealous. Did I make a terrible mistake? Have I lost him forever? He hasn't broken up with me but he asked me to leave him alone and I have given him his space. He had many qualities about him I adore and goals that I feel make him a great person to be with. If we do break up I know I'll be hurt but I won't be devastated as bad as before. I feel like that feeling is wrong and I'm not sure how to cope with that. Does that mean I'm not attracted to him? I know my life will go on without him but he is still bringing up the past and I'm ready to move on. He said I was different when we were together and I could tell he still loves me more now than back then and I've accepted my faults of the past relationship... No matter what I do he still believes I'm the same. Is there a way to show I'm different or will he have to realize that on his own?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Although you had the best intentions, your approach of contacting that ex of his probably came across as a breach of his personal space and offended him. I don't think you've lost him forever (as long as that ex does not have ill intentions and makes matters worse), and you'll have to apologize and acknowledge that you overstepped your boundaries but explain to him that you meant no harm and just wanted what was best for him.

      Reply
    • Alyssa Carlson

      With the ex staying in his life.... Should I allow that if they were friends before and she was only his rebound? He has hung out with her every night since we got back together and his family and friends all know I'm his girlfriend but I don't think they should be hanging out every day all night and him not text me much while they are together. I don't know how to tell him how I feel without making it seem like I'm controlling him. Them being friends is ok in my life but you broke up with your rebound because you wanted me... We fix things and get back together but he talks to her more than he does me and I'm the girlfriend... I trust him around other women but I feel like it's too soon after the breakup to be spending every night hanging out with your rebound... What can I say to help him see how I feel without seeming controlling or am I just being overly complicated about the friendship?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should be honest with how you feel in this case. If he did break up with the rebound to work things out with you, it's a little unreasonable to be meeting her every night still, and to not assure you or reply whenever he is with her. That kind of defeats the purpose of reconciliation with you, and seems highly suspicious.

      Reply
    • Mandy

      Hey gurlie but the rebound gurl is not just his friend but it’s an ex. Once you cross that line then i be careful about the whole thing to be honest. If you say to much your come off controling and pushy about it. If you talk to the gurl you come off like a sycho lol. I would just have my own life out side of the relationship and look like the better option. If he going to hang out with her all the time, I would get some guy friends and start hanging out with them. Go out with your gurlies dancing on the weekends. Keep goals like school or your job proiorty and act like you have sometime for him but he’s not going to be what makes you happy. He would just add happiness to your already incredible life. Also work out and look good gurlie 😊. This should show him that your a strong 💪 independ person who has a lot to offer. Shine gurlie live the best life for yourself.

      Reply
  • Mari

    Hi,
    My boyfriend and I technically broke up last August (I broke up with him because I was starting grad school and couldn't handle our constant fighting and not feeling valued, little did I know a lot of his behavior stemmed from his depression and not lack of love) He and I started talking again last October and he was really into it, even dropped a hint that he still loved me. We both had expectations of a relationship but I was really afraid of repeating past mistakes and anytime we got close to being anything serious again, I pushed him away. Anytime that happened, I would freak out because he would put up a wall. I just continued to confuse him through my actions but my feelings (and his) were genuine. I realized that I needed to be honest with him only too late. I had pushed him away too much and he couldn't handle the back and forth. He stopped talking to me, blocked my number even, for a month. I begged him to reach out, told him I loved him and wanted to either fix it or let it go but he couldn't just ghost me the way he had. At the end of it all, he gave me back my things last week but even admitted to me that we both messed up and that it was never lack of love, but lack of communication. He cried and said he would miss me (and had for the month we hadn't spoken) but was resolute in his decision. He said there was a difference between loving someone and caring for them but wanting to remove himself from the cycle. He said he would unblock me and that we could maybe hang out sometime and maybe be friends one day.

    Today is his birthday. Should I still wish him a happy birthday? I still want him back so badly. We planned a future together. He thought that I wanted to mess around while he wanted to settle down and that's why it wasn't working but I only gave off that impression because I was afraid. I genuinely love him and believe we have a beautiful connection. I also just went through the box of things he gave me back and realized he still has some of my items. What should I do?

    thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he is currently going through a mixture of emotions and has many negative thoughts, you might want to consider no contact as it might be better to give him some space to let go of them before you think of trying anything again. Since it is his birthday, you could always drop him a casual message to wish him, but try not to continue on with it too much after because it still seems too soon.

      Reply
    • Mari

      Thank you for your response Ryan, I really appreciate it! What are your thoughts on his still having some of my items? It could be a mistake, he probably doesn't realize it but part of me wonders why hold on to my things for the month he wasn't speaking to me? Why not just end it? (When I asked him he said he didn't know) He must have put all of my belongings in the same place and if that's the case why not give it all to me? I know he's very busy right now with work and projects he's working on which could go to his not giving me those items as a mistake. Do you still think there's a chance for us here? Do you think there's still love there? He said he still cares (even though he made the comment I said in my earlier post about the difference between love and caring but wanting to remove himself from the cycle). He and I were involved for what would be three years in March (that's including two breaks: one for 2 months because he was in therapy but we were still in constant contact and acting like a couple and the other from when we broke up in August of last year).

      Thank you again for your input! Your advice is most appreciated!

      Reply
    • Mari

      Also: I'm not sure if this helps, but during the conversation when he gave me back my things, we had two moments where it was like we were ourselves again. He was smiling, even let a laugh escape his lips at something I did. I saw the person I fell in love with even if only for a moment and then he went right back to his decision of it not working "right now". Is that any indication of something? Or just wishful thinking? Thanks again!

      Reply
  • Nora

    Hi! My boyfriend for 4.5 years (whom I lived for 3 of them) suddenly broke up with me 5 weeks ago. In december we bid on a house together, and we spent christmas together with his family, and everything seemed fine. He was depressed this autumn, and he seemed to be getting worse again. This time around he blamed it on our relationship, and that it didn't feel the same anymore. He hadn't given me any reason to believe this, as he was as affectionat as always just days before. Now he wants to sell our apartment. We have only had contact a few times regarding that for 4 weeks, but tomorrow we are meeting up there to discuss the sale. I did not want this to happen, and I did NOT see it coming. He seems sad about the breakup, but I'm not shure if he would come back to me right now. I hope with all my heart that he will. I love him, and want it to be us forever. We have planned our life together openly for years, and I really, truly believe that we would have been good together.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You might want to try and figure him out, and whether there was an underlying reason for the break up and if it's something that can be fixed. Purely based on what you're saying, one possible reason for the break up was because things were progressing so seriously (the house), it started to scare/stress him so much so that he got cold feet and broke up with you. There may be other possible reasons, in which you may be best suited to figure out.

      Reply
    • Mandy

      I am all about getting back together but in this case I would really think about moving on... if it were me because what if you guys did get back together and he does this again to you. I just think 🤔 going through something like this has to be horrible and I wouldn’t dewl I just get someone more stable gurlie. Sorry 😐 that your going through this at the moment.

      Reply
    • Nora

      Thanks for the answer. He is not scared of the serious stuff. We have already owned an apartment for almost 3 years. I think I may have been a bit negative lately, and pushed him a bit because of his depression. We have worked so well for so long, so this is so unexpected. He didn't seem as if he himself understood what was happening, only that it didn't feel the same anymore...

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      In that case, it might be better to spend some time to work on your negativity, and find out how to deal with it. If his depression is very serious, you might also want to advice him to seek professional help to assist him with coping.

      Reply
    • Nora

      I have given him the number of some professionals. I don't know if he'll go... I am trying to be as positive as possible when in contact. Meeting him tonight. I have thought a lot about what I can do to be a better person around him too. I hope he will be wanting me back in time... I know we will work if we get the chanche to work on it together.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's definitely a chance still, but provided he decides to help himself and let you back into his life. Continue to be strong for yourself, and to be as positive as you can. However, keep in mind that this is NOT your responsibility at the end of the day, and if things become too draining, there is no obligation to drag on and continue trying to exhaust yourself further.

      Reply
  • H Y

    Hi Ryan,

    My boyfriend broke up with me 6 months ago. We have only dated for 6 months but hung out for a year or so before we start to date. It was not a smooth sail to begin with. We are very compatible when we were just friends. However, ever since we started dating, we always get into these small frustrations with each other. We never had any heated arguments but we would always talk about problems, logically. Towards the end, he was really stressed from work and his family and he wanted to go on a break after I threw a tantrum. After a week, he asked to meet up and broke up with me. I didn't contact him for awhile but lately we started to talking again but I can feel that he distanced himself. I want to give it a second try because I feel that either of us was trying hard enough. However, my friends are telling me to just move on, he is not the right guy for me. I am not sure what to do, any advice?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Whether he is the right one for you is something only you can decide for yourself. But you have to be aware that relationships are very different from friendships especially when it comes to expectations and patience. If you want to win your ex back, you'll have to work on that aspect about yourself first, and give him some time to deal with the negative emotions from the break up before considering anything.

      Reply
  • Asmen

    I'm 50. I feel I need a serious support from you. We're having a wonderful relationship my girlfriend for last six years with high intimacy and enjoyed sex whenever possible. She is 45. I'm having a wonderful family with two kids and she also got her family with kids. But due to some doubts on me, she broke with me two to three times. But I'm able to manage her back to normal life. She is working in my company. I brought her to my company only after we started of our relationship. She is very capable and doing her job very successfully. We are able to spend a lot of time together.

    First, we broke because of her doubt on me with another lady. But it was a very fair relationship and I was almost like a mentor for her and she helped me in some financial troubles. I kept it hidden not to make her sad, for a long time and she caught us over phone red-handed. That became so serious and she resigned. But I beg pardon and I explained everything she forgave me. But so suspicious on every relationship even with my relatives. It happened once more when I kept hidden something not to worry her and broke again. Again managed to get her back but She asked me to cut all suspicious relationships and I accepted. I'm so sincere to her till this moment and never thought about any other dating relationship even before I met or after we fell in love. She is the second lady with whom I had the physical relationship in my life after my wife.

    I was keeping some financial or company things hidden only because not to make her sad on that. But on many occasions when she comes to know about it she will burst out and will become so violent and try to break from me and the relationship. I had given oath many times to her that I won't lie or hide anything from her. But on many occasions due to fear of losing her, I kept hidden and lied many times to her. In last December 17 one such thing happened and finally, she left me. nearly after 1 year, I managed to get her back as my employee in my company, on condition, i will not pressure her into the former relationship but only employee and max a normal friend but not intimate. We were had a lot of discussions apologies, but nothing worked out. She is not happy if i care her more and if showed much affection. But she is very normal to me now.

    But I'm undergoing a very stressful period and she is my first love. I'm 50 now and all I want to get her back permanently. But I fear, she had few earlier relationship which also broke but she never goes back to that what may happen. She is a person like, once broken is broken and she will never get back to it. What may happen I want her back. Her husband is not at all supporting her for her living and abuses her very much. He continues to do it from her marriage days itself. She had her marriage 20 years before and still together.

    She got a feeling that I cheated or betrayed her. But I haven't done anything wrong or insincere to her except hiding or telling lie. But that is most important to her but its normal to me. But I'm ready to change. My company is going thru a financial struggle and I need this relationship back to set right everything. I need her back at any cost for the rest of my life. We are meeting everyday at the office and having normal and official communications directly and over the phone also. But she shows no intimacy to any of these communications and she told that she is not even thinking about me when I'm away. Need your sincere help and advice to her back.

    I did a lot of mistakes before coming to your site like begging, pleading, apologizing, promising on future and bad things possible as you pointed out. Now i started the no contact as you suggested. But that can be limited as we are are meeting everyday in office and a lot of official communications. Please reply. Is your EBP advanced will work on this scenario? please reply on how to proceed.

    Reply
  • Ruby

    Should I be posting on social media during no contact

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes you should. No contact with your ex doesn't mean no contact with the outside world.

      Reply
  • Jason Egeland

    So my girlfriend broke up with me on Christmas night. Things had been building for awhile. We were together 5
    And a half yrs. It wasn't a pretty breakup. She recently asked me to stop contacting her because just a couple days before I had asked her if she was seeing someone new and she said "yes..im seeing someone but not while we were together. I was always 100 percent faithful to you. Hope this helps you move on." Prior to this I had over emailed her, texted and called twice
    . It's been about a month and two weeks since the breakup and guessing it's a rebound. Two days later I sent her a long email telling her how I feel about her and she sent me an email saying"please stop contacting me. You promised you wouldn't text or email me me if I said I was seeing someone else. You haven't kept your promise at all. Please keep your word (and dignity) and let me go." I sent her a text the next day..."You are right. I give you my word to not contact you again, I promise. I've been wrong and am sorry."
    She had told me prior to all this the last day I saw her when I was getting my stuff from the house that she feels like she is "losing me " and said "I don't like the thought of you being with someone else either." Reciprocated from what I told her but that "we just can't allow ourselves to dwell on it". So I'm in that last text I sent her I have officially promised not to contact her again so I will have to do the no contact permanently I'm guessing? I think it will only make her angry if I do. The breakup involved some shouting and I know it was caused from drinking which I've given up since. Her dad was an alcoholic. None of that would have happened had I not made a sarcastic comment after my friend went home and had I not lost control the way I did, i probably could've made up with her after she told me she was breaking up with me had I'd kissed her and apologized instead of throwing things in the kitchen and grabbing a kitchen knife and locking myself in the bathroom, in which case she called the cops and the rest is complicated. She took my door key and her dad came over when I got out of the hospital and told me she was upset and didn't want to see me right now. I went my dad's and later I had to meet up with her to have my name removed from the lease. She insisted we move on. I know she loved me and we had a valuable relationship but we had a lot of arguments that were caused from the drinking something she even mentioned later was one of the main reasons we had so many problems. So now I'm left with my promise to her of not contacting her again. Short of not contacting her, she doesn't use Facebook ever so there's nothing more I can do exceptif she makescontact with me at some point. Your thoughts?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Follow through with no contact, pick yourself up from the break up, and work on your anger and alcohol issues to create a better version of yourself. Since she is dating someone else, there isn't much you can do but to give her space and ensure that you are in a better place if the opportunity should ever present itself in the future.

      Reply
  • James

    Hi EBP team! I really appreciate your effort.

    My girlfriend of 2 years broke up with me because she got tired of our (not so frequent) ups and downs. She was hurting bad afterwards and even admitted to missing me a lot but remained adamant to her decision, kept herself distracted and now she's getting better by the day. I sticked to no contact for a month (which helped me a great deal) and yesterday I sent her a memory text. She replied positively and we chatted about random stuff for a bit before I ended the conversation. I know her enough to know that she hasn't changed her mind and it's normal for her to be friendly since we had a civilized breakup. How slow should I take this? Should I wait a couple days and message her again or should I ask her out for a coffee and just be friendly and cool? Right now I feel there's a chance and I don't want to ruin it by acting too fast or waiting too long.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Observe how the exchange in texts go, and don't jump the gun on asking her out for coffee because it may raise her defenses if it comes across as forced.

      Reply
  • SANDRA

    I broke up with my long distance Boyfriend yesterday.i am feeling so hurt and i can die without him.Our relationship had so many ups and downs but we rejoin and relove so many times within 1 yr of RS.Now he blocked me my number and on every social medias that i can't chat him. When i talk to him with my friend's acc, he said he will block my fri also. I beg him and cry so many times towards him. What should i do?? i really love him and cant live without him. And i also know he really loved me and still loves me though he said he dont love me now.In this article, duration of no contact is abt 4 weeks but he will come back in 2 wks to our country because of his school off. he will stay for 3 days and after that he will come back next 2 mths. What should i do. Can i do no contact for just 2 wks? Because i want to apologize for my serious mistakes when he is in town.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It depends on why he broke up with you in the first place. If he is arriving in 2 weeks, then you could always reduce no contact for now, as long as you think it's enough time for him to let go of any negative emotions or feelings he holds towards you.

      Reply
  • S

    Hello,

    I'm sure you get hundreds of these so I'll try to be brief. I'm considering the EBP program. We've been apart for roughly two years [She tried to stay with me, but I could not let go of our previous past (she broke up with me in the first go and later slept with one of my good friends)]. It was supposed to be our fresh start but I muddied it up because of my inability to get over it. I lied to her when telling her I was. Another note, I did become intimate with another when we were in a huge fight, seemingly at the end of our rope. We decided I would move out and we would take it from there, but I selfishly took it as a "break-up" (Such a cop out, I know). Since then, I went through:

    - depression (antidepressants and anxiety meds)
    - suicide attempt (Unrelated to the relationship but important to disclose post relationship mindest)
    - A somewhat serious relationship in which the person loves me and I treat them more as a friend than a partner/best friend.(we are LDR and I am waiting to break up with them in person).
    - much growing and learning, haven't we all.

    It has been 9 months since my suicide attempt and feel I have become healthy both of mind and body. I feel the past were my emotional growing pains, and was my transition into adulthood.

    My question is, how do I attempt to contact her, if at all, after all this time? Last I heard, she wants NOTHING to do with me and out of respect for her wishes, I haven't contacted her since. I've heard she's moved on but that was a year ago and I have remained blocked on her social media so I'm not sure what her status is. I have no wish to disrupt her life/balance, but if she is single, I very much would like to make a go at maximizing the happiness of both our long-term futures. She was not my first love, but by far my most cherished.

    So much for being brief.

    S

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Firstly, good job on dealing with all those issues you mentioned and still making it out positively. Since it has been a long time, you could consider checking up on how she's doing from a mutual friend if possible. If not, you could consider dropping her a casual text message, or even a letter - if you know where she lives. Acknowledge your faults in the relationship and apologize for them, in the hopes that one day you guys can still be friends. Never start off with your intention and patience level geared towards wanting her back, but simply as a long-time friend showing concern/checking in on her and how she's doing. The most important thing you have to find out is where she stands regarding her views towards you, and if she still harbors any ill feelings.

      Reply
  • tony

    I've just checked this page and signed up to get the daily email. Love the content so far...

    I guess you get a lot of emails from people who think "their situation" is a little bit different than anybody else's. I'm one of them who believes even though your teachings offer insightful value, things may not apply to my relationship with Sarah.

    Or maybe they do.

    I really don't know if I want to buy your course or maybe hire you as my coach, I'm just desperate to get my baby back.

    I broke up with Sarah two years ago already. Yes, it's been a while. During this time we've tried to come back many times but I screwed up many of those times stepping back time after time again.

    In December 2016 I decided to take a permanent break. I couldnt deal with it anymore. So we barely spoke for 4 months. There were a few text messages back and forth during that time, but thats it.

    In April 2017 I called her. I had missed her so much the previous 4 months I couldn't live without here. We saw each other for 3 hours and told her I wanted to get her back. Unfortunately, she "wasn't ready" and didn't want to get hurt again. During last summer, we talked and saw each other a few times, but she's still full of resentment. She's not forgiven and everytime we see each other, she always tells me that " I dumped her"...

    In November last year I sent her a heart-felt letter. She liked it and we started to talking again. We even saw each other a few times, actually 5-6 times since December and even kissed. Everything was more or less going in the right direction until two weeks ago...

    We had a fight over the phone cause she wanted to see some of her friends instead of me and I told her I was second best, as always. She really got angry and me and things really escalated from there. She was hurt again and told me that I was selfish and that I wanted to do things my way not respecting her wishes....

    She says that I always FORCE things instead of letting things happen organically...

    I guess she's right. I just wanted to know if we are doing this makes sense as I don't want to wait another 8 months until she knows what she wants...

    I just wish I had read this guide before...I made all the mistakes...

    Anyway, last week I kept calling, I was desperate, needy..I told her if she wanted to break it up for good, she should tell me. But she still says "i don't know what I want". S

    Anyway, we had a bad fight last week, she said she needed some "space and time" to think. It's been almost a week.

    I'm really desperate as she's not called ever since - I haven't contacted either.

    What really gets me is, if she's so angry, resented and upset with me, why doesnt she break it off completely once and for all? I asked her that question and she said "because it's so damn hard.."

    Anyway, things were going well until two weeks ago and then I blew it. I think I lost my last shot with her. I'm just afraid next time she calls me it will be to tell me we are done.

    She knows "im waiting". I told her I was going to wait...so Im waiting...

    Do you think my situation is completely different? is there any hope?

    Thank you and looking forward your reply.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      For starters, she feels confused because she does still have feelings for you, but is afraid of the past incidents repeating itself, which has caused her to raise her guard with you. That recent incident where you got upset with her was one of those fears she had that probably came true. If you really want to get back together with her, ironically as it sounds, you're shift your mindset and remind yourself that you're not with her yet. As of now, you're simply a friend working your way up to something more and getting her to like you again. Never project your past expectations (when still in a relationship) onto her, and since you should have improved several aspects of your life since the break up, use this opportunity to 'show' it to her, instead of pressuring her to re-start the relationship. The bottom line of things is that you should treat her as though you were chasing someone for the very first time, with no expectations and to be patient.

      Reply
  • R. Coop

    Hey me and my ex(18) I’m 20 just broke up 2 weeks ago. The relationship was well I actually thought we had something she would tell me a lot of secrets that she’s never told anyone not even her best friends of closets relatives and I would do that same. Then one day she tells me things don’t feel the same and that we should break up so we do we weren’t together for 2 days then we ran into each other at a party she later came over and we kind of talked things out she’s had a hard time being it her first yr college and has made a lot of mistakes.Fast forward a couple weeks and the same situation pops up this time we take a “break” but she was always popping up at my room and asking am I was. I knew things weren’t feeling right later one week I hear some bad news in my life and she comes over to check on me and see how I’m feeling I really loved that Ik she really cared. Until it came to the weekend she again popped up at my dorm and we hung out for a 1 hour or so and she started getting really comfortable I told her “ you know you shouldn’t be doing this” she said “ I know but I miss spending time with you”. At this moment my heart was racing because throughout this entire “break I’ve been trying to get us back together and nothing was trying so I tried to plan something later that day I text her and ask if she can come over she replies “ no we’re not talking no more I shouldn’t have come over it was a mistake” I asked why she came over she said “ I don’t know”. I was broken at this point so I went to confront her(which wasn’t a good idea) later that day and she’s still keeps telling me we’re not talking so I disappointly left and she eventually came over later and told me everything. Turns out we’re very much in common and are going through similar situations in our lives she again tells me a lot of very very personal stuff that is also going on and making her stressed and worried. I asked if she actually liked me she said I don’t know right now I think I liked the attention more and I was devastated and confused. She also told me some other personal things and reasons to why she’s having a hard time staying committed to us. It has been 3 days and I want to get her back we haven’t spoken since that day and she also blocked me on her Snapchat and hasn’t blocked me since but hasn’t blocked my number. Please help me

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Don't pressure her into anything right now. Give both parties some space and time to deal with your own issues and for her to let go of the negative emotions tied to your confrontation with her. You could consider applying no contact for the time being to focus on yourself.

      Reply
  • Bradley

    Hi,
    My ex and I broke up about two weeks ago. We dated for 4 months and we’re both 22. I haven't reached out to her yet but, want nothing more to because there are so many questions that I have about what happened. We had a strong connection, I never blew up her phone, i would wait for her to text back before i sent another message. She would say I'm the best thing that's happened to her in a very long time, and that she is so lucky to have me in her life, and that she wants me in her life for a long time. I never mentioned making plans far in advance for later down the road, but she brought up me spending Christmas with her and her family next year, and spending new year’s together next year, and I told her that would be awesome and would love to. We only officially dated for a month before she went back home for 5 weeks.
    The Monday before the Saturday she broke up with me she started school and I noticed that she didn't say her usual goodnight. she usually says night babe with some hearts but that Monday I just got a night. I saw her for the first time since she left for a little bit that Wednesday and things seemed great. She was happy to see me, and we talked about getting a cabin for valentine’s day, and she seemed like she really wanted to get one. I saw her that Saturday morning before her job interview and she seemed fine. while I was hanging out with a friend and she was at her job interview I got a text out of nowhere saying that she needed space and time to think things over. That she has so many things going on right now and that she isn’t thinking straight because of her hormones, stress, and lack of sleep. I went over and talked to her that night and she said that I was a great boyfriend, an amazing guy and hadn't done anything wrong. She said that she needs to focus on graduating and had so much on her plate that she couldn't give me the time that she thinks I deserve. That she isn't sure she feels the same way about me that I feel about her, and that I stress her out. She said she isn't just going to disappear and never hear from her again and that she still wants me in her life. That she’s there if I want to talk.
    When we started dating she planned on staying in town for a little while after graduation and when she came back from home she said that she was moving back home at the end of this summer. I told her when she said that, that I care so much for her and if that was the case that I would move near her to be close to her. This girl was everything I have looked for in a girl. She seemed that she loved me by the things she said, and I'm just so confused what to do because it really came out of nowhere, and I love this girl.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It could be that she's going through a really stressful period, and just needs time to figure out what she wants, as well as clear her priorities. I suggest giving her time to deal with what she needs to, and allow yourself some space to distance yourself emotionally from this. You could arrange to meet her again at a later date, when things are a little more settled.

      Reply
  • Sidd

    Hey. It's been two years since my breakup. My ex is a great person and ever since I've been unable to connect with any other person the way I connected with him. I unintentionally start looking for him in every other person I meet. I dated this guy from university, one year after breakup, and it didn't work out. We kinda broke up after two months. I dont feel a thing about this university guy anyway. So, coming back to the ex, a few days ago I added my ex on Snapchat and have been uploading pretty pictures ever since. He views my stories but doesn't make a comment or something. I sound as happy and cheerful in my snaps as I can. I dont know for sure but chances are that he might have gotten engaged under familial pressure. In the two years period, my ex tried to contact me twice which I didn't respond to. And now that I have added him on Snapchat, I cant get him off my mind. I keep on tracking his location on SnapMap. And now I'm thinking about sending him a direct message. Please tell me if it's a good idea to drop a message for him ?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should find out if he's officially engaged already or not. If he isn't then you could drop him a direct message to break ice since it's been a long time. However, if he's already engaged then it's best that you try to let go of him and move on since contacting him might bring about misunderstandings.

      Reply
    • Mandy

      I totally think sending him a message is a great idea but don’t get your hopes up because if he is engagged it could make things complicated.

      Reply
    • Sidd

      And any leads on how can I find out his relationship status?

      Reply
  • Tess

    Hi Kevin,

    I love getting your emails daily by the way! Good information!

    I'm so confused as to what is happening and I would love to hear what you think!

    My ex broke up with me 3 weeks ago due to him not knowing what he wants in life and relationship. He is almost 30 and I guess he is having a kind of "mid life crisis". He just got out of a very stressful work period that lasted for months. During this time, I noticed he was getting less and less affectionate towards me. He is naturally a VERY romantic man and he used to shower me with little love gestures and words. So I first brought it up to him back in September and he had the same concern. We did not break up. He did not want to lose me so we said we would try and give each other space...which we didn't really. We lived together and we were too dependent on each other...at least I was.

    I talked to him again in 3 weeks ago about this because I have been feeling something was off for months! At first we went on a "break" but that only lasted for two weeks. I broke up with him after that because I couldn't deal with pain of waiting around. Don't know where it came from but we spent that night together and had very passionate sex....but now here we are. I moved to a new place now but we would take turns to go to friends' to stay for the first two weeks. After the first week, we saw each other. He woke up from a dream one night and he held me and said he had a bad dream that he lost me. We went on two "dates" and we had a good time...he was romantic towards me and we had the most passionate sex both times. He was being his romantic self like how he always was. So I'm confused.... Yesterday I broke it off with him because I might hurt myself even more if we keep going with the ambiguity. He kept saying he's afraid of losing me and he doesn't know what he is doing. So confusing for both of us. So now I'm currently trying the NC. I have a gut feeling that he will come back....but how can one know? I really think he is the right person for me...should I fight for this or should I let him go?

    Sorry for the long text! I really hope I can get your opinions on this.

    Regards,
    Tess

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you think that he is the one for you, then you should work towards something if possible. However, you need to convey it across to him that he needs to make a decision on what he wants because you can't wait around forever. If he wants things to work, he would probably make an effort to change. If not, you would do better to walk away from the relationship or risk going through this again in the future.

      Reply
  • Heather

    Why are there no articles on what to do AFTER you meet your ex? I met with my ex yesterday and have no idea what to do now.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Heather, that's because everyone's contact experience will be different, and from here on out, it's more about your own efforts to build up the connection with him once again by being you. As long as you stick to the general rules and principles back in no contact (don't be needy or desperate), you should be fine.

      Reply
  • Dayana Amigo

    hi. first, sorry for my english. I was in a relationship of a month (and 2 months of flirts before this)( we dont even have sex :( ) My boyfriend broke with me because his friends hate me (many people) and I descovered him talking bad things about me. due to my impulses I broke the relationship but when I told him my regret -the next day- he told me that he wants to be quiet for a days and maybe if we still think each other something could happen. Well, im doing no contact but I have some doubts, I bloked him on facebook and I lost his number but I still having him on Instagram. I used to upload pictures, it could affect the no contact? my other question is that is really hard to me to write the hand letter (is really crazy) and I dont have his number or email, do you think it could be work if when I completed the month I start giving him likes and comments of his “stories”? its really hard to me find him because he take the desition. do you think that I can be sucess? thanks .

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could continue to upload pictures on IG, so that your presence remains visible to him despite no contact. As for the letter, when no contact is over, you could decide again what you want to do, but instead of liking his pictures or stories, you could always start with a simple message to his Instagram asking him how he's been.

      Reply
  • Cita

    Hi EBP team,
    My ex broke up with me 2 weeks ago after he said he needed space. He said it was not my fault, he said it's because he's tired of being in a relationship and wants to be alone for now. I felt really down, because this is our second time breaking up. On the first break up I really did fix myself for him, but I was not happy and I had anxiety built up along the way. I knew he doesn't like it when I make small problems into big ones, he doesn't like it when I word vomit during arguing (yes this triggered him to ask me for a break), and how I cling onto him too much. Now I truly have learned from my mistakes, and this break up was much easier because I'm actually making my self happy, and hanging out with my friends that I have neglected because I spent so much time with my ex instead. I love him so dearly, I feel like our relationship is fixable but I just know his tolerance towards me is really low now. Because back then, he would go through all my problems and comfort me. I used to be horrible, heck I even slapped him once for no clear reason. He was such a loving and caring boyfriend, he used to be so committed. I really miss what we had, when we were equally invested, there were barely any fights, and we always had a great time together in conversations, activities, and sex. I have been doing the no contact rule really well in my opinion, but does this all matter when I have pushed him away this much until he is just so tired? How long do men usually need to rest? I heard from another article that they start regretting after more than a month.. And can I heal him so he can love being in a relationship again, and become equally invested again? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You won't be able to heal him, because its something that he needs to resolve on his own. In this case, it may not be so much about regretting, but rather you'll have to make him miss the idea of a relationship with you. The only way for that to happen is to first give him space to let go of all the bad incidents that happened, and start remembering the good (especially when he sees how much you've changed). Continue with no contact, and when it ends, you could always decide to approach him again casually, starting off with the idea of being friends and letting him allow you back into your life slowly.

      Reply
  • lily

    Hi, so me and my ex broke up a week ago. We weren’t dating for a very long time (3 months) but it was very intense and we fell for eachother the first time we saw eachother. we were dating and everything was amazing when we were together he told me how he already felt in love so fast but it all felt right. We did however had some arguments trough texts, he hates texting but texting was important for our communication because we live in different cities also he has an enormous busy profession so making plans was always hard, our communication caused a lot of problems also his work made him get a burn out and he was getting back into a depression (he was severly depressed years ago). We sometimes talked about quitting because we had to deal with a lot. Last week we talked and both decided to go on, he also told me i was the most important person in his life even during the depression (which was taking a toll on our relationship) two days later he told me that it would be best if we broke up because it wasnt working and he doesnt know what he wants and he needed to focus on himself. I got it but i am hurt because we fell in love so fast and he was always telling me how much i ment for him and how amazing he thought i was. I am just wondering if its over for good of if there still is a chance for us, i feel like we didn’t have the opportunity to fully try.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's a strong possibility that he still has feelings for you, but is simply overwhelmed with everything that has been going on. Unfortunately, a perfect world does not exist and we often have to make do with the situation that we're given - for yours, its a relationship based in different cities and a partner who has a stressful job and difficulties with coping. If his depression is severe, it's likely that frequent changes in his opinions may occur based on how he's feeling at a given point because he is unable to control his emotions. You could always learn how to help him cope better with his stress and depression, and be patient with him because of his depression. However, you should keep in mind that depression isn't something that should control his life although it will affect it. It shouldn't control yours either, and if things get overwhelming for you, it might be a better idea to walk away.

      Reply
  • Ian

    In need of some help. My ex and I started talking over two years ago. She's 20 and I'm 28. We talked all day every day. Four months ago we decided it was best if we started to date. We have never argued once in over two years we've known each other. Three weeks ago she said she didn't think we should date because I deserve better. That I have real priorities and she has immature ones. She said she was young dumb and selfish. Which I didn't agree with. She said it had nothing to do with me she just realized things about herself. The next day I didn't really talk to her but she got mad because of that. Then 3 days after we broke up we met face to face and got back together after talking.
    During the 3 weeks we were together it couldn't have gone better. We bought tickets to concerts in the coming months, we were planning a trip with her sister and her husband for a week. She invited me everywhere. She said she missed me when we didn't see each other. She was very affectionate. Then five days ago she calls me and said she's been thinking. She feels she needs to work on herself and grow up. She feels that in order to be mature she needs to be single. I'm proud of her for being that mature to want all of that but I don't understand why she can't do that while together. She told me we were on a break. Since we started our break there's been no contact. I'm worried I'm going to lose her forever. I want her back but I want her back for good. I'm confused what to do since we never fought and we've talked every day for over 2 years straight. Not one argument and we wanted all the same things. Point me in the right direction to get her back! I don't want to mess this up!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As cliche as this may sound, a relationship requires its fights and arguments from time to time for individuals to grow emotionally (based on how they resolve those issues). The reason why she feels stuck and perhaps that she needs to grow from 'single' point of view is because she currently feel that the relationship has not made her any more mature than she was 2 years ago, since she has become dependent on you for most things. Perhaps you could give her some space to let her sort those emotions out and continue with the NC period. If the relationship was as meaningful to her as it was to you, she would definitely begin to feel an emotional gap because of the daily texting for past 2 years and think of you.

      Reply
  • Emelia

    My ex contacted me two days after breaking up with me. He invited me over to get my stuff and to talk. I️ responded and said I️ can’t I️m leaving for a trip, we can next week. I️ totally messed up. He responded ok. Now I️ don’t know what to do. The ball is still in his court. Where do I️ go from here. Should I️ text him in a week telling him I️ need some more time? How do I️ gain some control

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Wait for him to text you again, and depending on what your end goal is (to move on or get back together), you could either pick your stuff up or try to avoid it if possible - regardless, you should apply no contact after to give both parties necessary space to let go of either the relationship or negative feelings from the breakup.

      Reply
  • larry

    Hi,
    My ex and I broke up about two weeks ago. I haven't reached out to her yet, but want nothing more that to, because there are so many questions that I have about what happened. We started dating this past November and things were great! We had a strong connection, I never blew up her phone, i would wait for her to text back before i sent another message. She would say I'm the best thing that's happened to her in a very long time, and that she is so lucky to have me in her life, and that she wants me in her life for a long time. I never mentioned making plans far in advance for later on down the road, but she brought up me spending Christmas with her and her family next year, and spending new years together next year, and I told her that would be awesome and would love to. We only officially dated for a month before she went back home for 5 weeks. The Monday before the Saturday she broke up with me she started school and I noticed that she didn't say her usual goodnight. she usually says night babe with some hearts but that Monday I just got a night. I saw her for the first time since she left for a little bit that Wednesday and things seemed great. She was happy to see me, and we talked about getting a cabin for valentines day, and she seemed like she really wanted to get one. I saw her that Saturday morning before her job interview and she seemed fine. while I was hanging out with a friend and she was at her job interview I got a text out of nowhere saying that she needed space and time to think things over. That she has so many things going on right now and that she isn't thinking straight because of her hormones, stress, and lack of sleep. I went over and talked to her that night and she said that I was a great boyfriend, an amazing guy and hadn't done anything wrong. She said that she needs to focus on graduating and had so much on her plate that she couldn't give me the time that she thinks i deserve. That she isn't sure she feels the same way about me that i feel about her, and that i stress her out. She said she isn't just going to disappear and never hear from her again and that she still wants me in her life. That shes there if i want to talk. when we started dating she planned on staying in town for a little while after graduation and when she came back from home she said that she was moving back home at the end of this summer. I told her when she said that, that I care so much for her and if that was the case that I would move near her to be close to her. This girl was everything I have looked for in a girl. She seemed that she loved me by the things she said and I'm just so confused what to do because it really came out of nowhere.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Based on what you're saying, it could either be that she is really feeling very stressed out about her future and is unsure where you fit into it, which is why she needed time to think. The other outcome was that she may have found someone else she is interested in, and isn't sure of how she feels towards you anymore but may have held it in for awhile. Regardless, if she feels the same way about how you felt towards her, it may probably be the former reason, and if that's the case, you shouldn't pressure her any further, and try to be patient while she thinks things through. If the outcome is that she really wants things to end, and to focus on graduating first without you as her partner, there isn't much you can do but apply no contact to pick yourself up and give yourself some space before re-considering anything.

      Reply
  • xsoekung2828

    Hi
    My ex broke up with me almost 3 months ago, due to trust issue. The first week, I begged and pleaded her so much, but i found the NC rule, which i did reply for a bit. We had an on and off conncetion after our breakup. Everytime i went nc she would texting me like crazy, and everytime she did that i broke my nc rule. But our interactions were positive, i did improve myself, she even mentioned that. But in the day after christmas i did something stupid, which i tried to make her jealous, by telling her that my fried did set me up to some girls that wanted to meet me in the club. My ex got very upset and won't talk to me. The reason of why i tried to make her jealous was becasue, she would be moving away to another town (2hours away). So i tried to rush the process of getting her back, but it backfired very hard.
    After she moved away i did go on NC again, which i failed like the first time. It is my weakness that, everytime she contacts me i would reply to every single of her texts and calls, eventhough our interactions were positive. So in the past few weeks she asked me that when i could come to visit her. I said that i could visit her in febuary, but she said that she couldn't wait that long. I was very happy to knew that she still thinking about me. Since then we had been contacting each other a little bit more than usual. She even asked me to stay a little bit longer when i called her just to say goodnight. And last weekend she sent me a dirty snap of her and teased me like crazy, which it made me to want her back even more. So i began to show my intention and affection toward her. Since then she went cold, very cold, so i called her, which i shouldn't at all. But i called her because on 1st febuary i will be in her town, so i just wanted to ask her that we could have a meeting. But she hung up on me, and texted me instead. She texted me that she was crying and sad. I asked her why and she wanted to talk about it, but she just ignored my text. So i called her again the day after, because i wanted to know that she stii wants to meet up. We talked a little bit about yesterday, why she was crying. She didn't tell me about it. Then i asked her about she wants to hang out when i am in her town. She said she would check her schedule and she would let me know. Since then she didn't contact me at all not even a pointless text or snap. I felt like her crying and sad that day hadd something to do with me. So i reached to her tpday(yeah, i am acting needy again) asked her that she wants to see me at all on 1st febuary. She replied "no kissing". So now i know why she went cold. Because i show her my intention for her. And i will be meeting her very soon.
    What can i do, since she knows my intention now? Is it too late to get her back? I felt like the process that i had made is gone. Because before i show my needieness and intention i knew that she still cares about me, but right now i don't know any more, confusing more likely. I will be meeting her soon, what should i do?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I don't think it's too late to get her back, but you should take things down a notch and not make your intentions so forward or let your emotions get the better of you. Just because you're going over soon, doesn't mean things all need to fall in place at one shot. She might even be impressed that you kept things calm and composed when meeting, instead of making advances, which she is expecting. Apologize for being so forward, and let her know that your emotions got the better of you. Also tell her that you would still very much like to meet up when you're there, but would understand if she isn't comfortable. Basically, be a gentleman from here on out, and you still stand a strong chance with her. Let her lead instead based on what she's comfortable with.

      Reply
    • xsoe

      Hi, i want to do a little update from my meeting with my ex. It went well, we had fun. When we first met we were just talking casually. Then we went to her place to pick her stuff. In her apartment there were a lot of stuff that weren't hers, and i saw on hers table there were some birth control pills, and she was not a fan of taking them when we were together, because it would give her side effect. So i knew that she has slept with other guys since our breakup. I know that it was not something that i could control, since we are not together anymore. But i didn't show any emotion to her, though i was so mad inside. Because i figured that one of the reason why she went cold and distant was she was seeing someone else. So i was just talking about something else instead and it went good. Then we went for a shopping, which it went better with our interactions. I began to holding hands and small kind of physically interaction. We went for a dinner after and i made her laugh a lot of the times. So when we went back just to chill a little bit before i haad to go home. We cuddle for a bit, even though i felt a small resistance from her side. I mean she wrote "no kissing" after all. So when we said goodbye, we kissed, we laugh for a bit, because i made a comment about "no kissing" Then we kissed again, but nothing more, and i did tried to get more than kisses, but not directly. I think our first interaction went well. But what does that kiss mean? What should i do after this point? How can i make her to think about me and not the guy she has been seeing? Especially when she was so hot towards me a few weeks before.
      Thank you

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The fact that she has opened up to you and even returned the kisses despite expressing no initially shows that she still has feelings for you, which were probably easier to mask while she was still texting you. If you continue this approach with her, to make her laugh and enjoy herself everytime she talks to you or sees you, it wouldn't be long before she rekindles her feelings for you. It should be mentioned as well though, that you may expect a little resistance on occasion from her if she's seeing another guy, but he may simply be a rebound. Remember that being patient (not lose your cool or be pushy) will only increase your chances of winning her back from him since she would see you as the better option.

      Reply
    • xsoekung2828

      Thank you for a fast reply. Sorry, i didn't explain the situation clearly, but im not 100% sure that she wants to meet with me tomorrow. What if i didn't meet her tomorrow? Can i still text her that im sorry for letting my emotion get better of me and etc?
      Thank you!

      Reply
  • cez

    hi ebp team,
    my ex of more than a year broke it off yesterday. 3 weeks before that he asked for space which i did (somehow). i was overly possesive towards him. i got jealous everytime. before we officially became a couple, we were dating over a year too. so you can say we've been together for more than a year. he is 33 whyl im 26. he was really having a bad time at work plus responsibilities with his family. he said we'll just focus on our work first. btw we are in the same company. should i do nc? i knw hes just so fed up with everything. should i jst give him time and space but try to bring him food again.? or just plain nc? thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should start off with NC on it's own without sweet gestures. You want to give your ex some time and space to cool off as well as the time apart to start missing you again. If you work together with him, meeting him would be unavoidable, but keep your conversations strictly to work related matters for the time being, and focus on NC instead. You could use this article to further assist you.

      Reply
  • Eve

    Hi team!

    My first post was in December, when I was rebuilding connection with my ex and needed some advice. We talked, even videochated as we were in a long distance relationship and since then we were fine, having small talks, snapping and starting to have longer conversations. There were moments when he acted cold or when I needed to sustain the conversation, which made me really frustrated.

    However, in January he left to an academy. On his first week there, we had small talks, like we exchanged 2-3 sentences about the academy. I assumed that he is replying so slow and short because he has some stuff to do or something, so I waited a couple of days, till weekend, believing, maybe he will have more time for me. He didn't... He is barely answering me even if I am writing to him each 2nd or 3rd day.

    The interesting thing is, that on Snapchat everything was fine, so I started to rebuild connection and attraction there. I tried several times the methodes described in the article. Recently he sent me a snap of a dish made by him, so as an answer I wrote him: "It looks really nice. I almost have forgotten how much you love to cook." After a few minutes he told me: "You are doing that again." I knew that perhaps he is reffering to my remark, as I told him before things like "oh, I remember how tasty that dish was on our first date, once again, what was the secret ingredient?" and such things. However, I asked him to clarify what he is reffering to. After an hour he snapped me the following: "I don't remember what I wrote."

    I know that getting him back is a long and sometimes painful process. I made some serious changes in my life and a part of those changes were acknowledged by him, he even confirmed me, that I look more refreshed and happier. In one of our conversation he even apologized because of the breakup. But now I feel like, he being at the academy, he started a new life which he won't share with me at all.

    I will go to the academy in April, however, I haven't told him about it. My plan would be to start a new NC period till April and in the meantime to work again on myself, maybe to post some nice, happy pics when travelling (just as I did before), just being an even better verison of the better me. I know that he is not expecting to see me ever again as he lives in Denmark and I on the other side of Europe, so when arriving at the academy it will be a huge shocking surprise for him. I think this would not just surprise him but also trigger some old memories and perhaps, he will notice each little change on me.

    I would like to ask you some clear questions, that are bugging me:
    1. What makes men to apologize for breaking up?
    2. Is it a good idea to do another NC till April or it would be better to somehow continue working on building raport, even if he acts like an ice-prince?
    3. Should I let him know, that I am going to the academy or can I keep it a secret?
    4. Is there a chance to get him back if I would stop messaging and sending snaps?
    5. We were in long-distance relationship. When breaking up I don't think he thought that he will see me again.... Meeting him face-to-face would make it possible that his feelings would change?

    I am looking forward to your reply and thank you very much in advance!
    Eve :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To answer your questions, firstly men apologize for the break up when we've had time to think about it, or feel guilty towards our ex for hurting them. Secondly, if he's being wary of your intentions right now and has started his new life at the academy, it may be a good idea to start NC again since pushing your way through isn't going to work. You have an advantage that most long distance relationship breakups don't, which is that you'll be going to the academy in April. I guess what contributes to him wanting to move on, is the thought of never seeing you again, which makes things easier to process and to distance himself from you. By going to the academy, you definitely would trigger some memories and he may even begin to miss you. It might be a good idea to let him know that you'll be going, or at least bring it up casually on the potential chance that you may be going, and see how he reacts to it.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan!

      We talked as he contacted me and when it came of the academy, I told him that there is a huge chance that I will visit his academy... He didn't reacted at all, he has sent me a pic and changed the subject and continued as nothing have happened... He really doesn't care or this is a normal reaction? Should I continue talking with him or I should do a NC till I go there and give him some time process the info? I have the feeling that he didn't really believed me or didn't really took into consideration this potential chance. He likes the concrete things that are for sure. Should I let him know that I know the exact date, would that change things?

      Thank you in advance!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I suggest leaving things be for now, and continue with no contact. You can let him know at a later date on the confirmed details and based on his response then, you can determine if he's genuine about you still, or simply does not care anymore.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan!

      Should I break my new NC just for this message? Can I send hima text just regarding this issue while being nice and cool about it?

      Thank you and have a nice day,
      Eve

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Yes, you could drop him a text and continue with NC after, or alternatively, finish up NC first before texting him that you'll be going over in April.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan!

      As I started now the NC and I am in the second week, when and how should I let him know? What would be the best method? Writing him something like: You will never guess what happened! And after that just tell him that I will go there?

      Thanks,
      Eve :)

      Reply
  • Sunflower

    Hi Ryan:
    My ex and I broke up a week ago. Thats how things happend. “We broke up” at the beggining of January but not because of anything bad just because we wasn’t getting along and we were having a lots of fights. That first break up was not a breakup at all because we kept seeing each other and we were acting as a couple. Then last week I decided to talk to him and actually come back with him because we were dealing with our problems and we were getting along and understanding each other. That day I wanted to talk to him to come back he went to my house while I wasn’t there and check over my texts without permission. He discovered some texts of me “flirting” with a guy while we still together but it didn’t go too far, there was nothing sexual nor I didn’t cheat. He told me that for him only talking with other guy and hide it from him was cheating and decided to break up for good. He talked to me after that and told me that he is a person that doesn’t forgive and don’t know how to do it. I have tried to explain him that nothing occured between me and that guy and I apologize for making the mistake of texting with someone else but he doesn’t want to understand. In the past he had a relationship that the girl cheated on him and he told me that since the beggining of our relationship he told me that he wasn’t gonna accept anything like that. So after only a week he shows like super decided and I’m wondering if all of this is because of his anger because after only bringing back the topic again he gets furious. But is it possible that a person made his mind after a few days and be that decided? We had a 7 years relationship and I want to know if somehow is possible to make things right and get him back. One day ago he told me that if we ever come back it’s gonna be a new relationship from zero but that he can’t assure me if someday thats gonna happen. And if it really happens he can’t tell when its gonna be. He told me that I should not make a hope on this because it’s not sure if that will ever happen. I know I made a mistake but I think that he has overreacted and he has made things bigger than they really are. I’m gonna follow this advices and see how everything goes. What’s your opinion on this?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Different people have different views on cheating and the boundaries of it. You'll have to respect that if you want to make things work with him once more. However, it's also dependent on how strong he views this matter, and his ability to accept things. If it's as you've said, and that he is really against cheating, and doesn't know how to forgive, it might be a really long while before he lets go of this matter. I feel that you shouldn't get your hopes up as he's said, and instead focus on making changes to your life as it helps with the chance of starting something 'new' with him, since making drastic improvements to yourself could cause him to view in a different light from the person you once were.

      Reply
  • Arnold

    Hey kevin,i last saw my girlfriend last year in November but i know that made some horrible stuff to hurt her though never intented to do it...we have made 2months now but no contact period.She often calls me,sometimes i pick up her calls but i don't beg her & don't know how am gona get her back cause whenever i talk to her about it,she says"IF GOD WISHES,WE SHALL MEET" i need your advise,man

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you guys live in the same city, or there's a common place you know she hangs out at, you could always drop by on occasion to try your luck. However it sounds like she's trying to play hard to get with you, since she clearly shows signs of interest but pushes your advances away. She may not have let go fully of the past incidents, and may still need more time.

      Reply
  • Juan

    So my girlfriend broke up with me because her ex of 1 year (who recently broke up too) decided to tell her that he would like to get back with her. Apparently, he didn't know that she's in a relationship with me for about 1 and half months (we already knew each other for about two years at work. She feels she knew me enough in that two years to explore our possibilities). This triggered her and so my girlfriend decided to break up with me to explore the possibilities of going back with her ex, and at the same time, she doesn't want to reach a point where she would cheat on me just to do her exploring. She had high hopes on that previous relationship, but it was the guy who called it off due to circumstances he could not handle.

    Post-breakup, I keep contacting her, and her replies seemed normal. She even organised a cafe date, so I thought there is still hope. I kept myself on her radar all the time, and recently I decided to visit her when she was sick, even though she told me not too. That didn't turn out well. She said I was disrespectful towards her needs to be alone to sort out this mess and decide on what she wants. At that moment I knew I fucked up. We had a long talk, and as of yesterday, I started the No Contact rule and am slowly reading your articles. I would like to get back with my ex to continue our relationship that got ended abruptly.

    She's beautiful, strong character but also sensitive towards others, knows what she wants (at the point of time when we just dated) caring, loving, not manipulative, open to discussions.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If she's how you described her to be, then her decision to explore things with her ex would probably be final for the time being and interfering would only push her further away especially when you accidentally cross boundaries or make her feel uncomfortable. Let her do what she needs to, and you should work to complete NC, and make the positive changes in your life as mentioned in our article. If the opportunity presents itself in the future, you could always consider things again then.

      Reply
  • Merin

    Hey, can I have your personal email address? I don't want it in public. that's why. hope you would respond.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Apologies but we do not provide personal email correspondence, unless it's subscribed 1-1 coaching with Kelvin.

      Reply
  • Leo

    My college girlfriend (lets say Sarah) and I were almost 3 years together in a relationship. Had to break up with her due me having to finish school and plans to go for a masters degree abroad and her wanting to marry young, but myself without anything to support her and the upcoming family. Shortly after breaking up, I met another girl (Let's say Rachel) which we started dating relatively quick. Sarah saw us getting out from the cinema and blocked me in every social media possible. Four years have passed on (Superb No Contact time?) and I sent her a birthday message which Sarah coldly responded. Looked forward to keeping on messaging and she blocked me telling me she doesn't me to talk again with her and that we already have walked different roads. I know she doesn't have a boyfriend nor had a boyfriend in all these years. Should I wait for another No Contact time? What should be the appropriate way to approach her. She seems still hurt by the way she responded me when she blocked me last time.

    Reply
    • Akar. R

      Why did you send her a happy birthday after all this time too? hmmm. Are you still with 'rachel'?, i gather not?.It appears you are using Sarah as a fallback if you aren't with anyone which shows your lack of self esteem and need for an ego massage now and again when you need it. 4 years! leave her alone. You cannot have your cake and eat it.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If she's still hurt and responded coldly to you even after 4 years, there may be no point in waiting through another no contact period since she has expressed that she doesn't want to talk to you again. You might even have to wait for her to go through another relationship before she finally lets go of the past incident.

      Reply
  • Mel

    Hi. Mel here.

    I know this is kind of sudden, but I want to know your thoughts on this.

    Allright. So my ex and I have been dating for around 6 months. We initially fell in love with each other at first sight. It was so strange and magical to feel all the emotions, the heart-beating-fast-knees-weak-head-goes-dizzy sensations flowing inside of us when we didn't even know each other. Weeks after that, he got my number from his cousin, who happened to know me since I was a child. But he still didn't text me yet. He said he was worried I might not interested in him the way he was interested in me (he told me this months after that). So I approached him first.

    We escalated fast, he proposed to me, and we were making plans to get engaged supposedly this June. But things started to changed in last November. He said he was having so so so much problems with his family, and he will tell me when things settled down a bit. But of course, I know all of them and I did gave him support and encouragement to face all that.

    Then, one thing leads to another, and eventually, his problems grew bigger and bigger, and started to get out of hand. Me, on the other side, continued to give him support, and frequently asked him if he was okay, if he ate that day, or if he needs me to talk to. Little did I know, all of my concern made him feel burdened.
    He said he needed time. But I pushed him, and it was as if I really wanted to know his problems, which i was not, actually. Because i already knew (his cousin told me everything, and we kept it a secret).

    So he broke up with me. He said to not look for him anymore, and do not contact him anymore. I was really devastated and yes, I did have some suicidal thoughts. But I know that was irrational. So I tried to calm down, and tried to understand why he did that. I basically put myself in his shoes. Oh yes, I do understand why he did that, that's why I abide to his no contact rule since the breakup day. He needed time, I thought.

    32 days of no contact rule, I went to his workplace, since I was called for an interview that day. I bumped into him, but I walked away. I went home, and cry my eyes out, feeling sad and unbearable. The day after that, his cousin told me that he too, was moody and really sad after he bumped into me, and he went back early that day, because he can't continue with work anymore. He was so sad.
    That night, he didn't sleep a bit, and came to work the next day looking miserable. So he took half day off, and went home because he started to have a fever.

    When I heard that, my heart broke. I really just wanted to run to him, hug him tight and say, "Let's not do this anymore. Let's just be happy. Forever." but I don't think it was a good idea.

    Two days after that, which is yesterday, I texted him first. He didn't reply back until now.

    What should I do? I know he still wants me, and he is hurting badly too. But I really seriously do not know what to do. What should I do to get him back, happy and confident just like before?

    With love,
    Mel.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's best to figure out what he's thinking about at this point, and how he's handling all of his emotional issues before you decide on an action to take. The last thing you want is to end up making him feel more burdened. If you really want to be together with him, it might be a better idea to be the positive pillar of support that he seemingly needs right now, and help him pick himself back up first.

      Reply
  • Anarchy1

    My ex and I broke up about a week ago. We’ve been dating for about 3months (short, I know), but he said he wanted a serious relationship with me since the beginning. He’s 27 and my firts serious boyfriend (I’m 26), so a lot of things were new for me. I tend to be very cold and distant and he’s the exact opposite, which bothered him at times, but with time, I managed to change that and I became very affectionate and loving with him.
    A few weeks into the relationship, he introduced me to his close friends and family, who were all very kind and genuinely interested in me. Whenever I went to his house and his parents were around, he’d say that I’d act uncomfortable around them, which was not the case, however him being my first serious boyfriend and them being his parents, I was not sure how to act or behave around them because I really wanted them to like me. I tried helping his mom around the kitchen and I even told her I could cook, which I can’t, just for her to like me. She obviously found out I was lying about that, but she didn’t really care.
    A few weeks ago, we went out of town for his best friends wedding and we had a phenomenal time. He told me he wanted to marry me some day and we’d even plan trips and stuff like that when we’d finish our residency programs.
    When we broke up, we went to his house to get a rope for a friend’s piñata. I stayed in his car and his father was outside, talking with his sister and I didn’t get out of the car to greet them. It was raining a little and I honestly don’t know why I didn’t get out, I guess I was lazy or something. Anyway, my ex came out (his father was gone by then), asked me if I had greeted his dad and I lied and said I had. We went to a party, had a great time and somehow, he found out I was lying. We had a huge fight (our first ever) and he broke up with me the next day. I texted him the next day saying how sorry I was and he told me we could work things out, but then we talked on the phone (I’d never seen him so angry) and he told me it was over. He didn’t give me a reason, but he told a friend that his family was kind and loving with me and I didn’t even make an effort to greet them. I begged for him to not break things off with me. I told him I could change, but he wouldn’t hear me out. His mom asked me what had happened since she’d never seen her son so excited or happy in a relationship and she didn’t understand either.

    I haven’t spoken to him since, however we work together, so we're bound to see each other at work, where we just casually greet each other.
    I know he’s hurt by my behavior, but I really miss him. At the beginning, he told me he’d neved dream that someone like me noticed him and he had deep feelings about me. I don’t know if we could get back together, but I really care about him. I don’t know how to prove to him that I can change. Please, help me.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's understandable that being your first serious boyfriend and meeting his family, you'd act a little out of place. He may be overly affected by things because he had placed high expectations on you, which he felt you did not fulfill. Give him some time to cool off, and if he's really serious about you, consider contacting him again to let him know you are sincere about the relationship and explain to him that you're still unfamiliar with dealing with your partner's parents but will be trying harder.

      Reply
    • Anarchy1

      English isn’t my first language, so I apologize if I have some grammatical errors.

      When he broke up with me, I told him that I didn’t really know how to behave around his parents, but he was so angry that he didn’t even care. I told him that I could change, but he just kept saying over and over again that he can’t make me change. He argues that we’re both different people and I’ll understand his reasoning in the future, but we had so much love for each other, so I’m completely lost.
      When he broke up with me, he was angry and he told me his feeling had changed and he didn’t care about me as he used to. I don’t know it that’s true or if its the anger talking, but it really hurt my feelings. Also, he deleted my pictures from instagram...
      Do you think I should keep the nc period as that’s what I’m doing right now?? I don’t know how to prove to him that I can change because I can’t just reach out to his family and randomly be kind to them.
      Thanks for your input!

      Reply
  • Jake

    Hello I am a 26 year old male and my ex is a 37 year old female .

    We were together 6 years but have been split up about 4 months, but we lived together all that time and we loved each other very much .
    Until maybe the last year everything seemed to changed the way she acted towards me the affection everything she eventually said I should move back to my mums after all this time because it was her house. We havent got back together since I begged her for ages but she wouldn't have none of it . Then she went on holiday with her mum where we used to go and she messaged me saying she missed me and wanted to sort things out . I waited until she got back but now she has changed her mind again very frustrating she has a busy life with the kids and I no I was quite full on . I have left her alone now for the first time ever its been 4 days and I havent sent a text or a call I'm finding it hard but its my last option . Ive been going out running and trying to focus on me but always thinking about her. we agreed just to be friends but ive always text her in the past hopfully this time I dont and she texts me first.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Continue with no contact and work on picking yourself up and improving the aspects of your life. At least from there, you'll be able to find more meaning at happiness and eventually even learn to be happy without her. If she comes back into your life, it'll be a bonus and at least you've mentally prepared yourself and would be capable of walking away in the event that she doesn't.

      Reply
  • Jake

    My girlfriend and I were together for a year and 2 months and she kept repeating, daily, that this is the best thing in her life, and we're meant together. We are very close. I've personally never known a person I want to be with more than her, and she expressed the same in visits, writing letters, and texts. Around Christmas, while she was staying with her family (she lives in the adjacent country but we travel constantly to see each other), and after a small discussion about where she might get a job and where we would live together, she turned completely and said (on new year's eve) she can't do a relationship anymore, she wants to be alone, that she's a toxic person to me (she isn't), and never wants a relationship again, ever, with anyone. She did not explain the details why making such a heavy decision, she said she feels inadequate, and that I shouldn't contact her any more if I want her to stay. I am very confused. Now it's been twenty days since we last had any contact and it's killing me, I miss her and I wish we could talk. I have no idea what to do.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If there was no instigating argument or issues that could have potentially made her feel that way, perhaps there could have been other more personal reasons for wanting to end things. You might have to mentally prepare that there was someone else, and if you're entirely sure it wasn't, you could always ask her what made her feel inadequate and toxic as a person.

      Reply
    • Jake

      Thank you Ryan. There was a discussion, when I was expressing worries about how negative she sounded and her repeating how bad she is which I strongly disagreed with, and a discussion about where to live together that she started, which was all strange. I asked her what made her feel inadequate and she repeated that it's just how a relationship makes her feel, and that she can't have this discussion, and basically broke contact. Very sudden, very extreme, and very bizarre and I'm left with questions and I feel very confused. I asked her if this is about someone else, she strongly denied it, and I hope she speaks the truth, because I trusted her completely, and this would be a major disappointment in her and in people in general...I wish she could tell me what this is really about.

      Reply
  • Aline

    Hello, after a relationship of 2 years with my bestfriend (since 5 years) I heard from one of his mate he was already with this girl from his class. I taught she was a rebound because 3 weeks after the breakup they already were dating. My ex told me that he would tell me if he has a new girlfriend but he never told about her. But now I think she is more than a rebound.. It's been 2 months and they follow the familymembers on instagram. I don't understand him, why doesn't he just tell me he has a new girlfriend? I'm the kind of person who wants always the best for the other person. I told him I want him to be happy, even if it's not me who makes him happy. We had a fight last month because I still had contact with one of his best friends. He told me he could not party with me on NYE because he couldn't be drunk in the same room as me (we have a lot of common friends). I wrote him a letter to say I'm okay with the breakup and I think it's for the best to give each other space. He didn't respond on the letter, but after that he puts more snapchats in our friends group to make me look at it. I don't understand him?
    I want to understand! Do you think he is now in a rebound relationship?
    Thanks for the help!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would depend on the context of how the relationship had ended and the experiences you went through together. Bear in mind that a relationship with your best friend is very different from actually being friends with that person, and if the relationship was meaningful enough, there's a likelihood that his new girlfriend may be a rebound. He just may not realize it yet, or has been subconsciously suppressing his doubts so far. If he still feels that he can't face you in specific occasions, there is a possibility he isn't over you, and that makes the new relationship seem even more like a rebound. However, just take note that many factors would come into play, and you could refer to them in this article.

      Reply
  • Jack

    Hey, Ryan. I was with my ex for almost three years. She broke it off five months ago. I was in a bad place at the time and was causing a lot of unnecessary discussions. I took care of my problems and I've been working on myself a lot since. I insisted on getting back together for the first two months, which didn't work. We have kept in touch this time, but not in a flirty way. Plus she hasn't agreed to go out with me. We saw each other twice on October, but she has declined to see me since. I tried no contact back in November and after 12 days she texted saying she missed her best friend (me). I started conversations and she said she was working on stuff of her own, but then started kind of ignoring me. For a while, I wished she would just shut the door on us so I could move on, and the fact that she refuses to do that makes me believe she still sees us together, though I don't want to be seen like an option and that I'll just run right back whenever she wants. I sent her flowers for Christmas, for which she thanked me and sent me a picture of them a week later out of the blue, but I didn't make conversation. Early this year I asked if I could see her and she said no (actually says "not now". Like I said, she always sort of evades being straightforward, and I don't know what to make of that). I decided to get more serious with no contact. It's been like 15 days and I'm getting the no contact "symptom" of thinking she doesn't care/is trying to forget about me, etc. Is it too late to be doing no contact? What are your insights on her attitude of not giving clear answers? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Remember that no contact is ultimately meant for you to pick yourself up and to create a version of yourself that would make your ex fall for you again. Whether she starts to move on or not shouldn't matter, because she's moving on from the image and impression she had of you before the change. As long as the relationship with her was meaningful, there's always a strong possibility of her falling for you again if you seemed to have made significant positive changes to yourself, which captures her attention.

      Reply
    • Jack

      I have picked myself up already. I'm months past the grieving stage, I just want her to feel confident about giving us another chance. She has told me she notices I'm more calm and that she likes that, yet I think she has been skeptical about trying again. When I think of her I don't feel bad. I know we had something meaningful. But I don't really know what no contact is supposed to be doing for me right now if I've picked myself up. I've made peace with whatever happens, but I want her to pick up on the newer version of me.

      Reply
    • Akar. R

      Then contact her and tell her whats changed in you! don't wait for her to contact you because she will think you have moved on already, and i'm sorry my friend, so will she, maybe before you do.You can leave it too late to contact after no contact. If you have genuinely changed and you think you made mistakes and want to be with her still,tell her and admit mistakes you made and how you will work on those. Don't let pride or ego get in the way of your future of happiness with her. BE GENUINE with her. She can for the last time say yes or no, and you can take that and move on with her or without her. If you want to be with her, show her, tell her!.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that's the case, start off as friends first and slowly let her see the changed side of you. This would give her more confidence in the idea of starting something once again.

      Reply
  • Mieke

    Hello Ryan,
    I am trying to subscribe to your e-series but it is not submitting my information.

    Reply
  • S

    Hi, my boyfriend of almost 1 year broke up with me just a week ago. It was very hard for both of us, as I love him with all my heart and he seemed genuinely upset about it too. we didn't have a fight or anything, he just said he thinks i love him more than he loves me and isn't sure if this is what he wants. when we left the place where we broke up, we were both very sad. yesterday i bumped into him, and he was very nice to me, we even chatted for a while about our school work. he just seemed very casual, relaxed and happy to see me. i plan on not contacting him for a while, but is this relationship already a lost cause if he seems all casual and treating me as a friend only a week after he left me? does this show that he actually never really cared enough about me?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's a likelihood that he may be affected by the break up as much as you, but won't show it because he doesn't want you to see him as being weak. If you said that the break up was just as difficult for him as it was for you, then he probably hasn't moved on completely nor has he lost feelings for you. Also, the reason he gave you seems to come from a lack of self-esteem, and can't accept the fact that he's less into you than the other way around. Perhaps you could start off as being friends and letting him develop the feelings or take charge this time.

      Reply
  • Kris S

    Hello guys this is testimony that this NC stuff absolutely works! Ryan you guys are geniuses dude. I got my girl back! I didn't think it was working at first and I panicked a lot during the whole NC process. She even started messing with her ex and one other person. So my advice if you really know and want your ex back then keep pushing everyone! it works with time. also focus on yourself. This website is very helpful. Now to Ryan.. thanks dude again. I do have one last thing I need your help with. I realized that she clearly didn't respect me or our relationship before because she was able to so easily start messing around with someone we both know and someone I didn't like. Yes we are together now and things have been great! My question is, how do I get her to respect me more? she has not done anything to disrespect me since we got back together , however I want to know how to build strong respect from her, so that she is loyal to me no matter what? if she had respect, she would have been loyal and not cross the line with other folks while we were broken up.

    Reply
    • Akar. R

      You were broken up, she could choose who she wanted, as much as you could. Thats not something to hold over her head. You ask how you get her to respect you more? respect her too!. Also the no contact does not work out for everyone, so people please do not think she will come running back after no contact and that it is a done deal (as thats manipulative), she may think if you cared you would have contacted her before now. You know your ex better than anyone, judge by that not by someone else's relationship

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      That's great to hear! Well to answer your question, respect is very subjective and the reason people start messing around with others isn't so much out of the lack of respect in my opinion, but when a need or requirement in the relationship isn't met, thus causing the person to seek it with someone else. It could either be physical needs, emotional needs, or others. If you want to avoid this happening in the future, you might need to ask yourself and think from her point of view and wonder why she cheated the first time around, and prevent it.

      Reply
    • Dan

      Hi,
      I decided to chime in here quickly, according to Kris S the girl did not really "cheat" on him but rather "messed" with fellow guy he didn't like, AFTER the break-up. That act he considered unloyal and therefore he's feeling not respected. In this case, I would consider this as a rebound relationship in order to get over the relationship with you, Kris S, and you shouldn't feel bad about it. Eventually she's free to do what she wants apfter the break-up and it has nothing to do with you but with her.

      You are right, the respect thing in the relationship is a big issue and you should have a serious but calm discussion about it with her, in fact you both should let one another know what is important in order to make this new relationship a happy success for both of you. You don't wanna run into the same mess as before.

      Prior to that though, ask yourself why she didn't show respect, it probably has got to do with the way you acted around her. If you were too needy in the previous relationship with her, you invited her to walk all over you. If that was the case, you will have to work on your masculine qualities and remove the needy behavior and instead present her with a more confident version of yourself. You should have done this work on you during the NC period.

      Good luck!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      My apologies, I must have missed that point. Yes, Dan is right. You shouldn't let what she did in the time you guys were broken up affect you, because she was free to do whatever she wanted back then. The important thing is that now she's with you, it doesn't continue to happen. If it's an issue that's bothering you, sit down and have a talk with her to tell her how you feel, and find a way to compromise so that respect for one another can be earned. As Dan had also mentioned, her lack of respect for you was probably attributed to the past relationship and how you acted. Ideally, if you followed no contact rule, you should have worked on those issues by now, and made some significant changes in your life which would change the way she views you.

      Reply
  • louise

    Im a 35 female and was dating a 36 Year guy for three months. We met through a dating app. We had previously dated 2 years ago for a few months but things fizzled out. He lives an hour and a half away from me, We were in contact daily via texts and saw each other approx once every 7-10 days.

    During a date I asked him if he felt ready to come off the dating app, be exclusive and see where things would go he said yes.

    The next day he texted saying he was just out of a long term relationship with a girl he planned to marry.
    He broke it off with her as she was not treating him right and he wasn't ready for a full on relationship right away.

    Many texts went back and forth he stated he was in a bad place he is drinking too much and angry at his ex. he said his heart wasn't in it with me. He asked me to give him time, he said he wanted me to meet the real him and not the angry guy he is now. He wants to bring me on romantic weekends away and surprise dates when he gets his head straight. He stated he was only dating me and had no interest in dating sites. He asked me to give him time stating he really liked me. I asked him to delete any naughty texts etc we sent each other he said he was sad deleting them and would miss spending time with me. I did did not reply two hours later he texted again asking me to give him time and said please don't hate me. I told him to sort his head out and id look forward to meeting the real him but told him not to take too long. He said he wouldn't as he really liked me. All his messages were signed off with an x.

    The next day i was quite confused and needed answers I texted and asked could we meet and talk face to face or via phone. He stated he was not ready to talk and needed time. I texted and said thanks I now know where I stand and wished him the best of luck in the future. He said thanks and he would be back to his normal self soon.

    I am so confused and do not know where to go from here.
    Am i just the rebound girl?
    Does he really want me?
    Is there anyway of getting him back?

    I am going out in his home town in a few weeks (3 weeks after the last contact).
    Should i contact him letting him know i am there??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Given the circumstances, he may either be currently unsure on how he feels about you and is trying to figure things out, or he may be pushing you away because something happened, in which case you'll have to figure which of the 2 it is. It's also surprising that he said yes to being exclusive but retracts it the very next day, stating that he has issues he wants to sort out first and not telling you about these things before hand.

      Reply
  • Kathleen

    He broke up with me over a month ago and i am still upset. I know he is not seeing anyone else and he knows i’m not either. When we broke up he told me he wants to be happy (he’s very depressed). He told me that he loves me way more than i love him and it’s just difficult to deal with that because i think that 2 people who love each other should be with together. we have been texting and it’s either very short or very long and we also have our location on for each other. we were together for almost 15 months and i see a future with him and he is fully aware that i would do anything to have him back. i want to see him so badly but i don’t think he wants to see me. He’s going through a lot of stuff like depression and he gets lost in his thoughts and this caused him to think i was cheating or lying to him or that i didn’t love him. I think cheating is disgusting and i’d never lie to him. He also can’t get over certain things.... such as him not being my first sexual partner which bothers me because i am a year older than him and it just bothers me that he doesn’t understand. all i want is for him to be happy but i also want him to be happy with me and i am so stuck. i asked him if he would ever come back and he said he doesn’t know. everyone keeps telling me to focus on myself and i can’t because i’m only focused on him and i really have hopes that we will get back together.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Given the circumstances, even if he moves on and dates someone else, he would not be happy and the same issues would occur. If he is genuinely depressed that it's affecting his happiness and daily life, you should strongly recommend he seeks help and go through therapy to recover as 'being there' alone would not be enough.

      Reply
  • Anamika

    Your articles have been a big help. I (29 years old with past relationship experiences) met an almost divorced guy on dating app who lives in a city 700 miles away. I considered the dangers but it has been a while for him, he will be finally divorced in a month. We hit it off vert well, we discussed we were going fast, and we decided to continue but very slow. We mutually decided to meet also. The travel plan was for me to fly. And we booked the tickets 10 days in advance. On the day of flight, he messages me not to come. And then adds "Don't bother replying or calling. Have good luck." I suffer from severe anxiety and abandonment issues. So I was shocked but I still kept my cool, and tried to talk to him, figuring out what it means. He didn't say anything until after I cancelled my flight in the evening when he succinctly says he is sorry but it is overwhelming. Now I know it's more about him not being ready. But I also can't stop wondering that I could have gone more slow, and done more things to make sure he doesn't feel overwhelmed. But nevertheless he never replied anymore and it seems we are over. I am treating it as a break up. And plan to follow your suggestion of not contacting him for at least 30 days and then texting him. I have dated and been with some good men too with whom it just didn't work. So I know the different connections and with this man I see a future. Not in a desperate way where I will act out of fear but in a way I know it's a rare good connection. So I want it to work. When he is ready I want him to contact me. I want him to miss me, but like I said he is divorced and exactly after a month (my 30 day) is his divorce day. Now throughout our dating, he has always talked about his hardships about the whole divorce, once he was on call with me for 7 hours, on a divorce court date. He shared when he got the final divorce date too. So my question to you is that after my 30 day of no contact, it's that final divorce court date when he will be finally free as he puts it. Should I do my first text on that date? Or wait for a few more days? I must agree I am worried to lose him. Because I am a little odd person. It's rare for me to find a connection. I find it with him. But I remember your article about two kinds of people. I have worked hard at being the second kind, but my fears are very strong. So I am confused as to how I should approach the whole thing! Yesterday I was good in not texting him back a lot, until it was night when I sent two long messages spaced a few hours apart. Immediately after that he went invisible on whatsapp. I know it was for me. But I haven't messaged him at all after that and I will not. That's where your post helped me a lot. I really struggle in these kinds of situations. I do well if communication was very straight but it is not so often. I hope you can help me.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could text him on that day, wishing him all the best and a comforting text, which may help break the ice and ease on the emotions he may be feeling. See how it works out from there, and continue accordingly.

      Reply
    • Anamika

      Thank you. So you are saying it won't be a bad move considering his ex wife is going to be on his mind that day and it will be the end of an era? Will it not make him think that I am pouncing on him the moment he is available? Or it will come across as me being there for him on a hard day, irrepsective of what has happened between us? Is there a chance he will think I am inconsiderate to message him that day to bring myself into the day as well?

      Also, this is slightly different than I thought I should do it. Based on what I should text him after the 30 day + few more for divorce date to go by mark, (based on your article) I have actually composed a message. The flow of the message is as follows:

      some incident that has happened over the last month, and it made me think of him, ....It is going to be a story about a cricket match, something between us. Then. Hey, how have you been?

      I hope 13th was an okay day for you. You were in my thoughts. Congratulations on being a free man.

      paragraph addressing half of the elephant in the room, that when he said he is overwhelmed, that respond overwhelmed me, and I didnt say those words but reacted in that way. I understand I am very scared of abandonment. I had a gut feeling of you backing out, hence I was walking on egg shells and did not even bring up the topic. Probably if I had, we would have had a different situation. That I have anxiety and I acted out of a place of fear when you said not to come without any explanation and to not call you too. Something to show my vulnerable side and how this time apart, I have thought about it. And it applies to us and that day's conversation. Without putting nay blame on him. (I do think that knowing I have anxiety he should have handled it better, what he did is the nmber one trigger for me, but I do not want to go there, and I am going to chalk it off to us still exploring each other.)

      last paragraph about having the time to get perspective on how we are together and what do we mean to each other. And that it has shown me I like the simplest of things between us and I want us to have a second chance. I like how everyday was little better sharing it with him. Few things like I like to hear him giggle, or tell him about my dreams/jokes and him making fun of it, or discussing cricket or a movie or some random thing in the world or hear him talk passionaltely about his nephew or a theory he has or some political party's agenda. That I missed him. That I want him.

      How do you think of this message? And my assumption is that I can not pair this with being there for him message on divorce court date? Can I include some part of it? So should I ever send this?

      I am sorry if my reply was not very coherent. I do realize that I should not be so worried about what to send, that a single message can make it or break it, but at the same time that is what your website is about, the reality is that it does make all the difference.

      Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The message seems fine. And I think texting him on that particular day is fine, because ultimately you bear no ill intentions. If the relationship you shared with him was meaningful enough, he would know where you're coming from, and that you simply wish to let him know that you'll be there for him.

      Reply
    • Anamika

      Thank you. So you are saying it won't be a bad move considering his ex wife is going to be on his mind that day and it will be the end of an era? Will it not make him think that I am pouncing on him the moment he is available? Or it will come across as me being there for him on a hard day, irrepsective of what has happened between us? Is there a chance he will think I am inconsiderate to message him that day to bring myself into the day as well?

      Also, this is slightly different than I thought I should do it. Based on what I should text him after the 30 day + few more for divorce date to go by mark, (based on your article) I have actually composed a message. The flow of the message is as follows:

      How do you think of this message? And my assumption is that I can not pair this with being there for him message on divorce court date? Can I include some part of it? So should I ever send this?

      I am sorry if my reply was not very coherent. I do realize that I should not be so worried about what to send, that a single message can make it or break it, but at the same time that is what your website is about, the reality is that it does make all the difference.

      Thanks.

      Reply
  • nathan whittaker

    hello kevin,
    i am an 18 year old male, i broke up with my ex girlfriend almost 3 months ago, we was together almost 5 years, we had a strong bond but we went through an unfortunate abortion, during this situation she got attached to the baby im her stomach but wasnt finacially stable to take care of a child, her anxiety got really bad and she pushed me away and wouldnt let me near her, after almost a month of this she broke up with me stating that she had lost feelings and doesnt want to be with me anymore, we have broken up and got back together alot in the past, but this time is different, i acted irrational and constantly begged and stated how upset and lonely i was without her, i irratated her to the point of she blocked me on afew social medias, but she left 1 line of communication open via instagram, i often message her but she doesnt reply but she reads the messages, if she doesnt look at the message fast enough i panic and irratate her with more, she then replies with "Go away, leave me alone, move on i want you to" i ask her why we broke up and all she says is 'everything' thats all she says, i truley believe there is a chance but she is being too stubon to admit it, im really confused and in a bad place, there was never any cheating, im so worried that the no contact rule will not work, although if it doesnt im still in the same place im in now so what can get worse... i read alot of these getting ex back websites but im never really satisfied with the information as every situation is very different, i really do want her back, and the relationship will be great if i get the chance to reconcile it, im really in need of some help im looking forward to your help and also the no contact daily email help as i need as much help as i can get.
    thank you so much
    nathan whittaker

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You will need to begin by sorting your thoughts out. Even if there's a chance, some distance is first required before re-initiating contact with your ex. Distance does not mean time frame of the breakup but rather, the amount of contact made during the particular time frame, and the changes you've made to impress her. Right now, she needs to deal with the emotional trauma of losing a child. She is pushing you away probably because you are unable to provide the emotional support she requires, and by constantly pestering her, you lower your own chances because she will eventually lose respect and feelings for you. I would still recommend no contact first, and to figure out where you need to grow as a person, before thinking about winning her back.

      Reply
  • li li

    hey my boyfriend and I had just broken up 2 weeks ago after being together for 2 years, we have both 17. I'm from china but I study in the uk and thats how I met him. since I have got back after the break up, its been really difficult because I have to go to lessons and sit next to him. I feel so tempted to get back together or try to convince him back into a relationship. we both still care and love each other, but we couldnt be together because we argued way too much. I wanted to give it 2-3 months before we get back together so we both have got over all the negative stuff. do you think its a good idea? and how should I act around him when I know there is something more than just friends between us.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could start with No contact and avoid making small talk with him for the time being. This article helps you deal with having to see your ex on a daily basis. Do that until you feel that you're not as affected by things, and start with initiating a casual friendship to see if there's still a spark, and whether the situation may be different this time compared to the previous relationship.

      Reply
  • Asmen

    Sorry to send a direct email. I feel I need a serious support from you. I'm 50. We're having a wonderful relationship with the girlfriend for last six years with high intimacy and enjoyed sex to the fullest. She is 45. I'm having a wonderful family with two kids and she also got the same. But due to some doubts about me, she broke with me two to three times. But I'm able to manage her back and we started back normal. She is heading a division my company and I'm her boss. I brought her to my company to that position only after one year of the starting of our relationship. She is very capable and doing her job very successfully and additional responsibility for secretarial assistance to me. We are able to spend a lot of time together in the office and our families also in the good relationship.
    First, we broke because of her doubt on me with another lady. But it was a very fair relationship and I was almost like a mentor for her and she helped me in some financial troubles. I kept it hidden not to worry her for a long time and she caught us over phone red-handed. That was a very serious and she resigned. But I beg pardon and I explained everything she forgave me. she back again and normal. but so suspicious in every relation even with my relatives. it happened once more when I kept hidden something not to worry her and broke again. Again managed to get but She asked me to cut all suspicious relationships and I accepted. I'm so sincere to her till this moment and never thought about any other dating relationship even before I met or after we fell in love. she is the second lady with whom I had the physical relationship in my life after my wife.

    I was keeping some financial or company things hidden only because not to make her sad on that. But on many occasions when she comes to know about it she will burst out and will become so violent and try to break from me and the relationship. I had given oath many times to her that I won't lie or hide anything from her. But on many occasions due to fear of losing her, I kept hidden and lied many times to her. in last December one such thing happened and finally, she left me. nearly after 1 year, i managed to get her back as my employee in my company. on condition, i will not pressure her into the former relationship but only employee and max a normal friend but not intimate. We were had a lot of discussions apologies, but nothing worked out. now she is with me for my family as she needed there to run the company. she is not happy if care here more and if showed much affection. But she is very normal to me now.

    But I'm undergoing a very stressful period and she is my first love. I'm 50 now and all my motivation is surrounding her and I want to get her back permanently. But I fear, she had few earlier relationship which also broke but she never goes back to that what may happen. She is a person like, once broken is broken and she will never get back to it. What may happen I want her back. I'm ready to answer any of your questions. I need her back. Her husband is not at all supporting her for her living and abuses her very much. He continues to do it from her marriage days itself. She had her marriage 20 years before and still together.

    She got a feeling that I cheated or betrayed her. But I haven't done anything wrong or insincere to her except hiding or telling lie. But that is most important to her but its normal to me. But I'm ready to change. My company is going thru a financial struggle and I need this relationship back to set right everything. I need her back at any cost for the rest of my life. We are meeting every day at the office and having normal and official communications directly and over the phone also. But she shows no intimacy to any of these communications and she told that she is not even thinking about me when I'm away. Need your sincere help and advice to her back.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You'll have to start by being more honest with her, and making an attempt at showing your sincerity at changing to convince her. She may not think of you as much towards you but it doesn't mean she has lost all feelings for you. If you really want her back, make those changes first, and let your actions show her that you're capable of doing so.

      Reply
  • Johnny

    Ok, so me and my ex were together for three months. He is 16 and I am 19. We are both guys. So basically we had an huge fight during New Year's eve and broke up for two days. We decided to then to get back and try again, and then he decided that we would be better as just "friends" later on that weekend... He broke up with me because he didn't want to cut talking with a boy he met (and kissed) during New Year's eve... During the first the days after the break up he was acting like nothing happened or whatsover till I decided to use the whole "no contact" thing to him and then he asked to me go pick up my stuff on his house next week... So what should I do, is the any chance at all anymore or not.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      As he is only 16, it could be very likely that he is still exploring his options which was why he did not want to stop talking to the new guy. There is a chance he still has feelings for you but isn't sure, but you should be mentally prepared to walk away because he might not be emotionally mature enough to be seriously invested in the people he chooses to date.

      Reply
    • Johnny

      We broke up just a few days ago. The guy is younger and has no experience on relationships nor has he kissed someone before him... Before we broke up he said he wanted the same "magic" we had on the beggining... Should I cool for a month before trying something with him again, like even just a friendship

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      That depends on how long you have been dating him. If he is new to relationships, he might move on quickly if the relationship was a short one, as he is still in the exploratory stage, in which case if you want him back, give a shorter period of cooling before talking to him.

      Reply
  • kathy howell

    Kevin
    Ihave been in love with this one Man for 25 years we were not together for 9 yrs got back together married was together for 8 years now we are divorced be a yr in March he is with someone else we have secretly been together 3 times since the break up and I actually work part time for the same person that he works full time for ee dont actually run into each other every day maybe once a week I love and very much inlove with him we have conquered so much and overcame so much in our time together I love him very much in love with him Just need advice if you can help. Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since you guys were once married, there's definitely a chance that he still loves you. But you have to clarify with him his intentions, and what he ultimately wants.

      Reply
  • Emma

    Hi,
    Me and my ex are both 20 years old and were in a relationship for a year. about 3 weeks ago he brought up the thought of wanting to break up, which surprised me. during the next two weeks we were kinda on a break because he claimed as being confused about everything and didn't know what to do. then we met up again and he said he still isn't sure whether we should break up or be together. he said that he probably doesn't love me as much as i love him and that staying together might be a bad idea. i said that it's probably best if we break up if he isnt completely sure that he wants me. so it was a kind of a mutual decision but it felt like neither of us wanted to actually do it. it is also worth noting that we are both currently very stressed as we are busy with college. we haven't been in any contact for a week now so i don't know what he feels right now, but i still wish that he would realise what he did and that he would want me back. i plan on not contacting him for a few weeks but I am afraid that he will work on getting over me during this time. when we were dating we used to take the same train about once a week. should i normally go on that train and just act friendly if i see him or should i avoid seeing him for a while?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      At the start, it might be better to avoid him so that you don't have to deal with the negative emotions. Continue with no contact and even if you do see him, you could acknowledge him, but do not engage in small talk for the time being.

      Reply
  • Abi

    Hi,
    After being together for just shy of 7 years my boyfriend decided to end our relationship. I knew things hadn't been right for a couple of weeks leading up to this, he had become pretty distant, wasn't showing me any affection but we weren't arguing and everything else in the relationship was good. I eventually confronted him, and we had a conversation that lead to him admitting that whilst he still loved me his feelings towards me had changed and he needed his own space to work on himself. I moved out utterly heartbroken as I couldn't believe that after 7 years it would be that easy to end everything!
    After a week of no real communication we got together for a chat where he said that he didn't want to cut me completely out of his life but didn't want a full-on relationship at the moment but proposed that we began dating again to see if we could “reignite the spark” with no real idea of where it might lead. It could lead to us getting back together it might not... but we would be exclusive to each other .
    This conversation took place a week ago and I have seen him twice since then just to hang out really at our house and have been in contact by text every day. He today told me that he is going to be moving closer to his work and moving in with a colleague which means an hour’s drive away from me.
    If I had it my way we wouldn't have broken up in the first place and would have instead tried to work through the issues but up until now every decision has been made for me which has been incredibly hard.
    I now find myself wondering what the best way forward is, although he has given me some hope by saying that he still wants to date and try and rekindle the spark he has also crushed any hope I have by moving further away from me and saying that ok ye we’ll date but it might not actually lead to our relationship being given another go. I now find myself in this weird limbo where I don’t really know what to do and crying on a daily basis! I have read your article and have found it very helpful. Could you advice what you think would be best to do? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Dating again to re-kindle the spark immediately after the breakup doesn't usually work well, because not enough time has passed since then for real changes to have been made for fresh feelings to develop. Additionally, old habits would still remain, and it could easily turn into a situation where you face all the problems of a relationship, but not the full benefits of it since you guys are only 'dating'. I suggest taking some time off to actually focus on yourself since he is doing the same, and gauge the situation again later on.

      Reply
  • Nurse712

    What should I need to do ? I am on day 8 of no contact it's really hard specially I am seeing him online all the time. We've been together for 7 years. But recently for the past 2 years we do not see each other in person due to long distance tho we've been seeing each other in webcam. We had some argument he keeps telling we are going to see each other in person but he never make plan. I find out Jan 1st this year he traveled to Dubai to spend vacation with Indonesian girl.(before that incident I caught him sexting with that girl, that Indonesian lady asking him to send her a porn he said they haven't see each other yet and the girl was virgin he said it was nothing ugh I'm so stupid to believe)
    I'm so hurt because I've been longing to see him for 2 years but he never came back to see me in person. When I confronted him that I knew about that girl he said like this ;
    "Stop texting me for 2 weeks I cannot take this"?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would do you better to walk away from this since he has already prioritized another female over you and has even expressed his disinterest, which might have been caused by the loss of spark or interest after so many years.

      Reply
  • Gee

    Hy Ryan
    There's this guy that had a crush on me,and i also loved him.We where in the same class.He's a shy type,he couldn't tell me his mind.people started calling me his name.we quarrelled cos he's friend also had feelings towards me.he once askd me if he (his frnd) luvs me and i said he doesn't.we both quarrelled cos he beared a girl's name.He blocked me on all social networks.It took us 10 months to reconcile.He came back first.bt right now he hasn't said anything to me abt dating.I want to know if he still luvs me

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could start by being friends with him first then finding out more from there.

      Reply
  • Johan

    Hello.
    After 20 years and with shared custody, 2 boys.
    I find it hard with no contakt. We going both to our soons sportsevent. She always choose to sit next to me. I keep it as formally as possible and just talk about our soons sport and school.
    Anymore I should do?

    Reply
  • Sascha

    Hi Ryan,

    I was with my ex for 5 years. I broke up with him 6 months ago when I came to realize that I needed to work on my self confidence and he to work on his ability to show emotions. I applied NC without realizing it. He eventually reached out once per month in a friendly way, but nothing more than that.

    I gave it 6 months time because I was scared that I was just afraid of being alone. Turns out, I really want him back and to spend the rest of my life with him. I've had a lot of self reflection.

    He agreed to meet me and, at first, seemed really excited. We had a great first two hangouts. Then, on the third, I confessed that I wanted to get back together. I acted desperately, when I should have played it cool. He said he's enjoying focusing on himself right now and that it's not where he's at anymore. He didn't outright say it, but I'm afraid he's moved on.

    Is it too late? What do I do now? This was one week ago and I'm devastated. I'm afraid too much time will pass and he will never want to get back together.

    Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Sascha

      Hi, Can you please delete the comment with Sascha up above. I can't delete my own comment, but I would not like it public. Thank you for your response.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since it has been 6 months, he may have gotten used to the idea of life without you. That doesn't mean however that he's moved on. It isn't hopeless but if you really do want him back, you would have to re-create the spark with him so that he would fall for you once more.

      Reply
  • Timea

    Hello,

    My name is Timea and I am 21 years old and had a long-distance relationship for 7 months. I am really glad that I have found your site, the NC wasn't so lonely and hard as I was expecting thanks to your advice. You helped me a lot and gave amazing tips, that gave me unexpected results, so thank you very much!

    My boyfriend broke up with me 2 months ago because of the distance and the fact that he has lost feelings for me (about this he wasn't really certain though...). I have accomplished NC succesfully and got in touch again with him in the begining of December. We started to have small talks, videochating occasionally and we have even achieved an active snap activity. However, recently, to be more exact, when going back to school he started to be distant and cold. I know that he has a lot of work as now he is in exam period, but he always replies short and almost after 24 or 16 hours, which is not typic of him.

    I am concerned that he might got scared or started to keep distance because in the last 2 conversation I started to try to build up attraction. As he knows all my lady charm tricks, I think he figured out what I am trying to do... I feel the need of a break, so I have decided to give myself 2 weeks of free time, as I don't want to end up again desperate and needy, and I feel like these 2 weeks would be enough time for him to finish the exams and to get used again to the school life.

    I would like to ask you if you could help me out with a piece of advise about how could I rebuild attraction without him realizing what I am doing? He knows my tricks and methods, so I would need new ones but don't have a clue what should I do to charm him but still be myself. I would like to build up at least a little bit of attraction till March, as I will be in his town for a week, and I know that that week will be decisive in what will happen next. Could you please give me some examples or a direction how should I approach him in a romantic way without scaring him?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Sometimes we're just so aware of how we're acting and the intentions we bring across that whatever we do becomes unnatural. It's important to be yourself at the end of the day and build up a bond without such 'motives' in mind. Remember how he fell for you the very first time. It wasn't because of motives but simply two people who connected and liked each other. That's how you should be going about things.

      Reply
    • Timea

      Hi Ryan,

      He finished the exams but not writing anymore... I tried to text him, but he acted cold and careless, he also stopped to send or reply on snaps. I don't want to push him but also don't know what should I do? In April I am visiting in his town, but haven't told him about it as he acts like an ice-prince. Any advice what should I do now? I don't want to seem desperate and needy in front of him...

      Is like went back to 0 or 0,5 as we know each other. This whole situation becomes weird, like he is trying to make me to boost out in words... It is frustrating. Could you please help?

      Thank you very much

      Reply
  • Chris

    Hey Ryan, so I’m not worried that she’s seeing other people, atleast not yet. She didn’t date much before me and from everything I can tell, she isn’t dating much or at all right now. She initiated the breakup and asked to still be friends, but she’s got an icy demeanor towards me just about anytime we interact. She’s said that she’s mad at me but refuses to tell me what about. Something is bothering her but she’s not telling me and I promise I’m not calling her everyday, begging her or anything like that. It’s been a couple months like this and it’s after no contact ended, how can I get her to start communicating with me?

    Reply
  • Ashlie

    Hi! Thank you for reply. Few days ago we had short conversation,he said again that he cant effort marriage and etc. I asked him directly without any rudeness,did you found someone else? He said " no, I dont have GF and i dont want. Then I asked him I am not yours anymore? And he said " I dont know its complicated and dont want discuss this topic again" He always do it, keep silence and when Im asking broke up or what?? He always cant tell exactly, sometimes I even think better if he will tell me YES we broke up, I will suffer but anyway I will let go to everything and will try to focus on my life, but I will never break up with him first, and its not about I can or cant, its because I will regret then all my life, dont want remorse later. I dont understand his logic, I know he has money issues now and job not good, but also his silence and ignoring annoying me! And when Im asking does he want to break up and I will not bother him , he just replying dont know ...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      He does not seem emotionally capable of dealing with serious issues and would rather avoid it altogether, hence why he leaves you in a state of limbo because he himself doesn't want to deal with it. Sometimes in this case, it would be better for you to make the choice and stick with it because he may never do it on your behalf.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      You mean I should move on because he can't tell me directly that he moved on and money issues its just exuses? Honestly I didn't get what you mean . What should I do in this case?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      At this point, he may feel confused, maybe even having lost interest in you. But he does not want to deal with the thoughts and emotions of it. That's why he chooses to avoid this topic altogether whenever it is brought up, which may be reinforced by the fact that you do not pursue the matter whenever he says he isn't sure. If you do not wish to walk away from this relationship, you should not allow him to give you further 'I don't know's for an answer and ask him to tell you honestly how he feels.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Few months ago I asked him tell me truth and I'll walk away from you life , but he said I don't have an answer and if I'll deal my life's troubles I'll come to you to marry , but now live your life ...etc, then he was keeping in touch sometimes , and now just silence from him. I gave up and don't bothering him anymore too, I'm trying NC , also I disappeared from all my social nets, but I think it will useless in my case, he can't solve his difficulties

      Reply
  • Kris S

    Hi Ryan, dude where are you? I really need your help. I’m really trying to not a mistake here man. It’s been maybe half a month since the NC.. it’s been working like a charm.. couples days ago my ex sees me at work and days I looked good and like I’ve changed..also that I was happy. She text me that same day saying how much she missed my presence in her life, how she missed her best friend. I didn’t respond and then she text me a photo saying remember the good times.. also said she was going thru her phone deleting pics of us and didn’t know which to keep. I then replied I miss you too. We started chatting back in forth and remembering all the good things. She texted me all night. Then the next day says she loves me and misses.. I tell her too. We talked a lot about how much we loved one another. Don’t know if that was a right move ..yesterday she sends me a message at work that was a song. “Baby while were young , let’s do what we want, I want you, you’re mine and I don’t care who’s know it, I’m down for you” just a few things she sent me! I’m confused because after work I waited to talk with her but she ran out quickly and I’m sure when went to meet up with someone else. She didn’t go home last night. She also didn’t text me anymore.. so confusing what’s going on.. not sure what to do or expect! Please help dude! I really want her back and I can’t tell if I messed up the NC rule. She definitely has been seeing someone else lately. Please write me back soon.. she wants to me up tonight to go eat. Don’t know if I should go

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I don't think you messed up NC, but rather she's confused right now over what she wants. It might be a good idea to find out more, since NC is complete and if she isn't that serious with whoever she's going out with, I think still winning her back would be the right move.

      Reply
  • Hana

    My ex texted me Merry Christmas on 23Dec, I replied Thank you. Later, he updated his status and unblocked his page to me. His status told me He's sick, should take medicines - those I bought for him. I read all of the status and decided to let him go, that's why I texted him Farewell, wished him all the best. He replied "thank you and he's not with anyone now". On receiving the messages, I started the NC since then. On 30Dec he texted me Happy New Year, I waited 1 day to check it and didnt respond. Since Christmas, I updated my page with fun and neutral info, showing how I enjoyed the holidays. On Jan2, he liked one of my status. I'm confused. I've been struggling before the no contact to live the life before him, now I still suffer. What should I do next? I once imagined my life without him, felt very bad and hurtful, but got to the point that I should accept it.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You'll have to decide if you still want him back. Since you've been on no contact, complete it first. It would seem like he does miss you to some extent so you could always contact him again when you feel ready.

      Reply
  • Tracey

    Hey, Ryan.

    My boyfriend broke up with me almost 2 weeks ago. Our relationship lasted for 2 years. At first, he said he wanted some time and space. And then suddenly, he broke up with me and told me that he wants to spend his with his family and friends. I also think that all the bad memories of us were the only ones that stayed on his mind. He blocked me on all social media sites and also my number. We just talked yesterday and talk about the things that didn't work out. He also told me that he'd unblock me and work out on being friends. I'm planning on starting NC but we have the same circle of friends where we see each other often and we work together, what do you suggest that I would do? How can I make him miss me and realize all the good things that has happened to us.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since you work together, it would be good to show him how well you're doing and how happy you are whenever he sees you. This is similar to displaying it on social media during the no contact period of the changes you've made to yourself except in real life.

      Reply
  • Emily

    Hello!
    Me and my boyfriend broke up about a week ago. He's in high school still and I'm a freshman in college. We were together for 10 months and I still have such strong feelings for him.

    He broke up with me because we had been arguing for about 3 weeks on and off and he is not willing to forgive me for that, and he didn't like the fact that I was being harsh with him. I recognize that I was, but there have been periods of time when he's been cold towards me too and I forgave him and moved on.

    He doesn't want to talk much about the breakup or the reasons, he's never been one to open up and share his feelings, but he says there's no going back from what happened. Yet, when I ask him if he sees a possibility of us working out in the long term, he says yes. I can't tell if he means that or is just saying it, but what should I do to get him back in the long term? I have already broken the rule of trying to convince him and have tried remaining in contact with him, but I am going to stop contacting him completely now.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      That's good Emily, initiate No Contact first and give both parties some space to let go of any negative emotions or thoughts. He may very well be serious about the possibility of working out, but that's definitely not something that can be achieved right now.

      Reply
  • Angelo

    My ex and I have been talking ever so slightly lately but nothing substantial. About a month ago I asked her in person if she was mad at me and she said yes bc of stuff I said to another person. She didn’t tell me what I said or who I said it to. Honestly I have no clue. She added how she thought it was funny how I said that we would get back together one day(she dumped me) but that I closed the door on us even being friends. She’s only 23 and I’m the only person she dated. I’m having a hard time getting her to talk to me about it. A bit afraid to ask her in person bc she’s always surrounded with her friends at work and don’t feel it’s appropriate to show up at her home. She won’t reply to a text that involves talking about why she’s upset. What do I do? What are my options here?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well if she's not willing to talk about it at the moment, it's better to give her the space she needs for now. Give her some time before you consider talking to her once more.

      Reply
  • Chris

    Hello, Happy New Years! I’m a little nervous. Just held out for a party and was checking my snaps and noticed my ex who I am actively trying to get back is out at a party. Noticed a mutual female friend had similar snaps and realized my ex is at our mutual friends house. The mutual friend has a brother who I know is attracted to my ex and my ex is attracted to him too. My ex is 23 and the guy is only 16 or 17 but I’ve seen them flirt since we broke up and I have a feeling if he was older she’d be open to the idea of going out with him, but nervous there’s going to be flirting that might end in a kiss at midnight or further feelings developing. I know there’s nothing I can do to prevent that, but please advise how I can process the possibility and if something was to happen, which I would probably not find out about. How do I keep my cool moving forward? We have been broken up for a few months now with minimal contact. Please advise.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Depending on how it went, my suggestion would be to continue without contact and potentially move on. If you feel this way, it means you aren't over her yet, but she's starting to date other people so it's better for you not to linger behind or you'll be feeling affected every time you see her with another guy.

      Reply
  • tiruworq

    hi kelvin,based on your reply am editing my comment and so please i need your help now please.what is the red sign kelvin last time i saw on my comment thank you

    Reply
  • Sondi

    I've been through 3 years with my ex girlfriend. We were having a good time before and discuss about our future and last 3 months she just texted that she's sure that she wanted to marry me. And yet suddenly something happen 1 week after her birthday party. At that time i found shes hiding our photo in instagram then i ask her why you do that ? Why you hide me in your social media. Then she found her reason that a week after she say that she needs a break. Than the reason is she feels bored and wanted to be alone. And im being needy at that time.i just keep asking her to go with this relationship despite we are too deep inside. With her and her family.

    Then she say she dont want to and 1 week after my sister bday i ask her sister where she could be ? Because my sister invited her to my sister birthday party and she dont even reply it. Then suddenly at night she texted me that why you texted my family. Now everybody know and she tell me that she cant be with me anymore because we keep arguing and stuff. And she say for now she cant be in a relationship kind of thing.
    Its been 6 weeks after we broke up and i do the no contact kind of thing.
    Ive wanted to reached her out first. What do you suggest me to do? Please i need help !!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      My suggestion is to either write her a letter or drop her a text. You can find ways to reach out to her using text with this article

      Reply
  • saddam Suleiman

    OK I will start with my flaws.
    am a very inquisitive person, and jealous as well.
    we have been dating for 2 years 8 months..
    we have been fine all along, we tell ourselves every thing,
    we graduated from the same high school.
    we have been pretty OK till she started a programme.
    she's on a year programe in another city, we see once in a month. which isn't enough closure for me. she's been on this program for about 5months now. I feel due to this she lost attraction towards me, as we only see once a month, and our calls or texts ended up in arguments.
    so how we broke up.
    she came over a weekend to the city am in, and lied she wasnt coming that weekend.
    I found out, and started calling her all sort of names, insults and all.
    she then told me she didn't want to tell me about her coming cause I would have pressured her to see me, which wasn't part of her plans.
    and due to the Insults. she broke up with me.
    we still talk, we chart, but I initiate the conversations. she replies normally and end it with,hope you know we not coming back together.
    when she came back for the Xmas/new year, we saw, she asked me to bring over food and drinks on Xmas day, I did, I kissed her but lightly, and said our good nights, cause I didn't want to push it far.
    the next day was her birthday.
    I decided to take her out.
    we ate and talked about us, she was still defensive with her wanting to break up, on our way home, I asked for a kiss in a transportation vehicle and she looked at me in the eyes and pecked my lips.
    which is rare cause she's shy in public places.
    I walked her home while we did chart, and she told me we can't be doing clingy things as she's looking forward to moving on. and can't do all this when she finds a new man.
    I told her I loved her and am not giving up on us, and I would change My ways of been to inquisitive and jealous and I left.
    the next day she uploads a picture we took of her and said thanx bae for picking out my dress. I asked her who she was calling bae, and she said a friend of hers , he calls her bae but they are just friends.
    I asked her sister if she knew about the guy and she said, my girlfriend told her she was only using that to push me away.
    3days later she's still talking about breaking up with me.
    she's OK with me going over her place to see her when I ask to see her. but we just tend to hang around her street and talk. which isn't so comfortable for me if you know what I mean.
    and when ever I asked her to come over my place she disagrees.

    what do I do
    I love her so much
    I mean we don't get to see commited girls this days or a good dedicated one
    I really care and want her back
    she's going back soon to start her program after the new year
    what do I do

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Take things slow, and don't pressure her to get back together if she isn't ready. Work on your issues and prove to her that you can be the man she wants you to be and things would probably work itself out from there.

      Reply
  • tiruworq

    hi kelvin, I broke with my boyfriend before six months after long relationship means five years he is 27 and am 28. we live in distant to work and only met to holiday and to break.we had no any sex history during those years I said to him sex must be after marriage and he said ok .before a year I said to him i don't want him anymore but not from my bottom but the reason was we were in distant specially I was working in harsh environment plus and community and i was always want him in my side means I was always waiting my boyfriend to visit me but he was always busy this was the reason. and his friend call me and ask why i became like this and i understood my fault and I was calling to him but he was ignoring me and one day he was picking my calls and we were talk and regret each other and i back to my family to searching job and within two months we dated only two days but I need more date with him but he was busy and I was going to his work place and asking him why ignoring my calls and he said that he need clear cut I said why and we're plan to date and to talk about it but we didn't met. As he said now he was waiting my calls first but I was trying but he ignoring me after that I always messaged to him but no respond and again I was going to his work place with gifts he was surprised and dated to the next day and we did and I was asking why he was ignoring my calls he said he don't want me any more he need freedom without stress and expose him self new hobbies like smoking cigarette ,drunk alcohol and chewing stimulate plants and i did no contact to 30 days and i did text to him no respond and what can I do next

    Reply
  • Luke Thomas

    I had a girlfriend of 4 years that started right before we both attended college. The sex was great, relationship was awesome, we both were givers. We even made it work while she attended school 7 1/2 hours away for an entire year. I recently moved 4 hours away for a job and as soon as I did, the relationship took a turn. It was a pain to get her to come visit me, and whenever I went and visited her I always had to hang with her and her friends. No alone time. We kept getting in fights and eventually she ended it by saying she wasn't in love with me anymore. I went nuts for a few weeks until I found your work and initiated NC. She got back in touch with me after a few weeks and I arranged a date.

    The date went very well (she did most of the talking) and we went to a few places afterwards. Eventually, she dropped a hint that she wanted to go to her apartment. While there we had plenty of alone time and she put herself in multiple situations where things could happen but was not exhibiting any obvious signs. She did this the rest of the night and it confused the hell out of me.

    A few days later she got in contact with me and I arranged another date. Breakfast was all I could do due to me leaving for home. It went well. So well, that she wanted to see me once more before I left. On this date she mentioned that she would be in my city in April, and that we should get drinks when she's there. Once again, no signs that she wanted to be kissed during this date either. She even said "I know you want to kiss me, but it's not going to happen" and I was kind of bummed. I followed her to the interstate and before I got on it I decided to try my luck and I told her to pull over. She said "No, I know you want to kiss me and it's not happening" so I kept my cool. On the way home, she called me and I mentioned to her that she could come out to my place to visit me next weekend. As soon as I said this, she got very angry and told me that the dates were just to "keep our friendship" and that we aren't dating anymore. She went on to tell me she had already slept with another guy. I kept my composure as best as I could but needless to say this really confused me. Where did I go wrong?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      She could be confused still, unable to let go of the past, or perhaps she wants to start off as friends first and is trying to see how she still feels about you. There could also be the last option that she really just wants to maintain a friendship with you and is over you already. I suggest you take things at face value for now since it would be easier compared to second guessing at every turn. Just continue to build up a friendship and bond, before seeing how things go from there. Don't be too impatient or you would push her away completely.

      Reply
  • Theo zeus

    Its been 2 weeks ive started the no contact rule. I broke it once on Christmas day wishing her a merry Christmas. She didn't reply ive left it alone. Just wondering how long untill i make contact with her again and ive make successful changes and avhieved my goals I've made.. just want to know how to approach and what to say to her.. Regards Theo Thanks.

    Reply
  • Chris

    Hello,

    It’s been a little over three months since my ex and I broke up. I’ve completed no contact and given my ex space, a task someone difficult because we work together. I never begged or been pushy did the right moves based on advice given on here and other places. She’s still will barely talk to me and will barely reply to text messages. Typically she’ll reply to the initial message, but getting a second reply doesn’t happen much. Back in September I purchased a Christmas gift for her and even though we broke up I still sent it to her on Friday. She replied thank you for the gift. You didn’t need to. Merry Christmas! Attached to the gift was a clean slate letter. She made no mention of it. I told her she was welcome for the gift. I asked her if she was going to be up for talking soon to clear the air. She never replied back. She isn’t seeing anyone, nor did we have a bad breakup. Since the breakup I have found out that she is mad at me about something I said but I don’t know what I said or who I said it to and she won’t tell me. We’ve had some positive interactions as of late at work, but she’s got a wall so high up now. Where do I go from here? Three months, no contact completed, clean slate letter given, space given, showed activity on social media sites as well and not much recoconcilation has occurred. What can I do? Or is it time to accept the fact that I’m not going to get her back?

    Reply
  • Theo zeus

    Hi ive been dating my partner for 6 months now. Everything was going perfect for us both.she fell pregnant and i proposed and we got engaged what we both wanted we were both so happy.she decided to have an abortion due to we both wernt financially stable and didnt plan the pregnancy.its was an emotional time for both of us individually. I unfortunately didnt show her support or comfort her during this life changing experience and i made a regretful unmeanful decision and broke up with her.we have been separated for 2 months now and we meet up a month ago caught up for 2 days she mentioned her feelings we still there altho she doesnt want any comments on a relationship at this stage. Until i become more stable and fix some issues i have in my life.I have acknowledged my behavior as i was expressing my hurt emotions and feelings towards her and i begged alittle and didny get me anywhere.. she isnt respondingto my messages or call I've respect our situation and havnt its been bit over 2 weeks ive made no contact,until Christmas day i wished her a merry Christmas i didnt get a reply. Im making positive changes in my life and improving my issues. I need some professional guidance and advice aswell as steps to reconnect with my ex.. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and support. Regards Theo

    Reply
  • Alice

    Hey,

    So my ex broke up with me a little over a month ago after a 3 months relationship & several months of talking & getting to know each other really well (starting in the summer but wasn’t a fling). He is 24, I am 21, we felt serious, he would mention marriage. We had many common goals & other things & he loved that. Commitment/marriage seemed serious to him, he was all about values & didn’t like relationships where he wasn’t sure about marriage (I was a little hesitant about it). I was getting out of a breakup as well & vented to him a lot in the first 1-2 months/I mentioned the ex sometimes which he didn't like & looking back I shouldn't have done.
    We're both in school so things started to get stressful a month in. We fought once a week then multiple times a week, all on text. I feel we started to focus on positive things less, he said he didn't feel connected as much but everytime we saw each other, it's like we hadn't fought. We both acknowledged we couldn't see each other to work things out as much. After another fight, he broke it off, saying we fought too much, didn't feel trust, school/finals stress, & that we should take a break. We kept talking for like 2 weeks after saying we could work things out & even saw each other a week after the breakup. It felt like we still really wanted to make it work. That last time I saw him, he mentioned this classmate who he was talking about past relationships with (including ours) & I didn't like it but didn't think anything of it. She is 18 & he said he’d never be interested in her since she’s young, stuck-up, & have nothing in common. I mentioned a guy my friend was trying to set me up with to help me move on (I told my ex I wasn't interested) but he didn't like it. A week later, we got into the worst fight after my other ex messaged me after months (but I told him I denied him) then we didn’t talk for 2.5 weeks.
    So then I see a picture on insta of him & that girl & messaged him finding out they started dating less than a week after our last fight because “they just clicked” & right after finals he went to her house out of state & met her parents (she is rich & apparently has her own house). He said they really like each other but don’t love each other yet & isn’t even thinking about marriage. I told him it didn't make sense why he's with her & he said he had a change of heart/things happened fast. We had an ugly fight after that because I was so angry, it was the worst one & he said that’s why he left me. I made a lot of mistakes, really seeming needy but he’s blocked me on everything telling me he really likes her & I need to respect that. I said I did & just wanted to talk/be friends (which he said too) but he’s blocked me. I think it’s a rebound but he broke up with a girl like a month before meeting me & he says he completely shuts out exes. It doesn’t seem like they match but that he really likes her. I don’t know what to do but just really want him back since I’m committed to him but I feel like the more they’re together, they’ll fall in love & I’ve already made myself look like a fool. Help!

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Start by not contacting him any further. Apply No contact to give yourself some distance from the situation and to give him space. Spend this time to work on yourself and improve your life. Right now he is dating someone else, and you should not interfere, because it will lead to him thinking you're desperate and start getting annoyed or resentful towards you. If you really want to be with him, you'll have to wait until he contacts you first, or if they break up. Doing anything now related to him will only push him further away from you.

      Reply
  • N

    Hi,sorry if my english is bad, but it isn't my first language.
    I'm 26, and he is 27 years old. We were together for 9 months and I meet his friends and family.
    7 days ago he broke up with me. Reason for breaking up was that he doesn't have time for me, that he isn't sure what he wants, maybe it's other girls, but he has everything he wants with me, so he needs time to think. But I think that he has someone else now.
    Few days after the break up he sent me a message that he is thinking of me every day, and i replyed to him after an hour that i'm glad that it's like that.
    I know where i was making mistake in our relationship, i was always there and available for him, almost like i didn't have my own life. Now I don't know how to repair mistake and how to get him back?
    Thank you

    Reply
  • Emily

    My boyfriend broke up with me 2 weeks ago kind of out of the blue. We've been slowly declining for a while, and I would bring up the fact that I felt like things weren't going good all the time, but he always ignored my pleas for better communication. It finally came to a head and I broke up with him, and then quickly took it back the next day and we decided to get back together. Things seemed to be going really well and then he broke up with me, also saying he needs time and space. During these 2 weeks I've come to realize that a lot of the problems were me. I was so emotionally dependent on him, and I would turn negative if I couldn't be with him. He was my source of happiness and I didn't realize that until that was gone. I've been working on recognizing my problems and fixing them, because in the end I want him back. I really believe that now that I know what the problems were that he never told me during the relationship, if we were to try again, it would be really successful. I broke no contact a few times and was regrettably desperate in asking for him to come back and work on things, to which he kept saying he needs time and space and he's taking that for himself. I don't know if I should wait for him to reach out since I've reached out so many times (but will not anymore!!) But I'm afraid he won't and will just move on without me. The fact that he said he needs time and space makes me believe like he wants to revisit the idea of us getting back together, but that may just be me overthinking it. I just want him to see all the progressive I have been making so he can realize even though I may have lost my way and gotten too attached, my intentions were always pure and my love was always real. How do I get him back?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I would suggest completing No Contact first and if he doesn't contact you during this period, to initiate contact once again after the period has ended.

      Reply
  • Woodzs

    Hello,

    So here's my situation. I've had a relationship for the past 3.5 years. For a long time prior to those years she had a huge crush on me, but i never really did anything with it. Even still we got together. During the relationship i never really felt i was truly in love with her, at least i thought so. But i also need to mention that i was smoking weed on a daily basis. (She hated that) Which resulted in me not to be able to express my feelings in the right way, or even to be having' feelings. During this time i was unemployed and living in her house pretty much rent-free, and even still she was the sweetest girl in the world for me. (make's me sick to my stomach even thinking about that now) I was a really selfish guy over the years, never surprised her or anything like that and have been taking' her for granted During the entire relationship. Never really considered her feelings. (Again, sick to my stomach) So due to text messages she started building a emotionally relationship with some guy she met a bar way back before our relationship. Can't really blame her for that giving the fact i was emotionally unavailable due to smoking weed. It always stayed with text messaging she claims and i believe her. This lasted from May to August. I forgave her. Last September we've been on holiday together, for here it was a sort of last attempt to save our relationship. Which i didn't knew at the time. So i continued in my own selfish ways, and continued smoking weed. She was slipping right from under my nose and i didn't even noticed. After the holiday we've stayed together until November 10th which is when she dumped me. Again, cant blame her, thinking back i am surprised she even last this long with me. Since then i have stopped smoking weed, cant even stand the smell of it, got a job, and starting to express my emotions again. Needless to say that i want her back, in fact i feel like im in love with her. She says its to late, that she really would want it but that her feelings for me has changed. However, she does keep contacting me, even send some nudes and stuff like that but still don't want te be in a relationship anymore. Also does she really badly wants to stay friends and gets really upset if i suggest to brake contact, just because i cant handle this form of contact we are having right now, simply because i want her back so badly. Do think NC will do the trick? I've been trying it 2 times already but never got past 2/3 days as she keeps calling/texting me and i feel bad for her and cave. And its hard for me as well of course. Sorry for my English, im from Europe.

    Kind regards,

    Woodzs

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      NC would help because right now although she's still in contact with you, the fact remains the same that she won't give you another shot. You have to give her some time to change that train of thought and by showing her you've changed. This is hard to see when she's still in constant contact with you. Complete NC and work on your issues before coming back and asking her for a second chance.

      Reply
  • Vicky

    My ex ended things 2 weeks ago. Initially he said he didn't know if he wanted a relationship anymore and needed to think about things but didn't want to end things completely. At first he was lovely, reassuring me he still cared about me it was just a case of timing and wanted to stay in contact whilst he figured things out. But I pressured him into making a decision the more I text the more annoyed he got and ended things completely. Initially I made the mistake of trying to change his mind, he reluctantly replied at first but the stopped responding completely. I started NC 2 weeks ago and then today he deleted me off all social media. I panicked and messaged him asking how his Christmas was, he read and didn't respond. I don't know what him deleting me means and what I should do about it? Should I re start no contact or is this his way of saying he's moved on? We are both in our 20's and were together for 2 months.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You guys weren't together for a long time so him moving on would be dependent on how meaningful the 2 months were. Typically someone blocking you would be his way of wanting to avoid you, and this could because you were acting needy by trying to change his mind. Continue with NC but spend this time to work on your issues, and at the end of it, if he has unblocked you, you could try initiating contact to see where he stands. Bear in mind that there is a small likelihood he has moved on already due to the length of the relationship, and may have blocked you as a way of 'indicating' those feelings.

      Reply
    • Vicky

      Thank you for your reply, he has not blocked me just deleted me, I got the impression that it was out of anger but I’m not sure. He has not blocked my phone number so should I message when NC is over?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Yes, you should.

      Reply
  • Esther

    Hey.
    My ex and I have been together for 6 months and he broke up with me last Saturday over the phone. We were each other's first loves. We've had the 'Honeymoon' phase but from around 2 months into the relationship up until our recent breakup, we've been having arguments based on jealousy, mistrust and miscommunications. We would make up the day after the argument and be good then have another argument a few days later. Most of the arguments were started by me due to my overthinking, insecurities and accusations. We broke up once in September over some trust issues and an argument, but got back together after a week. He said he needed time off to forget the pain and it was him who apologised asked me back. Anyway, this time we've had constant arguments for a week straight before the breakup, he said the mistrust and me always starting shit was too much for him and that he's lost the attraction for me. I haven't been needy after the breakup and haven't done any of the 5 things to avoid. I have took time to reflect on my behaviours and realised my mistakes. I really wish we could start again. I've only texted him 2 days after the breakup, saying "hey" and asking him how he is. He responded rather quick and said he's "decent". I haven't texted him back ever since and neither did he. Should I start the NC period now? And for how long should it last? Is there anything else I can do to contribute towards getting back together?
    Regards.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since you guys shared a meaningful relationship, there would be a chance for you guys getting back together but you have to work on those issues first or the same problems would occur again. I suggest applying NC and spending time and focus on those issues like trust, insecurities and overthinking. Understand why you feel this way and try to change it. The best thing you can contribute in getting back together is to change yourself as that's always the most effective.

      Reply
  • Theo zeus

    Hi Kevin. Ive been dating this girl for 6months everything was moving perfect for us both. She fell pregnant and i proposed to her and we were engaged. She decided to have an abortion due to finacially we both wernt stable and ready. I was abit emotionally about the abortion as she was assell experiencing a life changing procedure. Things became abit difficult both of us dealing with our emotions and feelings at the time.I made the wrong regretful decision by ending it and i unfortunately didnt show her support an comfort. Its been extremely hard an difficult dealing with this whole situation. Its nearly been 2 months we nearly been separated for now.she says i need to fix my issues and become stable and she doesnt want no relationship at this stage.. which im coming to terms of and making positive changes in my life..its been just over 2 weeks i havnt contacted her until yesterday wishing her merry Christmas but no reply.. so ive just left it.. Deep down i sincerely love this girl with my entire heart and i would appreciate advice and guidience aswell as steps to reconnect with her.kind regards.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you guys have been broken up for about 2 months since, and she still has not replied you,you might have to consider the fact that she has moved on. If you're prepared to wait it out and chase her again, then I suggest giving her a little more time before you try reconnecting once again.

      Reply
    • Theo zeus

      I don't believe she has moved on.. after our break up we were still incontact an evan meet up for dinner ect. Its been just over 2 weeks she has asked me to concentrate on myself and make successful positive changes and she not making commitments for a relationship at this stage. How long should u wait until i make contact via email and how to write a letter and what to say? Regards Theo

      Reply
    • Theo zeus

      Its been 2 weeks ive started the no contact rule. I broke it once on Christmas day wishing her a merry Christmas. She didn't reply ive left it alone. Just wondering how long untill i make contact with her again and ive make successful changes and avhieved my goals I've made.. just want to know how to approach and what to say to her.. Regards Theo Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should wait until you've completed NC at least before writing her a letter or an email. You can refer to this article on what you should do after no contact has ended.

      Reply
  • Leonore

    Hi! I broked up with my boyfriend one month and a week ago, I broked up with him because he became distant with no reason, he was being very dry with me and I always asked him if I was being a good girlfriend and he always said that I was perfect. We didn't have any problems during our relationship of 3 months. So, I broked up with him through a text "I don't want to be with you anymore" and he replied that it was a good relationship but we were having many issues and that life made it complicated, so it was better to break up. I don't know if I want him back because he became distant out of the blue, he didn't call me or text me as much as before and he said "he was busy with his job" but I knew he had free time. I just want to know why he didn't want to be with me if things were going well between us, I don't know what my mistake was. I haven't talked to him since we broked up, I deleted him from social media that day because I didn't want him to talk to me. What did I do wrong in the relationship? Should I text him or should I let it go? Thank you, merry Christmas!!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It could be that there were things he didn't feel okay about but never shared with you, or it could have been completely for no reason and he started taking the relationship for granted (hence the lack of effort), which is common for many relationships that have gotten too comfortable. If you really want to know, I suggest speaking to him and asking him to be honest.

      Reply
  • Varsha

    Hey,my long distance boyfriend just broke up with me after an ugly fight. He is working and I am a final year student. He thinks that I am not serious about my career and so instead of being with him, I should focus on that. But I am not able to get over him. I am working pretty well in my career but he doesn't understand. Also, he always comes up with an excuse of not having time as he is busy with his office stuff. But as I said, I love him a lot. I am going to his city next week for an interview. Please suggest me if I should meet him and fix things or not.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You first have to understand if him saying that you're unable to focus on your career is a legitimate worry he has or if it's an excuse to end things. That would determine if you should contact him, because if it's a real concern he has, and you are able to convince him that you can stay focused and still be with him, then you should try to fix things.

      Reply
  • Drew

    Hi,
    Going through a current period of separation from a 5 year relation ship and found this website very helpful indeed. I moved out after 8 months of abuse largely control , emotional and eventual physical against me. It was a slow painful devaluaion and discard.

    I have sustained a period of 30 days and now looking at trying again. I have identified several areas where i have needed to change and continued to develop. Some of these no doubt contributed to the split.

    She initiated split via text and was particularly mean. I ignored a subsequent 2 calls. Was then told that it was me that have given up. Very confusing.

    She hasn't moved on as far as I am aware but made signs that she was starting to get used to being "single" Therefore I consider this point in time the final attempt to salvage. I have dug deep and think she is worth it but want to avoid a repeat. She Will not firmly say it is over and avoids all discussion and attempts to get third party assistance or support. She still states she did nothing wrong. I think there could be undiagnosed mental health issues as the theme throughout the relationship has been there, just not quite right.

    If she is not prepared to address some of her issues should i walk away. Or should after 5 years make a commitment to show I am serious and demonstrate my willingness to adapt.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Everyone deserves to be happy and you shouldn't settle for less just because you've 'invested 5 years into the relationship and it would be a shame to give it up'. If you genuinely want to give it another shot, go ahead, but if the abuse continues and she does not change, I would suggest you be fair to yourself and walk away.

      Reply
  • Chris

    It’s been a little over three months since my ex and I broke up. I’ve completed no contact, given her space , never begged or been pushy did the right moves based on advice given on here and other places. She’s still will barely talk to me (we work together) and will barely reply to text messages. Back in September I purchased a Christmas gift for her and even though we broke up I still sent it to her on Friday. She replied thank you for the gift. You didn’t need to. Merry Christmas! Attached to the gift was a clean slate letter. She made no mention of it. I told her she was welcome for the gift. I asked her if she was going to be up for talking soon to clear the air. She never replied back. She isn’t seeing anyone, nor did we have a bad breakup. Since the breakup I have found out that she is mad at me about something I said but I don’t know what I said or who I said it to and she won’t tell me. We’ve had some positive interactions as of late at work, but she’s got a wall so high up now. Where do I go from here? Three months, no contact completed, clean slate letter given, space given, showed activity on social media sites as well and not much recoconcilation has occurred. What can I do? Or is it time to accept the fact that I’m not going to get her back?

    Reply
  • tiruworq

    Please am waiting your reply i didn't found it

    Reply
  • Kris S

    Hi there I need your help. My girlfriend broke up with me about two weeks ago. We pretty much argued a lot lately and she and I both had enough. I broke up with her in aug and we got back together. We pretty much argue about the same things. One major problem being her ex (child father) he would send her explicit things and we argued about that and the fact every chance he got he was hitting on her. To me she always made excuses for him saying take couldn’t block him or stop him because they had to communicate for child. To me seemed that she like him chasing her. She said I didn’t trust her but I’ve caught her in so many lies. Another large problem was she would sometimes lie about things..I couldn’t trust her which is one reason I didn’t want her communicating with oneone else. She said I was jealous and have a bad attitude. I felt she made me have one by not respecting our relationship and by entertaining other people. Anyways.. she broke up with me recently and says we will never work.. she said I didn’t care about her health or financial issues .. but lately she has me been pushing me away.. we work together so it’s hard to avoid her. I love her and want her back. We hit a bad patch and I’m willing to change. She has been flirting openly with another Co worker which I told her was disrespectful. Also same day we broke up I found out she slept with her ex. She denied it at first until I provided proof. I’m not innocent, I did flirt with someone else in her face while we were together to show her how it feels.. she hated but that was my point. I didn’t want her to break up with me..When we first broke up I didn’t everything this website said not to do. I even I friended her in Facebook which really pissed her off and she blocked my phone#. It’s only been 2 1/2 days since I’ve done the no contact things.. it’s driving me crazy and I can’t tell where her head is. I feel like I should be chasing her. Is this too far gone? Can I get her back?? So I leave it alone? It’s driving me crazy not being with her and not knowing what she is doing with other people

    Reply
    • Kris S

      Hi thanks for the great advice! Also it’s hard with the NC rule due to we work together. Just today I talked with her for the first time in 4 days only because I have to at work. Although I said hello and merry Christmas, it was still strictly only work related . She was very dry with me even though it was only work related.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I understand it can be hard if you have to see your ex at work on a daily basis, however just proceed normally with your life as you normally would and avoid her unless necessary. It's unavoidable to have to come into contact and continue to talk to her about work related topics, but since she is acting dry, do not engage in any small talk beyond that.

      Reply
    • Kris S

      Hi the NC seems to be working. At work she told me she misses me and missed my kisses. She also hinted of wanting to get back together. What should I do? Should I continue the NC rule? or just go with the flow ?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Since she has felt this way, you could slowly warm back up to her. However, I would suggest continuing with NC because it may be too soon for changes to have occurred in both your lives, so if you guys get back together, the same issue might eventually surface again.

      Reply
    • Kris S

      Hi Ryan, I've been feeling anxiety lately due to my ex has been dating her ex before me lately. It hurts so bad and its killing me because I love and miss her so much. Feels like she moved so fast and doesn't care about what we had, which is crazy to me. We had such a strong connection, yet she seems un phased with moving on. I feel like she is slipping away from me more and more each day. Like I should be pursuing her now. I remember she told me once she likes persistence chase after her. To see if you're willing to work to get her. I asked her before the nc thing started if she wanted me to stop chasing her. She said she wasn't sure if she did or didn't. my heart hurts because she spent Christmas and will spend new years with this other person. We were suppose to spend these times together before the break up. She text me yesterday and sent a photo and asked if I remember where it was from. it was a pic from a place we use to eat at all the time.. I replied yes..i couldn't tell if she was missing me or just letting me know she was at our place to eat with someone else.. I really want my girl back soon! :(

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hang in there. Sometimes people go back to their ex because they are unable or don't want to find someone new to rebound, so they try things out again with their ex. But most likely, your ex is probably rebounding with her ex. Focus on your anxiety and calming yourself down, and just pick yourself back up, before you consider anything again in the future.

      Reply
    • Kris S

      Hi Ryan, just a little update. Yesterday towards the end of work shift my ex talked. Wasn't my choice and was kind hard to avoid. She asked me to return a couple shirts of her ( shirts she only asked about when we broke up) I returned a couple shirts to her, only ones I could find. yesterday she insisted I had one more shirt and ask when could she have it or if I was keeping for memories. It was like she wanted to make small talk. I simply said I has not seen any more shirt and she became upset. tried to even argue with me about it. I was calm and cool the whole time. She said " smh, some things never change" I didn't understand why she was making a big deal out of nothing. anyways she ended being upset with me again for nothing. I feel like ive changed a lot. I kept cool and tried not to argue. I could tell she missed me and may have even been upset because I have not been contacting her at all. Not sure why it went left so quick. Help!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      She could have probably gotten upset because she was expecting you to respond sweetly, since she hinted that you were keeping onto her shirt for memories and she probably wanted you to say yes.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you can't trust her right now, and there are major issues with the relationship, even chasing her and getting her back now would yield the same result as the previous time (in August). If you get back together with her, ideally you want the relationship to be better than before, not the same or what's the point? THIS is why you should leave it alone for now and disregard whatever your instincts are telling you because it isn't the way to win her back or sustain a lasting relationship. Work on your issues first and complete NC, then win her back with the changed you.

      Reply
  • Dustin

    Hi,

    My ex broke up with me almost five months ago (over the phone, after being together for 1.5 years), and it devastated me. For about the first 2.5 months, I made a lot of mistakes, but have been good for the past two months. Over the last two months, I've made a lot of progress, but still miss her a lot. I truly think we could work things out, though her reasoning for leaving were that we fought a lot, I'm too invested in my career, she doesn't want to move and scared of being a single mother in the future because my career involves traveling. She also mentioned that I was controlling.

    Over the past two months, I've made a lot of personal strides and feel better about myself and not nearly as sad as I once was. I still have moments where I break down because I truly loved the girl, and the breakup came out of nowhere. Jan. 30 is fast approaching, and that marks two years since we first met (I'm currently a senior in college, she's a junior). February marks a lot of what would be two-year anniversaries and I know it's going to be a tough month. I've received a lot of advice, had multiple deep conversations with my support group, but I truly want my ex back (different from needing her). How should I go about reaching out to her, as I was planning on it around the end of January. (I wrote her a handwritten letter at the end of September and the day after my birthday she sent me an email telling me she wanted to quit contact. I've had one outburst since then Halloween weekend.)

    Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, since January would have been some time since your last contact with her, you could always drop her a casual text to ask her how her New Year has been and see how she responds from there. If she doesn't respond positively, it might really do you justice and a big favor to walk away from this, and focus on moving on.

      Reply
  • Roce

    Hi,
    I had to end relationship up with my girlfriend (5 years living together) due the fact she found another man to entertain her and she was not willing to make the decision: me or other guy. I tried this no contact rule and she keeps calling and texting me once a day (or so). If I did not answer her contacts, she is getting very upset and sends me irritating messages (like blaming me that I can't be trusted in serious situations). If I answer her because I assume that there was a really serious reason that she would call me, but there isn't. If we talk about weather and general stuff, it is fine. If or conversation goes to us or our past, she gets upset and tries to end the call. Last conversation she hinted me that if I would not call her more occasionally, I would waste my opportunity. She even encouriged to call her any time.

    In this case, should i inform her that I would not contact her for a while, or still answer her calls but keep the conversation to general topics and avoid getting to serious topics? Or should I just ignore her (and might push her more away)?

    R

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The whole point of No Contact is to avoid conversations with her, general or relationship wise until you feel more sorted out emotionally to deal with things rationally. The only conversations that is encouraged is if it's a serious issue (financial matters, divorce paperwork, children, etc). You should tell her that you would like some space since the relationship has ended to work on yourself.

      Reply
  • Sadie

    Hi there

    My ex and I split up about a week ago and I also moved out of the country we were living in together. It was a mutual split up, we had huge highs and a loving relationship but we just kept arguing a lot and couldn't seem to fix this dynamic even thought we loved each otehr a lot. I now think we made a big mistake. Should I follow the NC zone rule or just get in touch now? ALso it is xmas coming up...

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could get in touch to see his take on things, and if he isn't agreeable to get back together for whatever reasons, then proceed with NC.

      Reply
  • peter

    hi my ex broke up with me about a week ago, but she still lives with me, we help each other out financially until i get another job after christmas, shes going out meeting new guys now, how should i conduct the no contact rule in my situation? and what should i do whilst shes here?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Create boundaries at home and limit the time spent there while she is around. Perhaps go out more, and even if you are at home, sleep in different rooms and engage in as little small talk as possible. You could use this article to provide you with more tips on what you can do while she's still around.

      Reply
  • Roy

    We were about to get married, I was getting the stone shaped for the ring, then she broke up with me. I'm not sure what exactly the reason is, because there are many. I'm a jealous person, and I will not apologize for being one, her attitude has always pushed me to say unnecessary things, like another guy hugs/kisses her and so on, I'm pretty sure that most men are like me, I am not OK with my women sharing her body with another even if she thinks it's innocent. Few days before we breakup, she went on a trip with her sister and friends and there was a guy with his gf Who used to live with her sister and her sister's husband, that guy has crossed the line many times, I always warned her about him and she felt upset when I talked like that about him and always defended him and justified his actions. Eventually, he started going in the hot tub while she was their with his gf and he sat next to her!!!!. He joined them and started touching her while knows that she's shy. I got mad at my fiancee and said unnecessary things. It made her so mad and she went in her room in the hotel and cried, then he followed her and saw her crying and hugged her. Then, she vented with him and he told her to breakup with me and she did!!!!!!!! This stranger we barely know did this to me!!! I've done so many stupid things to change her mind, even I was so close to hurt myself, you know. Anyways, we stopped talking for couple days then she contacted me while she was in the hot tub with her sister, him, his gf. But, all the sudden she freaked out because he touched her Va****... And yet, she justified for him and said it was an accident. I tried to act cool about it but I was burning inside. Now she doesn't wanna get back at all and admits that she has some feelings, yet, still saying it's impossible to get back together and it is over... I really don't know what to do, we broke up more than 2 weeks ago and we both are miserable. I followed your EBP tips and started no contact but she kept contacting and I fail and talk to her. I'm writing this long comment after I did what I think is a huge mistake, I sent her "I love you" and a kiss emoji on whatsapp. I guess she saw it and pretending like she didn't. I see nothing in this god damn planet but being together again and continue our beautiful dream. I can't move on, can't stop thinking, I failed to fulfill the EBP requirements, should I start over?? WHAT SHOULD I DO??!!!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      The EBP requirements serve as a guideline but are not set in stone since every relationship situation is different. Currently, if you want a relationship where how you feel is accepted, and a partner who isn't naive, you'll have better luck in walking away and finding someone who fits that. If you still want to continue a relationship with her, then you're going to have to accept that being jealous and telling her off on being naive (even if you're right) are things that would only push her away. Instead of becoming angry (again, even if you have the right to be), I suggest talking to her in a more understanding way as that might make her more receptive to what you're saying as opposed to telling her off and she becomes defensive and justifies the other person's actions.

      Right now, I suggest giving yourself some space to adapt to this mindset change before coming back into her life.

      Reply
  • olivia

    my boyfriend broke up with me about a week ago. although it was a break up, he also said he just wants time and space to think about things and he would consider getting back together if major things changed, but he's not sure if that's possible. we had a really great relationship full of respect and trust, we just started to argue more and more and i think we need some time apart for him to realize the problems can be fixed and are not worth throwing out an amazing relationship over. we're both in college and on winter break, so i'm planning on reaching out when we both get back. i'm in the middle of no contact, but should i text him on christmas or new years? does this sound like a relationship that can be fixed?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Olivia,

      Yes, I think for a relationship like yours, it can be easily mended if both parties work at their differences together. It's normal for relationships to reach a point where arguments happen more often due to both parties inevitably taking each other for granted (by becoming too comfortable, impatient, etc). The issue here isn't that you guys have differences and need space to think if the relationship is worth it, but rather to both sit down together and sort your differences out.

      Reply
    • olivia

      thank you! i agree, but he keeps saying he needs time and space and as of right now, he thinks too much has happened between us that can't be erased. i was going through a hard time and that negativity may have brought him down, but he never told me how he felt until he ended things so i never had the chance to fix that. i'm hoping giving him this time and space he wants will make him realize it, but do you think it may just be too far gone in his mind? i really want a second chance since now i know what his problems with me were, i see how easily fixable they are. i just don't know how to show him that!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, perhaps it may have gone too far in his mind, but it doesn't matter because people get impulsive and exaggerated thoughts when they are emotionally affected by situations. These things can be changed, but may require a bit of time for him to let go of it. Just give him some time and space for now, but you could continue to talk to him casually as a friend and at least let him see that you're there for him.

      Reply
    • olivia

      I go back to school in 2 weeks and I wanted to reach out to him when we go back to see if he'd be open to talking. Is that enough time?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It should be, when school starts again, you could approach him casually like you would a friend and slowly build things up from there again.

      Reply
  • Karen

    Hey so me and my ex finished our relationship 2 years ago i started one but idk i keep having things remind me of him i always think of little stuff we used to do and me and my new partner are always fighting i went to this party were i saw my ex and his new girlfriend ( which is my ex best friend) their currently engaged but they were arguing and fighting i didnt say hi to them or i didnt show that i was affected by it but i still have that connection with him and idk maybe i just want to talk to him and let things right since he was my bestfriemd for almost 7 years sometimes i do miss him his biethday is coming up and idk if i schould DM him since idk if his girlfriend has his password and i domt want to seem like im desperate what do i do ??? I dont knoe what to do

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I would honestly recommending just talking to him casually since it's something you can't seem to walk away from. At least by talking to him, even if things don't turn out well, you may get some form of closure that you lack. Also, your fights with your current partner may be causing amplified feelings of you missing your ex so it's something you should take note of. Perhaps ask yourself first, if your current relationship is a healthy one, and secondly decide if your feelings towards your ex is based on the bad experiences you're going through or something more.

      Reply
  • Bethanie

    Hello Kevin,
    Me and my other half split up 5 weeks ago last sunday, he split with me 2 days after my 21st birthday. Yes he was my first love but I am completely smitten by him. When he broke it off with me he didnt give me much of a reason but gave me a kiss as he got out of my car. I got a text message saying "he doesnt want anything with me anymore, its a clean break and not just a break" but ive had no explination and im incredibly worried that he thinks the grass is greener. I made the mistake of texting him because i felt like i needed closure and he didnt give me that. After 2.5 years i deserve that right? He keeps telling people that hes "ignoring me to move on properly" and i just dont understand. 2 hours before breaking it off with me, he was telling me he loves me and misses me. And wrote in my birthday card "to my one and only" was this all a lie? Hes a very "led astray" person and his family like to drink and ever since this happened hes been drinking more, hes seen me once and not even made eye contact with me. He could never talk to me and convided in a mutual female friend who i now fear hes trying it on with. Hes getting on with his life whilst mines in the gutted. I really dont know if he loves me or has done for a while. Im so confused.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Bethanie,

      Although we all deserve proper closure, sometimes we just don't receive it. It doesn't mean you should stay in one place, without moving on in life because that's what many people do and they never fully pick themselves up. It seems really sudden that he broke up with you when everything seemed fine (based on what you said) and there should be a reason. Maybe if you can figure out what that is (from mutual friends), then you would get the closure you deserve. However, I suggest in the mean time not to contact him any further and just focus on yourself. Apply No Contact and pick yourself up as he's doing with himself. Only later on should you actually contact him again if you still love him and want him back.

      Reply
  • mike.pedrazas

    I am 32. My ex is now 29. We dated for 2 years, half being long distance because of my career that she supported very well.

    Unfortunately one day she stopped supporting my dreams, our relationship started to struggle and we ultimately ended 65 days ago now. We tried as friends for the last month of it but it wasn't working and one night when I told her I loved her, she didn't feel the same, and we ended everything. No talking, no reconciliation, we just stopped. She reached out a day after to say sorry but it didn't go anywhere.

    In the past 65 days we exchanging belongings but she wasn't present for either. I dropped her things off one day and went to get mine once, but she was "busy."

    Only once, about 40 days in did we text for more than 5 minutes. She told me our relationship never had the "depth" she was looking for and she had found someone else that supports her in ways I didn't. She said she was sorry for dragging me along when she really knew she didn't want me anymore for a little bit of time.

    I have come to find out the man she replaced me with is her boss (46-2 kids, previously married)...which I am crushed by. In a way Im glad its not the hot guy at the bar I would compare myself to and wonder what he does better than me. I know her boss has money, has known for her for a year and probably knows where my support lacked and where she needed more. He's not attractive in my or my friends eyes but this really breaks my heart.

    I have successfully started cross-fit, a new job and become open in possibly moving for my career and taking the next step in growth. I have also sought therapy, opened myself back to God, and dove into various self-help books.

    I struggle with getting over her and letting go completely and finally. Most of the time I still wish there was a chance this was a rebound and maybe she'll check in from time to time. But I don't know how to not think that. She is still what I want, is that even right of me to think after everything she has done with her 60 days?

    No contact worked for myself but maybe it pushed her away?

    I have worked to get better, feel good but sad/lonely just as much.

    Should I want this chance again with her? Should I block her everywhere and be done with any other possibilities? She can't post anything because its her boss anyway.

    also he has already given her diamonds for her recent birthday, seems to be moving fast. And I can’t help but thinking of him proposing to her soon since they already knew each other so well. No, I don’t believe she ever cheated or started this with him while we were together.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It would depend on your knowledge regarding what she seeks for in life. If the financial security it something more important to her, then you might want to consider walking away as it will be hard to compete with her boss on this aspect. If you know that she may be going through a tough time, and merely needs momentary financial support desperately that you cannot provide, then you could consider a second shot if given the chance. However, do bear in mind that she walked away from you once already, and if you get back with her, she may do the same again if ever she needs something you cannot provide.

      Unfortunately, even if he does propose at this time, there isn't much you can do about it since they are together now and it's his given right. You'll just have to have faith that your relationship did mean something to her and she would have the logical sense to say no.

      Reply
  • Shivang Bhatnagar

    Its a 2.5 year distance relationship in which i said some bad things to her in my anger, we meet twice in a month or more, then suddenly she losses interest which result in arguing and fighting and she eventually break up with me I begged for 3 to 4 days then started no contact, I applied 30 days no contact and after that, we talked and clarified all things and suddenly next day she goes cold again and as a result, i feel breakup pain again and eventually asking for another chance she said no and then I start the no contact again another month is almost complete what should i do now?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should first figure out why she lost interest in you. No contact is meant for you to focus on picking yourself up and not simply giving her space. If you're able to contact her and face rejection without falling apart, that's how you'll know that no contact worked. Since your NC period is ending soon, you could always drop her a casual text and maybe even ask to catch up sometime. Everything isn't going to fall in place after one day of talking again after a breakup and you'll have to slowly nurture her back into wanting you, which is why it's so important to be able to face her without the fear of falling apart every time she pulls away or is cold towards you.

      Reply
  • Jackie

    Hey there,

    My ex and I broke up. I successfully did no contact for one month immediately after the break up and sent a follow-up text. In the initial first text I asked him in the message if he’d like to catch up for coffee, he said he it was too soon as he was struggling to find normality. I said I understood and we had a really good catch up chat via text. We have been texting almost everyday, good chats about friends, work, movies etc. I then asked him about a week or two later if he’d like to catch up for a drink he said he’s not ready to just hang out and it might be a while and he was sorry, but wants to stay in touch. He isn’t much of a texter even in our two year relationship. So I was a bit confused when he said no but I acted cool about it and said I understood and I’m happy to keep chatting (texting). We continued texting for about two weeks about random things and I got a fine in the mail I approached him about it cause I didn’t believe it was me driving (the fine was from a few months ago) and he said in a long message he remembered that day because I come over cooked for him and we had coffee in the park, he also joked in the message about a lunch we had made that’s still in his fridge and looks a bit dangerous lol. We sent a few more texts about our pet fishes and what not, seemed to be good. He said the suburb I was livin in now suited me :) and then I said you should check it out sometime and he said yeah that would be nice :). So then a few days after that I said what is he up to this weekend and would he like to come check out my place/pool (he seemed to respond better to that then the coffee idea hence why I asked). But then he took two days to reply and said sorry he had a busy week and probably not this weekend and that he needs a pool at this place. Honestly at this point I felt confused so I replied saying ok when were you thinking to catch up as I will be away most of January? And he said he’s not in a huge rush, it’d be nice to see me but he feels he needs to find his own feet first and maybe closer to Xmas/New Years but he doesn’t know and not too rush it. I said it does suck but I understand and hope I catch you before I go :). That was our last text about 3-4 days ago and I’m not sure what to do now since I’ve asked to catch up a few times. I’m confused, I feel he’s definitely shown some positive signs, especially sending me some money for the fine even though he didn’t think it was him. My friends said I should just let him text me and not text him so I haven’t and it’s been a few days now. He was never much of a texter anyway but I’m not too sure what to do from here. Thanks :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, it seems that he himself seems reluctant to meet you right now for whatever reasons. It could very well be that it's too soon still, and you should give him more time and let him initiate on a meeting up instead. You've tried a couple of times and have been met with rejection so I don't advice trying any further or you might push him away. Just take it casually, continue to focus on yourself first, and don't let these little rejections get you down.

      Reply
    • Jackie

      Thanks. We did text yesterday he said he had a crazy week because his dog was stolen. I’m not sure how often we should text at this point in time? Obviously I want to rebuild connection, it’s a little hard because he isn’t much of a texter. What should I talk about to rebuild connection?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      At this point, just be yourself and create topics that would received continued responses from him - such as stuff you guys did in the past, plans for holidays, etc

      Reply
    • Jackie

      Ok thanks Ryan! Also we had a phone call recently just chit chat, it was a pleasant phone call I meantioned that I’m going away at the end of the week and if he wanted to see me, he said he feels pressured? And he doesn’t know, maybe another time then? I don’t know what he’s trying to communicate to me, as we’ve been texting for around a month and a phone call last night. At the end of the phone call we said it was nice to hear your voice and he said it was nice to hear your voice too. He sounded really depressed. I’m not sure if he needs more time? I’ve always been a go getter and he’s more relaxed and goes with the flow. could you explain what he means by pressured? Do I just give more time? My gut instinct and the way he sounded on the phone told me he missed me? Thanks

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      In those circumstances, yes I would suggest giving him more time and space if he feels pressured. Ultimately meeting you should be a natural occurrence and not something that feels forced.

      Reply
    • Jackie

      Hey Ryan! So we have continued texting after the last time I told you about (the phone call where he said he felt pressured and another time to catch up since I was going away) I text him saying I was going away and he said have a lovely trip and take some piccies(photos). He said he had a nice Xmas but is a little sunburnt. I text him a photo a few days later while I was away and he replied in 1 minute saying omg that looks amazing where are u? I didn’t reply and he then sent me a message on 1st of January saying happy new year I replied later that day saying hey! Just watched a house of cards, reminded me of you, made me smile! He replied within 2 minutes saying :) too hungover to physically smile but that’s a nice thought! I had a bad experience where someone tried to break in my house so I called him early that morning then I realised I shouldn’t have done that so I sent a text saying just an update I’m safe now, at my friends place. He then replied saying glad you’re safe, you are better off calling the police if you feel unsafe. Then later that day I text him saying I’m still feeling a bit shaken by it would you be up for a phone call, he replied saying sorry I don’t feel like talking in the phone at the moment but don’t let this dampen your new year, there are plenty of jerk guys in the world, just be you and love it! I replied saying I understand and did u have a good day he replied yeah, did a lot of furniture moving and sent me a photo of what he had changed in his room. After that it was his birthday so I sent a message saying happy birthday! He replied within the hour saying :) thanks lady! I didn’t reply and have started no contact as I feel when i am a bit distant he replies instantly kind of thing. I was thinking to continue no contact until around the 16th of January which would mean I haven’t texted him since the 4th of January. In my text on the 16th of January I was planning to say if he’s free to catch up for a quick cuppa sometime this week? I don’t want to do the wrong thing since I have asked before, but he is a big introvert and he rarely ever asks anyone to catch-up even friends/family. They usually ask him. My only fear is that he has said yes he’d like to catch up but wants to find his own feet first, he said this in December though. What would u recommend?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You could ask him towards the end of January instead since it might have given him more time to find his own feet, and at least some time has passed into 2018, giving you the excuse to ask him out to find out how things have been going so far this new year.

      Reply
    • Jackie

      Ok thanks. Should I continue no contact until then or is it better to text casually with him?

      Reply
  • Ashley

    Hi EBP Team,
    I have foung your website very useful. I am approaching the end of NC that is at the same time as Xmas and my ex’a b-day and also the start of a 2-3 week holiday he is spending with his family he barely sees the whole year.
    My question is: what’s the best timing to send the e-mail? Isn’t it overwhelming around holiday time? Shall I just extend NC until he’s back in town? Maybe I could combine it with wishing him happy holidays and happy birthday?
    Thanks for your insight

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To be honest, I think it's actually a good time to send him the email, as it creates a bigger impact (birthday, Christmas and the start of his holiday). If you want him back, you could send the email then and definitely include the birthday and Christmas wishes as well.

      Reply
  • Rohan

    Hi, we were engaged,she called off our engagement, she is very egoist lying and stubborn and i was abusive (verbally), controlling, jelous, insecure, over possessive. I loved her from the best i have but her ego and stubbornness made me behave wrong to her, i pleaded begged and cried but she didn't changed her decision, it was me who always use to go to her after every fight where she used to stop talking to me for several days, after broke up i re approached her but she wanted to be friends firstly i said yes but she was so casual and seemed moved on so i started no contact, its been three months i didn't heard anything from her, she is completely moved on now she seems happy and outgoing and enjoying her life, and here i am so obsessed and crying and dying for her even though i have decided i wont ever contact her or give any signal to contact me, if she wants to workout again then she has to contact me, otherwise its over for me, i am down, i am low but ill get up and ill make it large.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hang in there. Continue to work on yourself and don't linger in the past, if she moves on, so should you. And if your decision is to only come back if she contacts you, then it's a good idea to move on in the mean time because you don't know if it will ever happen or not.

      Reply
  • Jay

    Hi there

    While trying to sort things out in my life currently and can’t help thinking of her and i came upon this page. And sadly i had committed all 5 deadly mistakes, I don’t know how i can help myself so maybe ill just share my story

    I’m 29. She’s 30. Been in a relationship with her for nearly 3 years. Broke up like slightly more than a week already(consider this as 3rd and possibly a fatal one)

    1st broke up(she found out me complaining too much about the stress she gave me in becoming a better man)

    2nd broke up(infidelity, committed a couple of times of infidelity, regretted and stopped. Didn’t confess to her until i got found out sometime after that)

    3rd broke up(while improving on myself(not doing enough), we were chatting about things i did in the past, cant exactly remember if i confess everything in a proper manner to her, being not wanting to hide anything from her, i gave her a recap and told her everything, the very next day, she left)

    For the first 2 years plus in our relationship, empty/unfulfilled promises from me, misbehaving, overspending, lack of proper planning, spending too much time/money on games and infidelity caused our first 2 breakups.

    I loved her, it was after her coming back for the 2nd time which triggered me to do all the critical thinking, and rebuild what im supposed to be doing. 6 months on, that little conversation, in addition to me still playing games(cut down alot, also been saving up,no infidelity) made her left me for the 3rd time.

    Perhaps the lack of time in spending with her, and also a new colleague of her appearing, took a liking in her, did things better than me to her(lots of things i did for her during the earlier parts of our relationship) and has a stronger financial backing than me.

    The new colleague of her, somehow managed to get closer to her emotionally, and perhaps, could be still talking together, could be as friends or maybe even dating.

    It feels exceptionally terrible to be losing the love of your life, especially when you are about to propose to her, mentally and financially ready for her, and also on a festive season. Im lost, i really want her back and wished that i can still work things out, but i know, the ball is no longer in my court. I can only keep improving, keep working and praying.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hang in there, and focus on recovering right now. If you want her back in your life, you're going to have to make changes to yourself especially on areas she didn't like. You should take some time off from her and distance yourself right now to work on your own issues, before trying anything again.

      Reply
    • Jay

      Hi Ryan

      I’m working on it, like for real. Ive gotten rid of almost all my playing stuffs. Looking to add in a secondary income, becoming a better person etc.

      I want to talk to her again, but I don’t know when it will be a appropriate timing to start

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      My suggestion is to complete 30 days of No Contact and spend this time to focus on all these things you've mentioned. Once you've picked yourself up from this and think you've at least improved from the last time she saw you, then you could contact her again if you really want her back.

      Reply
  • Jrice2997

    Hello,
    So this is my story, I met a girl in college who is a couple years younger than me and throughout that year and the next we just had an unbelievable relationship. We would talk everyday and occasionally see each other on weekends. I knew she liked me through her friends and she knew I liked her, but we never were official boyfriend and girlfriend, but there were times when we both hinted at that outcome. I told her that I want her in my life and she wanted me to be in her life, but not in the same way. I texted her saying I couldn't be just friends with her and that I'll always have love for her because she was the first person I fell in love with in my life. 8 months ago I made a huge mistake and went over to her house back home unannounced and did it so no one would know I was there to drop off a handwritten letter after texting her; I went over to her house 3 times because the first two times I was afraid of what she would think if I did that when I hadn't been over there before. This mistake backfired on me and she found out I had been stopping by her house a couple times before, and it creeped her out now she has blocked me on every social media accounts and I haven't talked to her in 8 months. I've been thinking a lot about her like everyday morning, during, and at night before I go to sleep, and even dream about her. I know she isn't my ex but in other peoples eyes she was definitely more than just a friend to me, and I want nothing more to have her back in my life, but I'm pretty sure she hates me and doesn't want anything to do with me anymore. What should I do? I moved across country for work, but found out some family stuff is going on that I might have to move back home to where she and I both live, and I know that once I do I'll be reminded of the fact that I lost the only girl I cared about and it is killing me inside. Asking for advise on what to do, and if there is anything I can do to make her trust me again and hopefully someday have her back in my life

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Personally, it's been quite a long while. It may be worth a shot to try contacting her once more and you could be honest and explain the situation back then and apologize for it, then see if she's willing to still stay friends.

      Reply
  • silvi

    Hi,
    I had 3 month long relationship with a guy from a dating site. I have trust problems because of 20 year long marriage in which I was kinda abused. So that is why decided I did not want a serious relationship, only a friend with benefit type of thing. The guy was very polite. We had only kissing on first date and it took a while for him to even ask for it. Later I told him I did not want a serious relationship but it seemed he was hoping in it. We had very strong chemistry. After we had sex he was taken to hospital. It was crazy. I started to feel something however the plan was not that. I have decided to split up with him but someway I was not able. So we were keeping in touch for 1 month then he was released. I did not trust him. First I though even hospital was lie and then I discovered he was texting with others. I tried to get closer to him but he had walls. We had fights since I felt him cold, too rational therefore I got angry towards him and we had awful fights.We split up 3x but it started again. I emphasized that it was only about sex for me but he wanted sg more serious. Once I have seen him to chat with someone else for a long time. I asked him to tell me if he had someone else and let me go since it is too painful this way to me. He told me that there was no anyone else just he did not know where he stood with me since I was working against the relationship. Basically I think I did not know what I wanted and we had walls. Ok. I asked him to start it again. He asked for time and I promised time. So he messaged me but when I wanted to reply I saw he was chatting with someone again and got angry and attacked him. I said really really mean things. He switched off phone. I was thinking I might have hurt him deliberately because I was not brave enough to start sg serious and wanted to get rid of him instinctively. Next day I said sorry. I was feeling really awful about myself. I am not an evil person. But he did not read it (or yes but it was not displayed).
    Afterwards I texted him again: it was an analysis about our problems objectively. It was not read for 2 days. I expected it wont be read never ever. But then yes: it was displayed as read. Maybe it is crazy but I want him back. I want to take it seriously and wanna work on it and on myself but only if he wants to work on it too with me.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Although you say you don't want a serious relationship and only want a friends with benefit type of thing, it seems to me that your emotions say otherwise, or else you wouldn't really mind or care if he was talking to others or had walls since it should not matter. I think that you need to be more aware as well if you're trying to push someone away, as sometimes we do that in the form of picking fights or faults with our partner. I suggest just focusing on yourself first to work on whatever issues you may have and build yourself back up before considering any relationship.

      Reply
    • Silvi

      And after the break up my ex husband indicated he wanted me back (we have two kids) but I refused because I want someone better. Also, interestingly right after the break-up my former neighbour asked me out for a drink through facebook. But I did not want to play with others since I am into my ex boyfriend. So I refused especially because I know that my neighbour would be serious about the relationship. He was trying with me previously, confessed his feelings but he is too simple for me: I mean he is not interested in deeper things and I am. So I refused him previously as well. And I am chatting with a guy who is quite interested in me. So as you can see I dont have to feel that I would not have any other chance. I am on dating sites. I am friendly and quite ok for my age. Also, i have 4 degrees. So I am not absolutely stupid. Men are attracted to me. And I am 38. I am after a 20 year long marriage so obviously I know my feelings for this guy wont last forever. I am not that naive. The main point is that: I would like one more chance with this guy because maybe we would get on very well if I try seriously. And since I realized that I need not only sex but someone who loves me and who I can love, at the end of the day I have to change my approach/behaviour anyway. So why not now and why not with this guy. It is not that easy to find someone who is interested in deep-speaking and still sober enough and who behaves in a loving way towards me. Also we were perfectly in synch in sex. So what else would I want? Of course maybe it wont work. I am realistic. I know this guy only for 3 months and we had fights. I am nornmally not an agressive type but I was the one who started the fight, he remained polite while I was swearing. This shows that I tried to protect myself from emotions. He realized that it is my fear but i did not want to realize. And you know I want this only if it works well. Basically I dont want this guy at any cost but I wanna see where it goes if I really try without fears. Maybe he is the right person for me.

      Reply
    • Silvi

      He stayed at my house after sex saying he cant get home that late so we were sleeping together. Then stayed for the weekend, cooked for me and left his stuff at me saying he dont want to bring it again. Then started to repair my boiler, ordered stuff and collected from the shop. I was terrified what he wants. After my marriage I lived alone with 2 kids and I was happy: I could decide about my things alone and it was like a fresh air after 20 year long marriage even if it was hard sometimes to arrange everything alone eg. moving, kids illness, arranging school for kids, repairing things, normal household duties, paying bills and also I had a fulltime job. But I felt happy and independent. But I was almost like a male and I have not sex with anyone. But after 2 years I started feeling unwell physically and menthally. I thought it was because of lack of sex. But since I did not want to lose my independence, I decided on this friends with benefits type of thing. This is the story behind it.

      Reply
    • silvi

      Yes, now I know that I had feelings in it. I was picking up fights because I was afraid of them. That is why I want to start it again with feelings and without fears. I wanna give it a chance. Yesterday I wrote him: I written down what I have learnt about myself during the relationship but I did not mentioned that I wanted him back or anything similar. He read it in a minute but no answer. I was not surprised. (Basically I was surprised because he read it immediately.)As for no contact rule, I feel our relationship was different: I was not clingy. Not that was the problem, quite the opposite. I feel I have to give him a way to communicate. Or am I wrong?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Even if you weren't clingy, no contact is still something you should apply as you the relationship ended on a sour note, and he may harbor negative emotions towards you right now. NC will help give both parties some space to let go of those emotions before attempting anything again.

      Reply
    • silvi

      Hi,

      Sorry because I am a bit tiring. I have doubts about "no contact rule" in my case. In my understanding your theory is based on the fact that there were happy moments in the relationship and after a while people tend to remember the good memories, the overall picture and forget about the problems (eg. clinginess, small debates), the small negative details. My relationship with this man though was about great sex and awful debates right afterwards (since I was fighting against my own feelings), therefore the overall picture is not good. There were no happy moments in this relationship with the exception of sex. Basically, I can say only the sexual attraction kept it alive at all for 3 months. And I am aware that sexual attraction can fade away fast so what remains is the overall negative picture. Am I not right?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Silvi,

      You are wrong in thinking that the purpose of no contact is to remind your ex of the good times. In fact, no contact rule has very little to do with your ex. It has everything to do with you. Its for you to give yourself some time and space so you can work on becoming a better version of yourself.

      You are right that you may not be able to use the good memories from your past relationship in rebuilding attraction with him. But that is only a small part of the plan. The biggest thing that attracts an ex back is the changes you make in yourself. If you can show him that you have truly changed and are a new person after you have finished no contact, you can definitely attract him back. Read this article for more info on what to do after no contact.

      Reply
    • Silvi

      Dear Kevin,

      Thank you for your reply. I understood that one of the purpose of NC to introduce changes to my own life and approach. But I am not addicted to this guy, only attracted to him and wanna try if it works with him. I can live without him. I have my life, my goal in life without him. I am aware that both of us should work on it and use a different approach. Definetely I should starte. What I am saying: it is not a more year old relationship but only 3 month long and basically was about sex. Ergo, if I wait say 1 month my chance to get him back is decreasing in my view.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Oh, if your relationship was less than 3 months old, then you should reduce no contact to about two weeks. Perhaps, learn a bit of communication skills during this time so you can make the relationship about something more than sex when you get back in touch. Also, before you contact him again, make sure he is worth it and you have the right attitude about this. After all, you don't want to invest too much time and energy into someone with whom you had a shallow relationship based on only sex.

      Reply
    • Silvia

      I am afraid he completely lost his faith in it which is not a wonder if I think about it. Even I am happier without that relationship because that was a constant fight between my heart and mind. What I would like to do: start a completely new thing with him because I think we might match naturally, only I protected myself against love all along. But I am aware that human beings are not guniea pigs so it might be late. I just wanna get the highest chance to start it again if possible at all. I hurt him so many times and we had 3 breakups during 3 months. So it is almost hopeless to base a new start on good memories.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Silvia,

      OK. I think you should just contact him (whenever you are ready) and be honest about how you feel. Your first contact message should show a lot of honesty and self reflection for this to work.

      Reply
    • Silviu

      Hi,
      After saying sorry and explaing what type of relationship I really want i have done about 2 week long NC as suggested. On Christmas day to my surprise I got a Christmas greeting and my ex initianated a short conversation and this morningI got good morning greeting as it was a habit before breakup and it seems my ex wants to come over. I am very happy but my consern is that: I dont wanna be a doormat in long term. So I plan to initiate a converstation about the situation: I want to give it a try to a serious relationship with him but I dont want to be with him at any cost. Do you think it is appropriate. I mean I am happy that he comes or sg but I dont want to be just used and abused. Taking into account our past story it can be an issue.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Silvi,

      Yes, you should definitely have this conversation with him. I recommend that you write down the type of relationship you want in your life. Write down the 5 most important thing for you in a relationship. And after that, write down your boundaries. Write down what is non-negotiable for you. This could be things like "Cheating, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse etc."

      Then have a conversation with him. Tell him that you don't want to repeat the past relationship again and you want to start taking things slow. That means you should not have sex for at least two weeks after you start dating. Since your past relationship was only based on sex, it's best to avoid having sex for a while so you don't go back to the same old patterns. Only meet him outside and go on dates with him. Take your time to figure out if a relationship with him can work. And if he is not willing to take it slow, you should be willing to walk away (he will eventually come around when he realizes you are strong and he can't make you go back to the same old relationship pattern.)

      Reply
    • Silvi

      Ok. When I started with this whole dating thing, I have decided: I wanted only sex. I missed sex since I have not had any for 2 years after breakup with my husband. Right? But I did not want to lose my independence just because my body needed sex. That was the starting point. I had more dates but I selected this guy because kissing was the best with him. We had chemistry. We have not had sex only on the 3rd date. Basically we were speaking about philosophical questions and everything. I found him interesting as a person. He was a kinda weirdo like myself. I told him I wanted only kinda special frienship but he wanted something more. He left some of his stuff at my house, cooked for me, stayed over the weekend and started to repair my boiler. Even mentioned that I should have reareanged my room. These things terrified me so I started fight. We had great sex and then loads of fights. In the meantime I realized I might needed something more than sex. We had fight about Fraud and these things. In this respect the relationship was not swallow.

      Reply
  • Brandon Alvarez

    Hey 2 months ago I said my ex broke up with me because of long distance and I was moving back to her hometown because I wanted to move there for a job offer and you told me keep doing no contact until you arrive there. I just moved here 2 days ago and she keeps liking my posts on social media even the one where I took a pic of the back yard of my house and said a paragraph about that j moved here and I'm blessed. She saw that post but hasn't messeged me or anything shes not dating anyone. What should I do I texted her 2 months ago but she seemed uninterested but she still sees my stuff??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, you could always initiate contact with her and drop her a message or call instead, since you know that she's been following up with your posts.

      Reply
  • Swati

    I was in a 3 year long relationship. We took a break 4 months ago because of his drinking."surely not a breakup". But then i hav done the worst thing : i had a guy friend to whom i felt an affection and happened to mistake it as love. But he was loving me, so when he proposed me during the break i accepted it thinking that my affection is love. Bt soon within a month i realised that it was nothing more than a crush and also i loved my ex/bf (since we were just on a break) so much who is infact my first love. My ex/bf came to know about all these things and now he barely replies to my messages. Please help me with this problem. Now i know i really loved him. He is my first love & guess it will be the last one too.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I guess you need to give your ex some space now so that he can let go of any anger or hurt that he felt before going back to him again.

      Reply
  • Luke Thomas

    Hello,

    My girlfriend broke up with me after 4 years due to me being controlling and clingy. Told me the night of the breakup that she loved me, but wasn't in love with me anymore. We talked every so often afterwards until I figured out I was actually making things worse and proceeded with NC for 25 days. We're long distance so it's a bit easier than others. We had plans to meet up when I came home to visit family for thanksgiving and talk, and we did meet up but we hardly talked. She said it was too soon and didn't want our emotions to get the better of us. I was a bit mad, because I waited almost an hour. We spoke on the phone afterwards and got into an argument about what happened and both said some mean things.

    A few days afterwards, we spoke on the phone for two hours and had a great conversation. We talked for two hours, one about the relationship and what happened, and the other just general talking, laughing, and having fun. A day or two after that, I told her I had a date, to which she got kind of upset but tried to brush it off by acting "happy" even though I heard her cry on the phone. The date ended up being cancelled, but I feel like that might've been a step backwards.

    Afterwards we texted for almost three consecutive days, but we both agreed that it felt weird and decided to text each other every other day for the whole day. We both have every intention of finally meeting up on Christmas. She's said she's really wanting to focus on school right now, which I completely respect, but I do want to get her back. I want to prove to her that I can not be a clingy, jealous, insecure guy! Are the steps we are taking the appropriate ones?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Luke, it sounds like you're on the right path. Just don't put too much pressure on her to get back together with you or she may walk away. You can always tell her how you feel, but add that you respect her wish to focus on school and you'll wait for her as a friend first or something.

      Reply
    • Luke Thomas

      Hey Ryan,

      Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention last night after a stressful week I had some anxiety and said some insecure things to her while we were talking. Stuff along the line of "you were my best friend" and "second chance" were mentioned. I realized my mistake changed the subject almost immediately and continued to have a good conversation, but it was a moment of weakness nonetheless. Do I just continue on as normal?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Don't worry too much, sometimes human instincts take over us for a brief moment, but as long as you realized it and didn't go overboard, it's fine.

      Reply
  • Davis

    Hi ryan..thanks for your reply..i will try to give her that space and time like you said..but i really need your advice on how to win her trust back and confidence and keep our love..what so i really do during this break?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Firstly, you should just be yourself - the new and improved you after giving yourself space to change as well. You could always refer to this article on more tips in getting your ex-girlfriend back.

      Reply
  • Kyla

    Hi, my ex and I (both 18) broke up in October and were together from June to September. He broke up with me because I wasn’t reciprocating the love he was giving me and he now feels like since he put his all in the relationship and I didn’t, he can no longer give me a relationship. After the breakup, I was very needy and constantly begged him to get back together. Since then, I have recognized my mistakes and am fully in the mindset to changing them but I’m not sure how to prove that I’ve changed. He’s recently got back with his previous ex about a week ago and I’m scared that he might not want me back. I personally think it’s a rebound relationship since he did try to have sex with me while they were together but he swears he loves her and is serious with her. He still acts as if he has feelings for me but denies them. We never went through a no contact stage either. So, would it be best to do the no contact stage even if it’s been 3 months since we’ve broken up? Is there a good chance that I can gain his love and trust back if I do this? Is it not too late?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Kyla,

      Yes if you haven't done NC before, and have still been in contact with him through the 3 months, it might be better to actually proceed with the No Contact rule to separate yourself from the situation.

      Reply
  • Jenny

    Hi Kevin,

    My ex broke up with me in Febuary this year while I was at overseas. We were together for 8 months. I was planned to work at overseas for 6 months from January. we didn't talk much during that period of time because I know he work really hard and long hours( at least 8 hours a day sometimes 12 hours),I texted him every 2 days or 3 days and he barely replied. He broke up with me said because of a lack of common interest and culture crash. we were in a really long distance relationship.

    And then he jumped into another relationship 6 days later after we broke up. But I didn't know until I changed my mind gave up the work oppotunity and back from oversea. I was pretty upset and stop talking to him. Nearly two months later, he messaged me asked me how have I been and we had a short personal conversation. And then he contacted me pretty much every month while he still in the new relationship. I stalked his instagram and noticed he broke up with his new girlfriend at the beginning of September but I didn't react to it.Two weeks later, his band annouced they have a gig soon. I wanted to go but I couldn't decide go or not. A few days later he messaged me again , we had a short conversation and I asked him can I go to the gig or not. he said yes. Two days before the gig he messaged me said he could send me home after the gig although it was late but I rejected. I end up stayed at his house. I have feelings for him again so I messaged him for hungout again two weeks later and we spend the whole weekend together.

    After that , I messaged him again when I got home said want to get back with him but he said he just want to be friends. What should I do? Should I start the no contact rule or do something else?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You have to figure out whether his intentions are out of concern as a friend, or he actually likes you still, or just wants the benefits (hookup). Regardless, it would best for you to give him some space, considering you don't know what his intentions are, and he may not know either. Apply the No Contact Rule and focus on yourself in the meantime. If he likes you, he will come back.

      Reply
  • jon

    Hi,

    I would love to talk to you about my situation. Get your advice on it.
    So I was with my ex for five years, 3 of those years we were in a long-distance relationship, and we would see each other about every three months for few weeks.

    About a month ago she said wanted to break up, and I kinda did a lot of stupid things maybe or not I guess you can tell me.

    Frist, i asked to think about it and give me another chance really, and then for a few weeks kinda beg her to, then even fly to China to see her and change her mind.

    I know that she chooses to give up on Us, as feels found someone new and is now in a relationship with him in China.

    I know that she feels we fight too much, I never share with her, we don't really communicate, and says lost love for me, and feel I am giving too much negativity at times.

    I have also written her love notes, wedding vows, sorry notes and more leet to show our future as she says cant see one with me.

    I have thought about contacting the new guy and asking him stuff, but do think it would do my harm than good.

    I have been emotional and made stupid comments and threats at times.

    I talked on the phone to her last night, and she said this me we cant be together, you don't handle situations well, and at times I am like a child. And that she has chosen the new guy, as he was excused to break up with me, then move into it as or just after we break up. She also said to me that why keep trying and pulling back to you, can you give up.

    I would like to know if I have done to much harm or do I have the chance to get her if you need any other information and what can I do?

    Thank you for your time and thoughts on this matter.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      To be entirely honest, there's always a chance, but in long distance relationships, that chance can be a lot slimmer. If she's dating someone new and he is in the same country as her, it's very hard for you to compete because anything you do without being in close proximity can easily be misinterpreted. I would honestly suggest that you be fair to yourself and not contact her for the time being. Practice the No Contact rule for a period before considering anything again.

      Reply
  • Nicole

    Hi,
    Me and my ex broke up 2 years ago. We didn’t have any contact with each other until one of our close friends set us up to talk in person two months ago. He apologized, for in a way “hurting my feelings” when he dumped me but I didn’t respond. After it took him a month to actually talk to me since we’re both in our last year of high school. After that he’s always found a reason to talk to me and even asked our friend for my social media but I try to stay away because I still have feelings for him, but he has a girlfriend. I don’t want to break them up because he seems so happy and in love, and it’s all I ever wanted for him, as well as it being a stupid reason to try to break them up, it’s messed up. I missed him being back in my life, but I don’t know if I want to push him away again because of my feelings, aswell as I don’t want him to feel as if I hate him or something. I want him back I really do, but I don’t wanna ruin our friendship because we did agree to stay friends. What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you have the patience and emotionally capacity, I would suggest waiting it out and staying with friends with him first and see if their relationship lasts. If not, it would be a better idea cutting him out completely since it's only fair to yourself.

      Reply
  • Philip

    Hello,
    It's been a while since I wrote here. I ended the no contact rule now and at times it feels like everything is very good we're talking about stuff, she sometimes asks stuff about me etc. The only problem is that I am the one initiating contact all the time although I don't do it too much and I never was needy guy I actually think that I was too aloof about the relationship. Now I don't know how to approach and how to come to the point to actually ask her for a coffee or something I want it to be spontaneous and I am not sure how she feels at the moment. I sometime panic and analyze every message she sends to figure out what's going on. :/ Do you think I should continue initiating contact but not do it too often or should I make a long break and see if she contacts me first I am not sure really :/

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Philip,

      As my advice to many people, keep it casual. I know how much this means to you and that you don't want to mess things up, but don't stress yourself out too much. Be yourself, and when the chance arises, just ask her out for a coffee. You could always try the 'I heard there's this new coffee place in town, and has pretty good reviews. You wanna check it out some day?' line.

      Reply
    • Phillip

      Hi,
      I recently talked with her via text and all seemed good but probably because she's on business trip she didn't respond that much to my messages (short answers but positive in most cases). I got nervous because of it and wrote her another message in the evening saying this: "Hey your fav band is here in this new place you need to check it out sometime when you're not working", and since that she didn't respond even though I saw via facebook that she saw the message. Now I am getting nervous since I always think that I screw things up and I think that maybe I shouldn't have wrote those last 1-2 messages. Do you think there's something wrong with my message or not, what should I do next should I just wait if she responds in the near future or should I try to contact her again soon?

      Thank a lot!
      Sorry if I am a bit boring :)

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You should wait a bit before trying again in the future. It could be that she's busy and forgot to reply despite seeing it. Also as you guys may have only recently started talking, and not built up feelings again, she may not be as invested into the conversation so you would probably have to try again in the future if she doesn't reply.

      Reply
    • Phillip

      I am doing my best to keep is casual always. We talked recently but this time the conversation didn't end so well, we are not arguing or something but it didn't escalate to the point where things get interesting even though sometimes that is in fact the case. Now I don't know if I should try and continue the conversation or wait a day or two to talk again. Do you think I should say something like "I am glad that we talk again, I missed that" something along those lines or I should just ask her to come and help me with something work related because I actually might need her help.

      Thank a lot.
      appreciate it.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you actually may need her help, then perhaps you could just go with that, and in order to thank her, maybe buy her a cup of coffee?

      Reply
  • Davis

    I and my girlfriend have been dating for a year and four months.we have even been talking to well like nothing could come between us even though we are distant because of her school...Until Last week thursday,i was having a conversation with my girlfriend(gf).and then she told me she will be going to a party somewhere after school closes,and that she wont be coming to visit me when school closes causes we have planned on her coming over.i ask her not to go that i didnt want her to go,but she insisted that it was her life,that i had no say it her decision.i got upset and ended the call.The next day i called her and we argued over the party issue again,of which i ended up calling her names which i didnt mean,i said them just to see if she will have a change of heart.that night i had to apologise by sending her a text.i called her the next day apologisng,she said there was no problem,but i noticed her mood had changed and she ended the call saying she wanted to sleep,even when i insisted we should talk.The next day i called her back,and tried talking things through about the argument we had and apologised but it ended with her saying she needed a break from the relationship.i asked her why but she wont say anything.only telling me she wanted finding herself and needed space,which i dont get.i have told her she could go to the party.so she could call off the break but she still insists on the break and that she will be go with or without my consent.i have tried begging her,convincing talk: telling her she knows what she means to me and wht we have been through together.i even asked if there is another guy she says no.i have tried,so she could call the break off,but she still insists that its when she comes back from school that when we shall sit and talk about us,that we could still be talking on phone,with the break.she now talks to me in a rude manner not caring how i feel,picking unnecessary faults.i dont know what to do,cause i know what most breaks in a relationships leads to..i dont want to lose what we share.cause i know we still love each other..what do you think i should do in this situation??i really do need your advice and what i should do..

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I suggest giving her some time and space. Maybe she felt too suffocated or that you were too possessive, which may have led her to become uncertain of the relationship. In this case, it's better to back away and show her that you're able to let her live her life without demanding for things to happen. You guys are still young so there may be things that she feels like she wants to do, without being controlled.

      Reply
    • Davis

      Thank you..I will do as you said about giving her space and time..i really dont want our relationship or love to go/die because of the break,dont want a break up..how can i win her trust back?.during this period.i really miss my friend(her).'i need your tips to win her trust back',thank you

      Reply
  • Christine

    Hi. My ex boyfriend and I are not talking anymore for about a month. We were 2 years together. We’re both 25. We are broken up for about 2 months now. And I missed him. I tagged him on a video post on FB a few days ago. I got no reaction. I stalked him on IG and found out he already deleted our pictures together. The main reason we broke up was that he wanted to improve, be strong and be more mature. He wanted to fix his career problems and I wasn't his priority at the moment. He also said that he wasn’t sure of me because he scared we might break up in the future. I know some of it was my fault. Maybe some factors include the consecutive fights gaining to the few weeks of the relationship. He said it wasn’t healthy anymore. He was stressed and I demanded time from him. He was pressured. He also wants to gain more self-confidence. He said he doesn’t deserve me. I asked him if he will come back after he has fixed himself. He said he wasn't sure and that he needed time. I told him that I'm always here for him and if he ever gets the chance, to please contact me after he improved. He said that is what he plans to do. After he improves and he knows that what he is thinking is making sense, he will reach out to me. He mentioned he will reach out to me when he's okay and I'm also okay. I guess he was also pertaining to my career problems and me being dependent on him. He promised me. I thought about him coming back to me after a minimum of a year since his reason for break up was because he wants to mature and I think that a lot of time is needed for that to happen. I am not rushing to get back with him. However, with him deleting pictures of us together and not reacting to me, makes me think he is forgetting about me and already moving on. Does his actions tell that he is moving on already? Or he just isn’t ready? Won't he come back to me anymore? Is moving on part of his plan to fix himself?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Christine,

      It could be one of two reasons: 1) It was a convenient excuse to give you to break up and he has lost feelings for you. 2) He really needs space to grow right now and he's caught up in whatever his goals are. Either way, I suggest that you do the same. Spend your time improving yourself and aiming to become a better person as well, so that if he does come back in the future, you'll still be on the same frequency as him (and he falls for you based on the new you). If he doesn't, at least you can make him regret leaving you in the first place when he sees the changes you've made to yourself.

      Reply
  • Brooke

    Hello Team,

    It is a great program, it helped me a lot! I finished the NC time and got in touch again with my boyfriend. I wrote him two days ago and I am really happy that I did it, however I feel kinda of weird about it. After writing him, I was happy but I started missing him more, than before. He was the one who broke up, therefore I don't really want to mess up things again. The situation is, that he was asking me things, like oh, how was your weekend and expected me to tell a whole story like I used to. Instead of that, I stood mysterious and told him, that it was great, I did a lot of funny things with my friends at the Christmas market. My problem is that how could I stay mysterious and in the same time, how much should I share with him, in order to not seem too distant or close-minded? I am really having trouble with getting again in contact... Could you please advise?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's always a fine line between mysterious and cold. Perhaps you could always try a 2-detail approach where the story you tell doens't go beyond 2 main points so that you don't come across as cold, but leave a certain air of mystery around yourself.

      Reply
  • Anonymous

    I just broke up with my girlfriend. It was on and off for a while but now its final. I met here two days after, And it was great and sad at the same time. I hadn't seen here for 2 months because its a bit of a long distance relationship. its a 1 hour drive. But it felt great, she was all over me and she told me she missed me and that she had forgotten how attractive I looked so we basically fucked. But at the ending of the night she didnt want to kiss me anymore because she really wants to go through with this breakup. Because she needs space to find herself and become a better version of herself. And she dont have time for it because of here study. This shit all began when she cheated on me by pecking another dude in the mouth. So I forgave her. But now she wants to leave, I think its the long distance and maybe lack of time. Because we never had any problems. Do I still have a chance of getting here back? because I really do enjoy spending time with this girl. Also she asked me to send some photo's of us together from the early phase of our relationship So I did and later I applied the no contact on her. I am really confused I dont know what to do, because she clearly is very attracted to me. and I just cant seem to have control over here. She is just calm and it bothers me. Please help I tried to fuck another girl the day of the breakup but Im still miserable.

    Reply
  • Cece

    Hi, it's been 2 weeks since i broke up with my boyfriend. During this time we were talking on the phone and i texted him a couple of times but he didn't respond to all my messages. He said that he needs space and wants to be alone because we've been fighting for unnecessary things every single day. Last week i asked to see him and he came but he said the same things that he was saying it on the phone. He kissed me, hugged me tight, said that he still loves me but he doesn't love the relationship we were into in the last month and that we need some space. He said that it's so hard for him too and it will be more hard for both of us after we see each other and because of that i should stop texting and calling him and to let the things work themselves out. I can't understand him because all i was asking from him the last time was attention and love cuz he was so cold to me. He also said that if we need to be together we will be, that its a matter of time. So he said that he still loves me, thinks about me, that its a hard situation for him too but now he wants to be alone. What should i do??😞😞

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there, it seems pretty clear what he needs right now and what you should do as well. Since he keeps insisting that he needs space, give it to him because the more you try and force your way back into his life, the more it's going to push him away. He seems to still have feelings for you, but it's just that he needs some time to let go of the past negative emotions.

      Reply
  • Phillip

    Hello,
    It's been a while since I last messaged here and I couldn't find the place where you've replied so I will just post a new message. So I've been doing great I did the no contact rule and now I started talking again with my ex. It really seems like we're in a relationship when we talk it's nice and she asks things about me too, making jokes etc. Now I don't want to get overly excited about this because even though this is the case I know it may not work out or it may backfire if I don't do things well. The problem now is that I usually start conversations (text first) even though she's always open to communication so one good and on bad thing. I am trying to slowly text more and more often but I'm scared that I might act out as needy even though we never talk about any past problems/relationship things, just good memories, future plans etc. Can you give me advice on how what to do next and how do I approach this thing I want to eventually ask her out for a coffee or a snack but I can't know for sure when's the right time, should I try calling her on the phone or do some other thing? Any help would be much appreciated.

    Thanks a lot,
    Phillip.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Phillip,

      I guess you could always start finding common topics to talk about (that recent movie, something that happened to you today, etc) that will naturally build connection with her, and topics that can link to others. This ensures your conversation with her doesn't run dry and when you let her interact with you instead of the usual boring texts like 'have you eaten', she wouldn't think that you're being needy since she is also participating in the conversation. Perhaps one good way to ask her out is to mention a new coffee place that recently open and ask if she's been there. You could always talk about how you've heard such good reviews about it and you've been meaning to go but never had the chance to and was wondering if she'd like to go check it out with you some time.

      Reply
  • Francis

    Hello kelvin,i cheated on my girlfriend and i truely regret my actions..we have been dating for 6years and she has being really nice and caring to me and stood by me all the way..The painful part of it was the way she found about the other girl. ..the side chick came to house and met my girl and told her alot of stuff about us to my girl and even lied too .i told the side chick from onset that i am in a serious relationship,so she knew her position in the relationship.I love my girl alot and i want her to be happy,the mess really affected her and she is a shadow of herself. .I have apologized and begged her for forgiveness but she still insisting she doesn't want the relationship anymore...All i want now is for her to be happy and bounce back to life before asking her to come back...How do i go about it?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You can't do anything right now. You being around her will only ensure that she won't move past this situation or recover from it. You should be fair to her since your actions caused the consequences to take place. I don't think all hope is lost however, if she really does love you, but you have to give her space and time to heal on her own before you consider trying to talk to her again. You can always refer to this article for more help on cheating situations.

      Reply
  • anonymous

    Hi, so we had a minor argument just over a week ago now, I haven't spoken to her since the phone call conversation we had. the scenario is we had a good week leading up to the last and spent quite a bit of time together and generally she was being pretty needy over texts and calling me a lot, then the following week we both just gave ourselves a bit of space as you do, we would only really text each other a couple of times at most each day, most days I'd let her start and end the conservation, I had one phone call conversation with her during the week, and she was paying no attention to anything I was saying, as during the phone call as she was constantly messaging people on her phone, I thought nothing of it and just let it go, although from past experiences i could tell something was up. anyway I didn't speak to her again over the phone till on Saturday, i was going out that night so thought id call her, during the phone call 'supposedly' her mum call hers, she then says she has to take the call, she put the phone down mid conversation and said she'd text me. But she never did. Not to be a doormat as you say within the 5 step rule I thought I best say something because I'm not having her think I'm going to let her walk all over me. she then apologised for it, and we had a bit of a humorous conversation afterwards, anyway the next morning shes messaged me, replying to a picture I sent her, she was laughing at it, I decided to call her as I was driving at the time, pretty much straight away she starts kicking off on me. Saying I don't see you that way anymore, I see you as a friend. why its came about I don't know. again I wasn't pleading/ begging for her to take me back, I was being firm with her. anyway since then I haven't spoken to her, or looked at her stories on Snapchat etc. However she has been looking at mine, I even saw her work friend out this weekend just gone and she had no clue we had an argument even though they were both at a staff party the night before (I didn't say much to her just acted happy and kept smiling and laughing). what do you recommend doing because I'm a bit unsure how long I need to leave it for before speaking to her again? I'm not overall annoyed or depressed, I'm still going to the gym regularly and going out etc, so I don't feel i need to heal myself as you would say. thanks for reading this, much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Even if you don't need to heal, the time taken apart may have help you see what was wrong with the relationship back then and if you still want to go back into it. If she had suddenly lost feelings for you, clearly something was up. Applying NC would give her some space as well and may help her get some clarity over how she feels.

      Reply
    • anonymous

      If i could show you messages and how she was with me the week before then possibly you'd gain a better understanding, I posted elsewhere that her EX had messaged her, I didn't react to this, I never do. I'm not the jealous type because I'm very confident in myself. Perhaps it had messed with her head a bit, I'm not sure if she was trying to find an excuse to push me away and I gave it to her, or maybe she just needed sometime on her own just to get her head straight. That probably explains why her friend didn't have a clue about the argument. listen what will be will be.. I'm not going to give up on her without a fight, because at the end of the day she's my best mate and I know the way she feels about me.. Shes just hard work and struggles with her insecurities i think

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If that's the case, and you know what causes her insecurities, don't you think as a boyfriend, you should help her out with them and assure her that there's nothing to be insecure about? It's good to be someone with confidence, but if the confidence becomes the factor that deters the relationship, is it really a good thing?

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      She’s started posting quotes on social media sites now, I guess you’d say that was an attention seeking thing? She did do this last time it happened months ago. I’m not going to react

      Reply
  • maggie

    Hi it's an year and half since me and my ex broke up.i just can't forget about him.he claims that he loves me but he cannot trust me.Funny bit of story he is still keeping our photos when we we're dating. We are planning to meet but am not sure if am doing the right thing

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you really want him back even after all this while, then why not start as friends first to catch up and see how things go? If he can't trust you for whatever reasons, are there ways or things you can do to re-gain that trust?

      Reply
  • Angelo

    Hello, I’m having a hard time here. My ex broke up with me in September. We had a amicable breakup and I went into no contact shortly after. Completed no contact and texted my ex who I also happen to work with. I applied text strategies that were fun and engaging. It’s been hit or miss on if she responds. She broke up with me but yet she’s mad at me. I finally confronted her and asked her and she said that yes she’s mad at me and it’s in regards to something I said about the relationship to someone. I don’t know who or what was said and she didn’t tell me. The night she broke up with me I told her that we would get back together one day. I told her I wouldn’t wait around but I had confidence that one day we’d be back together. She got really choked up, smiled and left before she changed her mind. The other day she told me that when she asked me the night we broke up to still be friends that my face indicated that I didn’t want that and that I closed the door on our friendship. She said she found that interesting that I closed the door considering I said we’d get back together one day. Now, there haven’t been many positives between us since we broke up, but I feel the fact that she referenced that was a positive. However, I sent her a text the next day and said I didn’t know what she was mad about and that when she’s ready I’d love to talk to clear the air. That was on Wednesday and she never replied. I’m at a lost for what to do. She’s extremely stubborn and she’s going to push because that’s what’s she does. I’m the only boyfriend she’s ever had and pushing people away is what she does. Please help...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If she's always pushing people away, there's no point in you pushing harder because then it becomes a match to see who gives up first. Why not give her a little space since the feeling of being mad at you was recently 'sparked', and come back to talking to her again, after some time has passed (a week or two). You may find this article helpful as well.

      Reply
    • Angelo

      So even though I’ve come out of no contact you would still advise giving her some more space? I bought her a gift months ago for Christmas. I was planning on giving her space from now until Christmas and then giving her the gift along with the clean slate letter. Do you think that’s okay?

      Reply
  • E. Marie

    For the no contact, does that mean i should block him on snapchat so he doesn't see my stories?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      You don't have to as long as you're not the one contacting him personally. You can use this article to help you further

      Reply
  • mina

    Hii..I and my bf was in relation for 18months...A month ago suddenly he broke up with me. I didnot know what was my mistake? I had asked him But he didnot respone.. he ignored me.he had block my number and blocked in social websites. I had message him alot but no reply. I cried and beg but he didnot care.. i want him back in my life.plz help me

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If he has blocked you everywhere, then it might be better to let the relationship go and focus on moving on. Some things are beyond your control and this may be one of those times. You can ask him why the decision to break up but it is unlikely that he will reply since he has blocked you.

      Reply
  • anna

    How do you do this if he hates you?

    Reply
  • MK

    Thanks for this article! I’m definitely going to try out NC, however I just found out on my ex’s Instagram that he has hurt his fingers. Do I drop him a concerned text or just leave it? Based on the fact that I still want to make things work between us.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there, you could drop him a simple text since you haven't started on NC yet, but do not further the conversation into too much depth and get caught up in it emotionally.

      Reply
  • Z

    My ex broke up with me a little over a month ago during an argument. We talked about things afterward and he says that he felt like I didn't care about his feelings. He was upset because I would always question his love and say he was going to leave me...I have some abandonment issues...but he was always really good to me and we have a lot in common and had lots of fun together and very similar values and beliefs. He said he tried to make things work and still cared about me but he felt like I couldn't see how HE felt...truthfully I care about him a lot but have been abandoned a lot and don't have very high self esteem. He has always been very understanding but I guess he got fed up? Anyways he said that we could stay friends and that I could talk to him and even said something about maybe some day we could try again after we both worked on some things....but now he's not responding to me at all. I decided to not contact him for at least a month or two but I'm confused about why he was still talking to me as a friend and wont now..and is there a chance? Should I just move on and try to forget? I feel so lost.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Have you already completed the NC? I suggest doing so first as perhaps right now, he needs some space as well to recover which is why he isn't texting you. Likewise, you too should take this time to work on your self-esteem issues to give yourself more confidence in the people around you. At least with a clearer state of mind, you're able to decide again then whether to stay or walk away once you can see the picture clearly for what it is.

      Reply
  • Mel

    Hey , my ex broke up with me and we were living together and he moved away etc. We have to keep contact for the flat. I begged and cried at the begining , then I did the no contact rule for a month. During that no contact I realized I was a bad girlfriend because I was making reproaches and sometimes was moody. He really loved me ( first girl he presented to his fam ever, told me it was different , longest relationship , had a flat..) but I'm really scared that he will never want me back because I was a bit lunatic. and annoying I changed now and I'm better. He acts cold, he never texts me and during the break up he said he knew that I would never change but I see he watches all of my stories on snapchat so he still seems to care as he stalks me somehow. What should I do..

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Mel, since it has been some time you guys have broken up, perhaps you could always start by initiating casual contact with him to check in on how he's doing and if you want to, apologize for your behavior in the past. It's all about baby steps, and slowly working towards your goal. Start off as friends and regain his trust and give him time to see that you have changed.

      Reply
    • Mel

      Hey Ryan thanks for the reply. Wednesday I met him for the flat and he got mad at me because he took something I said wrong ( I said " are you upset that I took the broken computer to repair it ?"). He told me that I was always reversing the situation and making reproaches. I said that I was sorry that he took it wrong , and that I didn't want to make any reproach, I wanted to show him that I was different , by saying sorry with a calm sweet voice , but I don't think he even noticed , as he just believed I was making a reproach anyway , like when we were together... He hasn't been watching my snapchat stories since then , I'm really worried , I'm scared that he believes that I can't change,3 weeks ago he chatted with my twin and said that I'd never change and that I "wasn't the right one" but appeared to be jealous ( thought I had another BF.). I'm scared that he remembers only bad memories ( when I'd be lunatic for ex and make a crysis over nothing) and that it avoids him from wanting me back.. I just feel like the more time goes the more he realises life is better without me as he doesn't feel opressed anymore ( he told me he was often felt anxious that I'd get mad or smthing..) or that he doesn't let me be close to him because he doesn't want to live all of this again.. Whenever we meet , he is extra cold and acts like if I was a stranger to him..

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Maybe its still too soon if that's the case. Perhaps even more time is needed in order for him to actually let go of the past. We all do eventually, but it's just a matter of how long.

      Reply
    • Mel

      So what does that mean and what should I do ? Also a little update : I guess he was busy this week end so couldn't check on social medias but he watched my snapchat stories tonight , I'll see him tomorrow as we "give back the flat", it's going to be really painful for me..

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      See how things go tomorrow, and like I say, perhaps its still too soon and he needs more space. In which case, I suggest continuing with NC for a longer period of time before trying to be friends with him again.

      Reply
    • Mel

      Hello thanks again for the response ! I survived! It was really hard. I saw my ex. He was neutral ( kinda) , and asked how my leg is going (it's broken) , last time we met , he didn't...! I was talking to the lady about the flat and signing some papers and I noticed he was looking at me from time to time , looking at my face..( I hope I didn't look too ugly bcs I had a long day) . He had weird eyes , like idk if it was sadness or pity or idk ( or maybe he was like " How did I do to fall inlove with her she isn't really beautiful..!!). I also found out that he kept a furniture he told me he couldn't " bring me back " and that he would " throw" to sell it online.. Kinda selfish move , it was belonging to us both but he didn't want to keep it at the begining , he was " too lazy" to make anything of it so " decided" to "throw it away". When we left the flat , I was deeply hoping that he would ask me if I needed help going back home ( it's really hard , 3 bus and 1 train to go from there to my house and with my broken leg...!!!). He said " Well , bye " and turned his back and got into his car. I wonder if he still loves me because he doesn't seem to care about me anymore.. I'll do the nc again because now we have no more reasons to see/chat each other ( Apart from the computer he wants back and repaired!!!) but I'm scared that he meets someone and falls inlove with her , and forget me..? He hangs out a lot and his friends are like really party guys and they will make him go to parties and stuffs so yeah..

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, to be entirely honest, what he does now is beyond your control Melanie. It's going to be hard and although your worries may be justified (whether he dates someone else), you should still focus only on yourself regardless. Spend your NC time doing things that help you move on emotionally and physically; recover from that broken leg too. When all that is done, you can decide again how you feel about him, based on the situation.

      Reply
    • Mel

      Update : I saw that his mom deleted me from everywhere ( she is kinda the one who pushed the break up as she got kicked out of her flat by her ex and she went to live with us but a week after took a flat with my ex which led to the break up but she wasn't the reason but he " took the opportunity" to get away from me and my bad behaviors...). It destroyed me , like really bad. I also saw on snapchat that he is at the restaurant ( thanks to the localisation thing , I accidently opened it and saw he was somewhere new and looked where..). As we are finally done since today ( no reasons to see each other anymore, flat stuffs done..) I'm scared that it's like a celebration ( he never goes to restaurant..). I'm really destroyed , I changed a lot, I'm a nicer and more relax person and stuffs and I evolved a lot , but I still am extremely sad from all of this and I'm really scared that he moves on forever..

      Reply
  • Nana

    I have dated a guy last year ago that I've find he's the man that matched with me but at the same time he wasn't my type. So during dating our relationship is about up and down since he wants a girl that I am not, and I want him to be the guy that he is not. But nevertheless he is gentleman and kind it was a really great date and I do truly enjoy my time with him, despite maybe he doesn't feel the same. So I decided to give a closure year ago, and blocked all the contacts. We never had a contact since a year. Maybe I was childish and demanding the ideal prince back then, but I've matured and realized how wrong I was back then and start accepting and analyzing things differently. That I'm ready to accept him for what he was. Anyway, I didn't know he was doing, if he has a new relationship nor his number anymore, but I do really miss him a lot and was thinking about saying hi to him again, asking how is life going anyway since I managed to find his facebook. I started to think that it was childish of me back then to block all contacts, but now I wanted to start by being a friend. But if he tells me that he already in relationship or enganged then I'll accept that and just back off. Does that sound creepy? Need opinion

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      No I don't think it sounds creepy. Since it's been a year, I think it would be okay to start off as friends again, and just ask him how he's doing.

      Reply
  • Milly

    Hi K,

    So my bf broke up with me about a month ago. We dated for about 6 years. We meet right after high school and did not have much of an idea of what type of relationship we wanted. We both had SO at that time but we were very attracted to each other. We lived together for about 4 years, and still unsure what we wanted.. we really loved the friendship we had... I began talking to a guy for about a year or so at my job and he became very controlling because he did not like that i lived with my best friend and wanted me to himself. I dropped him and he stalked me for a few months and somehow found out where my bff worked and left him a nasty letter about me. This is when we both realized we wanted to be more than friends. We both felt like crap and wanted to make things work. Fast forward to a year and a half later, he cheats on my with his ex. I became distant because I was hurt. He moved out and pushed himself back into my life. Did not let me do any grieving or processing. I did not want to lose him. The last two years of our relationship were complicated. It was hard for both of us to express how we felt. He turned to emotional relationships with other females but I still stayed and wanted to provide that for him. I trusted him but when stuff like this occurred I couldn't see anything good out of him, but I still wanted him. He expressed he made stupid mistakes and did not understand why. I always tried to justify his actions by my behavior and childhood issues. He was a loving and caring individual but I was blindsided by all of the hurt. A couple of months ago he asked me no to leave him because he loved me and wanted to be with me. He needed me. I told him I was not going anywhere and we were going to work on this. At the end of October he dumped me because he could not commit to our relationship any longer. I learned he is talking to a new girl. She is everything he has wanted in a girl. She is perfect. And this makes me feel like crap. He has denied it.I saw him in my future, I wanted him to be in my future, but I do not think he saw me in his. He pulled off the "its not me its you" card on me. It has been a hard transition when you talk and see someone for so long and you stop cold turkey. I have my moments but I am working through them and allowing myself to cry and feel all of my emotions. I know I do not have a chance with him anymore... but I am still hopeful. He is out and about doing his thing. From the last text message he asked if thought it was easy for him and he was hurting too and he was sorry i was hurting.. all of our pictures from social media have been deleted on his account. He is really interested in this new girl. It has been about a week with NC and reading this articles is making me wonder if the NC period would even matter to him. I am always told follow your heart.. but I have in the past and this is where it brought me. I am still confused but doing the step necessary for self growth and love.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey There,

      Following your heart usually means following what you want emotionally and instinctively, and that is usually the wrong decision to make. Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that you want him back but sometimes you have to follow you brain instead and do the logical thing to be fair to yourself. Not every relationship is worth getting back for especially if it's going to continue hurting you in the process. NC is not meant for him at the end of the day but for you, Milly. It's meant for you to get past the hurt, grief and crying, and back the point of a functional person. It's only at this stage that you decide again if you want him back, or realize that your feelings for him been blinding you from seeing any truth. It's like you say, we make excuses for our partners at times because our judgement is clouded and NC is meant for you to uncloud that judgement.

      Reply
    • MIlly

      You are right. The NC is for me not for him. He’s been pretty clear through his behavior and actions that he never cared about me or took me seriously. It’s very unfortunate because we both held on for so long, but it is a learning experience for me. Despite still loving him and hurting still, I know he will never be the right one for me.

      Is it normal to feel indifferent?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Different people will face different emotions, but signs of indifference can mean that you've already accepted the outcome mentally, which is a good thing.

      Reply
    • Milly

      Hi, so my ex has been texting me a lot more frequently the last couple of days. We’ve been talking about school and has expressed he misses my younger siblings and would like to see them. At this point I still feel I’m reading more into these messages than I should be because he’s still in communication with the girl he’s interested in. It makes me wonder what he wants. I know I need to set boundaries, but how? I enjoy texting him because my mood changes, positively. What do I do!

      Reply
    • Milly

      when i think the conversation is over he’ll start a new topic. hes also said he’d been fighting the urge to text me and his misses his best friend.

      Reply
  • Kim

    Hello, so my boyfriend broke up with me a month ago after we’ve been together for a year. It was a long distance most of the time but we were planning to get married soon. We had planned out our future and everything together already. But I got super drunk about a month ago and ended up in bed with some guy I barely knew. I didn’t remember what happened to me that night and neither did the guy that was with me. I was traumatized and freaked out in the morning because I was in pain and naked in bed alone. I found the used condom next to my bed a few minutes later when I got out of bed. I called my friend and she told me she couldn’t help me right at the moment and she told me I shouldn’t call the police because they wouldn’t do anything since both that guy and I didn’t give consent into having sex with each other plus we both were really drunk and we’re under aged for drinking. So the next thing I did was calling my boyfriend and told him what happened since my friend couldn’t help me. At that time I was still shocked and traumatized my story was all over the place and it probably didn’t make a lot of sense. Anyway, my boyfriend broke up with me that day. We were on the phone twice that day and we haven’t talked since then. I was acting super needy and clingy for about 3 days, then I stopped. Then about 2 weeks later I texted him on Snapchat for advice and ended up asking him what he was up to. The one that hurt the most was him telling me he was talking to a girl. I didn’t say anything about it and ended the conversation with other things that he told me about. I cried all day and night for the next 4-5 days. Since then, we haven’t texted each other but then he called me but I didn’t answer. I texted him back to tell him I was busy and that I’ll call back later. He texted me back and said that our friend needs help so I called him back a few minutes later and sure enough it our friend and the side of the phone call. And I texted him to asked if I could call him but he said no so I didn’t because I know he still needs some time. It’s been about 2 weeks since those it happened and I haven’t talked to him or texted him at all since then. He hasn’t blocked me at all in anything and he told our friends we still have a friendship but there’s a 95% chance that he will not get back to getting with me because nonetheless, I cheated on him even if it was out of drunkenness. I just bought the EBP advanced system and I’ve already finished reading it. Do you there’s anything chance Time we heal both of us and with time and effort will I be able to regain his trust back and get back together and have a strong relationship?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Kim,

      If it's as you said, you're both still relatively young, and that leads to more impulsive decisions. If he still wants to remain friends with you, then it might be a good thing since he hsan't cut you off. Perhaps if you want, you could start off casually by building his trust and friendship again before working your way to something more from there. Trust can usually be earned but it takes time and effort.

      Reply
  • Kathie

    My ex boyfriend contacted me on my 30th day of NC. He reached and we ended up hanging out two days in a row. The second night was with friends and it was like old times. It wasn’t weird. It was a little awkward because we are still trying to figure out how this works. But we haven’t discussed the idea of getting back together or what we are. I think that conversation is a little too soon and too much pressure. But after the second day, he said he would call me and he still hasn’t. I have not spoken to him since Sunday. Would it be rushing it if I were to message him or should I always wait for him to make the initial contact? I’ve worked on myself and honestly life has picked up for me. But I’m not sure where we stand. When we hung out, it’s like we picked up where we left off. We just fit but I don’t want to fall back in old routines.
    What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Kathie,

      My suggestion would be to probably wait until Friday then you could drop a casual text if you want to to ask him what he's up to over the weekend?

      Reply
    • Kathie

      I did exactly what you said and we agreed to hang out this upcoming weekend. How do I treat the situation? I want to try to make us work in time but I want to do it slowly without rushing it. I’m not sure where his feelings lye. How do I convey this and how do I act?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Like I said, treat it casually. You don't want to fall back into old routines so you shouldn't pour your heart and emotions to him this early. Depending on what you guys are doing, my suggestion would be to limit your approaches on physical contact, and basically treat it like it was a first date (if you are meeting him in the evening). At least let him take the initiative and you'll be able to get a better picture on where his feelings lie.

      Reply
  • Karen

    Hello Kevin and team. Your advice has been invaluable to me so far.
    I have a question: if my ex and I didn't break up on good terms (some nagging and me being clingy until he stopped replying to my messages), at the end of No Contact is it better to write an "elephant in the room" text, a hand written letter, or send one of the other kinds of texts as if nothing happened?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Karen,

      Well technically, things didn't end on ugly terms, he probably just ended up annoyed and hence why he stopped replying. If you were initiate contact again, I suggest it should be as casual as possible, possibly a text to start things off, instead of a letter. You shouldn't completely pretend that nothing happened but acknowledge that you were clingy back then and just apologize for it, before moving on to a different topic.

      Reply
  • Jo

    My fiance and I were having a lot of issues because I felt like he was putting his friends over me ALL THE TIME. We had been together almost 5 years when we got in a huge fight and I asked him to leave and not come back till he figured out how I fit in his life. He agreed and it has now been 22 days since he has lived with me. In that 22 days I've seen him like 4 times and at first we were talking briefly every day but after he had been gone 12 days I ended it and asked him to get all his stuff. I have not reached out to him in 7 days. I do reply to him when he reaches out only because we have a lot of financial stuff I am trying to get settled but it is strictly business. Even when he tries to small talk I just redirect the conversation. Anyways...he hasn't reached out since Thanksgiving. We have a side job we signed up for together and have an obligation for that this week which assuming he shows up will be the first time I'll see him in 16 days. Looking back I realize that instead of making home somewhere he would rather be than with his friends I was always constantly nagging him which made the choice of friends or me even easier. I want him back! Any suggestions for me? As I said I am doing the no contact thing already. I have been spending time with friends and doing other things that make me feel good about myself. I am nervous to see him this week as I don't know if I'll be able to keep my emotions in tact. He still hasn't picked up his stuff and while it hurts to see it still there, it also gives me hope that he might realize he misses me and come home.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi there,

      As you guys have been together for a long time and are even engaged, I don't think he will lose feelings for you that easily. However, it's also as you said, maybe he didn't feel that home was a place he wanted to be and this could have been a factor pushing him away. The fact that he hasn't picked up his stuff yet either means that he expects to see you one day again still. Perhaps see what happens during this week at the work thing you guys have and play it out from there. If you really want him back, you definitely to control your emotions but at the same time, make sure that you do not keep pushing opportunities away to get close to him once more.

      Reply
  • Tracy Tsai

    Hey, glad that I found here, My ex and I matched on Tinder, but we are long distance, I am in Taiwan and he is in the states, we dated for almost two month, were having so much spark, I even went to states visited him just making sure he is the guy that I want, it turned out, I truly love him, and I think he is the one for me, I think I am the one who screwed this relationship up, I can tell him loved me or still love me by sharing his days with me, but he said he wanna be friend with me first, and he can't commit to a person who is far away, we already have plan to move together after two years, and he is also going to me see in Feb, 2018 for a week, what should I do? I haven't texted him since today, he texted me early this morning, I didn't reply, I really don't know what to do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Tracy,

      Perhaps since you know he isn't able to commit to a relationship when you're so far away, it might be better to protect your own heart and brace for anything that may happen in the future. A long distance relationship is never easy, but your actions will really be determined by what you want. If you want to be with him no matter how difficult it may be, then you should continue talking to him to see where it heads until Feb, but try to do so casually so that you won't get hurt.

      Reply
  • Eve

    Dear Kevin,

    I had a long distance relationship, which ended because my boyfriend wanted to be alone. He had many bad relationships with really short breaks between them. We have been together for almost a year, everything was great, he always told me that I make him happy, till the moment we broke up. When saying goodbye he asked me to write him, because he doesn't want to loose me because he has feelings for me, even if he doesn't feel right to tell me, that he loves me... I am prepared to get in touch with him, as I changed my life and become a happy person and I have good news, like I have applied to the master university we planned to go and not for him, but myself. I don't know how and when to tell him, he will ask about it directly, I know. Can you advise me? In January he will go to an Academy and I am concerned that this news will make him push me away or to see a pattern, that his grandparents and parents had. Both of them had a break and lived in long-distance. I think he actually broke up thinking that this method would work for us to. Could you please advise how should I tell him the good news to not appear needy and to make it in my advantage?

    Kindest regards,
    Eve

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Eve, as this is part of initiating contact with your ex once again, I suggest finding a good time to write to him casually or however you guys normally communicate. You can always start by asking him how things are going and making small talk at the start before updating him on the changes in your life.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,
      I wrote him last night and the conversation went pretty well, he sometimes acted cold and then he was like in old times, all open and crazy. I wanted to keep things short, so when I was just about to write the goodbye text, he sent me one. So, I kinda of freeze but told him, that oh, I was just thinking the same thing and that I should go to bed too, because I promised a friend to hit the gym in the morning. I closed the message saying that it was nice talking and that maybe we could catch up another time and good night. The answer came right away he wrote that we should catch up. I don't know, if he managed to send the goodbye text earlier than me,I mean we wanted to say good night in the same time, is it a big problem...? I am thinking of writing him in 2 days... What do you think? Was the ending part too shady? Should I write him in 3 days instead of 2, if he won't contact me? Kindest regards, Eve

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Eve,

      Don't overthink things. I think the fact that he agreed to catching up soon was a good first step forward. Waiting 2 or 3 days is not the important part. What's important is how you feel about things and whether he starts contacting you again. If he doesn't, then you could always ask him out for a coffee sometime when possible (I'm not sure of the convenience since you said you were in a LDR).

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,
      Yes, we were in long distance relationship and for us meeting for a cup of coffee, would mean a voice call. We had a second conversation, which was longer than the first one and he asked me about the changes I made. I told him a couple of examples (didn't mentioned the university application) and he seemed to be happy about them, however this time he acted colder. I know, that each start is hard and I wouldn't like to give up now. I would like to achieve somehow a voice call, because we are both better at it than typing. One of the triggers I have, is my voice, he really liked it a lot and that's something that would make him miss me more. Do you think it would be a good idea or to early to ask him, if he would like to call and catch up? Or should I continue with texting and maybe a few snaps? It might sound silly, but I don't want to mess up things right now. From our conversation I felt like he is not happy, his words somehow suggested that he might regret breaking up. Could you please advise or just give me a man opinion? Kindest regards, Eve

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      A little bit of update. He asked me about university application and we somehow ended up agreeing that our next conversation will be a voice call. I am pretty happy about that, hope it will go well. Some advice on that? It will be just a simple call, so no video-chat.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      That's good to hear Eve. Yes, a simple call would suffice and try to limit the amount of small talk for the start but perhaps end the call on some sort of 'cliff hanger' so that there will be a reason to interact again.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      We had the voice call. Honestly, I am not sure how did it went, however when I told him about a few changes he asked about, he was like telling me this continuously: It's really good to hear that/ I am glad that... I tried to keep my answers short and let him to talk more. As a boomerang, the university subject came up and he seemed to be really interested in what I am going to do. I told him, that among another uni I have also applied to the same uni he is going. He seemed okay. He acted once cold but he opened up a bit, however I sensed that he was affected hearing my voice. I knew that my voice and face is one of his weaknesses and I took advantage of it. Because of bad internet connection, our conversation was interrupted and after a few tries we stopped calling. Seeing that he wrote: "It was nice catching up with you", I kind of had the feeling that he tries to go away... I mentioned that we didn't really finished the conversation, to which he replied that we will do that another day. Not knowing what to do, I wrote him the following: "Yes, I just thought that we will have more time to talk, but it's fine. Perhaps you could write sometimes to catch up properly or just to simply talk." His answer was: "I will, and it's more nice to talk than write, so talk to you later." I feel like an idiot now. This was two days ago and he didn't wrote since then... I don't know what to do, if it would be worth to try again after a couple of days if he won't contact me. I was thinking about sending him an elephant message, just to make clear that I have accepted the break up and so on. But don't know if it's a good idea. Is it possible that he got more affected by the voice call than I thought he was? I know, that here is a lot of information, but could you please help me Ryan?

      Thank you in advance, Eve

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      Now it has been a week already. No talking, haven't written to him. Should I contact him? I promised him a receipe... I was thinking to send it, and perhaps it would be a good push for a conversation. What do you think?

      Kind regards,
      Eve

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Eve,

      Yes, you could contact him to send him the recipe as intended and see how things go from there. If he isn't contacting you at the start, it might be better to slowly build back a habit of doing so by occasional calls or texts to get him used to the idea of talking to you again.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      I have sent him the recipe after which he started a conversation, which went pretty well, we laughed and talked about some interesting subjects too. We talked for like 3 hours and a bit. The conversation ended in a "cliff hanger". I was really happy about it till I got a text from him saying that he is really happy that we talked and he would like to do that again as he had fun and he saw that I have changed and he doesn't want to loose me as a friend. Ouch, I think I have might entered the friend zone... How I got out of that? We were in long distance relationship and soon he will leave to an academy which will last for 6 months. Lucky me, due to my project, I will be sent to that academy for a week in 2 months to write an article about it. How could I get out of being a friend till I got to the academy? Is there any chance for that? We have even flirted a bit today in a very obvious way... I start to be confused now but I want to make this work since I have begun it. Any advice?

      Thank you very much!

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      I just found out that I will be there for Valentine's day with a co-worker. I don't know what should I do till then and when I am there...

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Take things easy. It's highly common for an ex to see you as a friend first. You just have to build an emotional connection with him over time, and continue with your conversations as per normal so that habits are formed and he gets used to texting you. Also, 2 months is a long time from now. You can probably make things work by then, don't think too far ahead for now. Just focus a day at a time and continue building your bond with him.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      What if I am the one who is always texting? When can I expect that to change?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It's hard to say, but typically if you keep him interested enough and build on habits, he would get used to the idea and becomes the one that would initiate from time to time.

      Reply
    • Eve

      Hi Ryan,

      I know that you might be annoyed by me already but you were right. He initiated contact and we videochated. This was the first time when he actually saw me after the break up. He was smiling all the time and he apologiezed for hurting me which really surprised me just like the fact that he told me, he doesn't want a relationship for a couple of months, he wants to focus on himself. I was happy that he told me all these things from his own will. However, he made me a little bit confused. This week he hanged out with his first love, Nadia, who is in a relationship. Being drunk Nadia confessed him that she doesn't love her boyfriend and she would like to try it with my ex. He told me that when beeing in previous relationships, he would have broken up if Nadia would have ask him to do that. He told me that he is really confused because when meeting me and being with me Nadia was just a friend, an old memory for him and now, he wants to be single... What does this mean? He told me that he would like another videochat with me when returning from the New Years weekendhouse and he also offered me to help me with my univeristy things if I would like to. He knows that I will go to the academy and he told me he can't wait to see me, however I am concerned regarding Nadia... Is she just a bad habbit for him or what is she? When being with me he didn't want her and now... I am confused... What should I do? Building attraction no matter what and not ask about Nadia? Could you please help me?

      Thank you very much and a Happy New Year!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I would suggest that you focus only on building attraction. By asking about Nadia, you may come across as someone jealous or petty and your ex may catch on to that. You don't want your actions to ultimately push him away from you and to her.

      Reply
  • Eddie

    Hi, my GF broke up with me on the 4th of this month. Happened so suddenly. Turns out she was feeling up and down for the last 6 months. She would be happy and she wouldn't be. We were together for a year and a half. Her reasons were that she no longer found me attractive and she didn't feel the same about me. She wasn't in love with me as I was in love with her. The most she could do is hug, kiss and hold my hand. That's it. She deleted our photos together on Facebook and Instagram. We are still friends on Facebook and instagram, however. I broke no contact after 5 days. I texted her if she would still like to talk. she didnt mind talking when we both had time she said. We used to text all the time everyday. During my lunch break she would text me and during the night before bed. Needless to say this stopped. She wouldn't text me back and forth like she did back then. No texts during my lunch break either. There would be large time gaps in between texts. So, one night I asked her if we would ever see each other again. She said she didn't plan on it because it would be weird. I told her that we didn't end things on a bad note. Then she said maybe. " A long time from now when she feels less weird about it." So I asked her if she still likes talking to me. She said yes, or else she would have said so if she didn't. After a week of texting, I started No contact again 9 days ago. I don't know if telling her I was going ghost was a good idea or not. I told her I was going to work on myself physically and mentally and that we need time, About a month or so. Her response was, that she thought it was a good idea and to take as much time as I need, and then we would see where we are at. I obsess over that response. Does it seem she would try things again? It sounds like a chance to me. Im her longest relationship to date. We got along so well and we rarely fought. Keep in mind I did all this prior to finding out this website. Im also keeping a journal to write my thoughts in each day of no contact. I find it beneficial and having a piece of mind letting my thoughts flow out. I have been going to the gym and working out since the break up I lost 11 lbs currently and I am looking and feeling better. I do have trouble at work as I constantly think about her. Slowly, I'm regaining my personality back instead of being sorry for myself every hour of the day. I have also decided to use social media as a tool. Since her and I are still friends on Facebook, I have uploaded pics of my progress so I am certain she has seen my photos of my ongoing progress. She found me attractive before when I was working out in the beginning, I think she will again. I have read the articles on this website countless times. I have started talking to other women on dating apps and that helps out quite a bit. I still have a while to go and to heal. I am hopeful her and I would get back together. Any input would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Eddie,

      I think you're doing good so far. You mentioned that you did all those prior to finding our website which is impressive and means you probably have good self-awareness and discipline. Personally I don't think a relationship should be all about physical attractiveness but everyone varies. If you really love her and are willing to go through the change (at least this is a healthy change you're going through that will benefit you regardless of whether you get back together with her or not), then I don't see why she wouldn't develop some form of interest towards you again, since the reason she first gave the breakup was owing to your physical appearance. Take your time on the healing process and only when you feel ready, initiate contact with her again.

      Reply
    • Eddie

      Thank you, another reason she said she broke up with me is because she didn't miss me when I would leave. Just only superficially, in her own words. Although she did mention I did nothing wrong at all. I treated her right and stayed loyal. She didn't feel any romance towards me anymore. but she also said that she loved me, but wasn't in love with me and also cared deeply about me as well. I think another factor was because I smothered her with too much affection. I was moving too fast with her and I guess that drove her away. We are pretty new to the dating thing. She is my third girlfriend and I am her third boyfriend. She doesn't know if she wants kids or wants to get married. I am 25 and she is 26. I never begged her. Not even during the week we texted after the break up. I'm going to try to re-attract her and approach her in a different way, slowly. This is going to take a few months, I think. This is something I've never done before. I'm going for broke here, but I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      All the best Eddie. I'm glad you're capable of thinking in this manner, most people aren't and that's why many individuals don't seem to be able to get their exes back even if they wanted to. Yes you're right as well, there's a difference between loving someone and being in love with them. You've got to re-ignite your spark with her and not in a way that could die out so easily.

      Reply
  • Chris

    Why would my ex be cold to me and show animosity when she’s the one that broke up with me? It’s been two months and I have completed no contact. I’ve contacted her on four different ocassions using the different texting tactics recommended. Therefore non of the texts were boring. Out of those four ocassions she’s responded only twice. The no contact I felt wasn’t as effective as it could’ve been bc we work together and have on three different ocassions been at the same place outside of work due to coworkers functions. We barely speak and when we do it’s usually just hi. Anytime I try to have a light conversation it’s usually met with resistance and animosity. Which I find odd since she dumped me. I haven’t begged her to take me back, I haven’t been rude to her, I haven’t done the sort of things that would make her annoyed with me, so why is it that I’m being met with hostility? Quick backstory, I’m 32 she’s 24 and I’m her first and only boyfriend and she’s filled with anxiety and She just recently acknowledged a traumatic experience from her past. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I'm not sure on the context of the breakup but bear in mind that our methods aren't full proof since you're dealing with human emotions and feelings. It could have been the case where she's moved on or might have had a negative experience with you hence why she's been ignoring you or treating you nonchalantly. Alternatively, it might be because of her anxiety that she's pushing you away. Either way, if you can figure out why, maybe it would help you in deciding on what you should do next.

      Reply
    • Chris

      I sent my initial post on the 20th but didn’t see it posted. Basically, we broke up in September. I knew it was coming as we had been fighting a lot. We dated for almost a year. I am 32 and she is 23. I was her first boyfriend and only boyfriend. I was her first meaningful kiss, first person to make out with, etc etc. She said from the beginning that things would have to move slow, extremely slow. I was okay with that because she’s amazing. However, things became difficult quickly as in the beginning she would spend more time with her friends, showed little affection and just shut down most of my romantic advances. Things got better as she begin to trust me more, open up more, showed a bit more affection, etc, but it was still moving at an incredibly small pace and things were building up. Recently, she bought a friend of hers(female friend) a $500 camera after the friend said she was interested in photography. Now, mind you the friend is extremely depressed, but still. That bothered me because of the thought that she put into her friend wasn’t the same with me. At one point I even questioned if she was a lesbian and didn’t realize it. I could go into much more detail with why the friendship with others bothered me and the things of that nature, but I don’t want to make the post too long. Basically it concludes with me feeling as if I didn’t matter to her as much as her friends did. I realize know her circumstances are completely different then “normal” relationships. If being in her twenties and never having a meaningful relationship was tough enough for her, she was molested by a family member and she repressed it for a long time, so that made it very difficult for her to be affectionate with me. Which I understood, but at the same time that made it difficult for me as I am someone that likes to show affection. When we go out she often had the “resting bitch face” sorry for the term, but most accurate in describing the look. Which bothered me to no end and made me feel like crap and put me in a bad mood, which made her do the same. It bothered me so much because she didn’t have that face with her friends. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t all the time, but it happened enough for me to get upset about it. So in the course of our year together, I had three friends pass away. The first two funerals I didn’t invite her to, I wasn’t ready for her to see me that vulnerable. (Yes, I know that wasn’t the best idea, I have growing to do too.) But it was the last one that really messed things up. About a month ago my ex committed suicide and left me in her note. I was devastated when I found out about it. I was on my way to a birthday party when I got the message. I told my girlfriend at the time that I couldn’t make it. Something bad happened and I needed to process it. Now, that friend I mentioned earlier, her mom is dying of cancer. So on the weekend the three of us would sometimes drive five hours away to visit. This time I wasn’t going with, but my girlfriend was. So I didn’t know how to process the emotions so I didn’t tell her what happened. I didn’t want her to have to choose from going with her friend as they were driving late at night or staying to help me. I also didn’t know how to tell my girlfriend that I was having a lot of emotions about my ex committing suicide. In the weeks that followed, I shut down. (Which was the final nail in the coffin) She tried to be super affectionate with me and accommodating, but I told her to stop. I said you’re hardly affectionate when things are good and that the only time you are extremely affectionate is when something bad happens. This really hurt her feelings and she said that what I said was true, but that’s how she is. She never had that when she was growing up, so it was important for her to give it to people she cared about and that’s how we’d grow as a couple. That night we were on the verge of splitting, but decided to keep going. Unfortunately, as I started to really get her and understand where she was coming from, she put her guard up, built a wall, and wouldn’t let me climb back over to the other side. So last night she said it just wasn’t working, which it wasn’t, but I started to make my change a little too late as she had had enough. I hope this made sense as I know it was a lot and I definitely wasn’t as thorough as I could’ve been. The thing is, I agree we weren’t happy, but I truly believe she’s the right person for me and with my better understanding of her, I feel that I could do better and that we could be better. I’ve completed no contact which wasn’t in my opinion fully effective bc we work together, but she’s showing signs of animosity. If I text her using the texting techniques half the time she’ll reply half the time she won’t. I don’t know what to do next. What are your thoughts?

      Reply
  • Lilliana

    hey! about 3 days ago one night, my ex and i got into a huge argument. i ended it but immeadietly regretted it and tried to fix it the next morning. we met up and he proceeds to tell me that he is deeply in love with me and always will be but wants to focus on himself right now. he told me that he wants to discover his hobbies, goals, etc. i lost it. i cried my eyes out and begged him not to do it. i was completely desperate and pathetic and he got so angry that he completely pushed me away. it made me feel good that he kept saying he promised he would marry me and that he would always be in love with me but it still tore me apart. we’ve been dating for 5 years (not including breakups) and he’s done this multiple times. why does he keep doing it? every single time he comes right back to admit that he was wrong and i am the only one for him and he needs me in his life because i make him happier. i don’t understand young men at all. we’re in college by the way, if that helps any :(

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Sometimes as human beings, our emotions get pent up and without a proper channel of release to let go of the negative emotions, eventually it would overflow into the form of 'needing space'. That may answer your question as to why he keeps doing it but comes back. Perhaps you should find out if he feels overwhelmed by the relationship emotionally which is why he feels that he needs to walk away from it temporarily to get some breathing room for himself? At least that way, you guys may be able to work something out or he may feel that you are able to empathize with him.

      Reply
  • Rose R

    Hi, Ive been dating my boyfriend for 10 months now. We've been good and had our ups and downs like a regular relationship. Last week Wednesday, I broke up with him. He thinks that I need space but I really don't because I'm fine, but I feel as though he is the one who really needs space. I wanted to have a conversation with him about it, so i continued to text and call him so we can talk about what we need to do. After i did all that, he said that I'm starting to get on his nerves, I'm the one who needs space, he just wants to live his life, I'm bothering him and all this other crap. So thats when I broke up with him, and blocked him on everything and social media. The other night after this argument i tried to text him, but he already blocked me from everything. I texted him from my brother's phone apologizing to him (i don't know why) asking for us to talk about our relationship, and how I didn't really mean to break up with him I was just mad. We've actually "fake broken up with each other" and got back together because we realized its petty to break up over something stupid. But this time when I actually break up with him, he really cut me off. And its been a week since we haven't talked. I just really want him back and i know this is something we can fix, all we have to do is communicate and talk about what we need to work on. Im just praying he talks to me eventually, but at the same time I'm feeling like he really isn't. I don't know what to do.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey There,

      I'm sorry to hear that but if you felt that he needed space and made the decision to break up, perhaps you might need to accept the fact he's going to take that space and place barriers on the two of you since it was convenient. If he does love you, give him the space he needs and he will come back. Otherwise, it may be better to consider moving on as this may have been what he actually wanted but lacked the courage to do/say anything.

      Reply
  • GAN

    Hello, Kevin! It's been 3 weeks since we broke up and she haven't spoken to me yet ever since. The reason of our break up is that I was about to go to their house for an overnight and I've spoken about it with my mom. At first she agreed because she called my girlfriend's mom and then the next morning, my girlfriend's mom texted me that I can no longer come because it was raining hard. after a while i tried to convince my mom to go like for 30 mins only to find out later that day that my mom badmouthed my girlfriend's mom. I was shocked by what happened and I kept on saying sorry to my girlfriend and her mom at the same time and on the same evening, my girlfriend broke up with me because of what my mother did. What should I do? We haven't spoken in 3 weeks and I've tried NC for a week then I messaged her last November 19 and continued the NC. Please help me. I really want her back but i don't know how and when to start :(

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Patricia,

      Since the main issue right now is that your ex and her mom are upset with your mom which in turn is directed at you, perhaps it would be best to continue with NC to give them some space to cool off and let it go before approaching her again to apologize and maybe start off as friends to earn your ex's mom's respect once more.

      Reply
    • GAN

      hello again! so today, i went to their house after a month, bought a pizza and told her mom and my girlfriend sorry. her mom gladly accepted it and we chat around for an hour but my girlfriend still doesn't want to talk to me. she keeps on saying she doesn't want anything based on hate and then i told her that im sorry about everything again and then i'll be there for her and once i got home, i messaged my girlfriend and told her i'll just wait even if there's nothing to wait and then i texted her mom, thanking her for giving me a chance.

      do i still stand a chance with my girlfriend? what shall i do? her mother told me that in time, things will be okay.... :( please help me i still want her back...

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there, all you can do at this point is to be patient and have a little faith. I think your ex will come around eventually but you just have to give her time to let go of her negative emotions. It may be longer than expected but as I've said, be patient. Her mom has forgiven you already and I think it will be okay eventually.

      Reply
    • GAN

      Well, yeah you're right. 5 days ago she approached me. She said we're friends. I never agreed but I just laughed but these past few days I'm trying to make her feel comfortable but what happened is the other way around. We're talking but it's like i don't know. Still mad at me? What should I do? She never told me she forgave me but she is talking to me and then she's not. I think it's a hot and cold situation. I don't know. Please help :(

      Reply
    • GAN

      Helpppp :------(

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      if she's still acting hot and cold towards you, that means she has not entirely let go of the past incident. You may want to consider continuing to give her more space and time to let go of any negative emotions she has towards you before trying again.

      Reply
    • GAN

      She also cried when she saw me and while she was talking. I really wanted to comfort her but she keeps resisting. Is there any chance? We only broke up because of a bad situation but we never really had any issues before that. I want her back, really!! :(

      Reply
  • leah

    Hi There! Im just looking for some helpful tips on my relationship. Story short im 24 I have 2 sons 1 and 3 with their father who is 31. We were together for 4 years just about happily until the past year. we moved from ohio to california lived there for 2 yrs(hes from there) things got rocky there was never any cheating but overtime accusations led to insecurities on both ends, lack of trust,and downhill from there. I recently moved back home with our sons and im having trouble processing everything with a clear mind without the emotions. its only harder to me because we now have children involved. I reached out to him in the very beginning ofus leaving and made a few fatal mistakes between calling/texting i miss yous etc,and even a social media breakdown although i deleted it shortly after, he has another gf out of nowhere (rebound lol) although i know, its hard to see after spending everyday with a person for 4 years. so I went into no contact mode for a few weeks, got the bad mom i cant see my kids speech, then an "I needed someone closer text" go on social media and hes crying out for attention basically posting vids of him and this new lady. NOW, I stopped all negative communication in the past 3 weeks everytime he'd call to speak to the kids and argue etc I'd hang up, he'd video call them i'd always make sure he didnt see my hurt and that I looked beautiful on the outside (a reminder lol) We have been able to communicate respectfully for about a week (after he realized calling me angry/disrespectfully out of hurt wasnt getting him anywhere but a hangup and time frame of space) he's started pulling it together. well see how long that last lol. although ive gone on a few dates, maintained my appearance, and backed off a bit, i still cant help the thoughts of wanting our family together. im slowly realizing Im not interested in anyone else, how can I accomplish this, without pushing him away? He wants us to move back, yet he has this rebound girl it doesnt help my thought process. I havnt told him I want him back yet i miss him or any of that out of fear, ive been trying to be more of a friend 1st. I dk what to do with this situation anymore I just wake up everyday and be the best mother I can be, whatever the day throws at me I catch and keep going. BUT soon im going to need to figure this out.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hang in there Leah.

      I think that even if you've figured out what you want to do, if the choice is to be together with him, it may be too soon to take any action since his temper is only slowly starting to improve as well as the fact that he is still together with the other lady. Also since you're only starting to regain your composure (emotionally), I suggest taking more time to focus on yourself and your kids.

      Reply
  • Ashlie

    Hello! Really need your help. We were in a distance relationship, everything was fine in the beginning (like always) He wanted marry me, while I was study language courses in the same city with him, dating every day, calls and texts. He even introduced me to his mom. We were planning make a wedding in the end of 2017, but when i came back to my city to finish all my stuff and to prepare for life with him he started text me less and I asked him whats going on, then he said he cant marry me because he is not a rich man and cant give me a good life, I was very upset and said your cant keep your promises??? And he said give me time for thinking and will tell his decision in the end of 2017 year (now November 2017) , I said I dont need his money or anything else, just him and he said believe me if one day i will rich i will marry you but dont wait for me, live your life. He started text less less less, now he stopped at all , me too, I stopped text to him and remind about my self and stopped post anything in my accounts, just to let him worry where I am. And after all our arguing about he cant marry or etc. he was silent but taking screenshots of my pics in snapchat. And before our silence I was asking him do you want to break up with me- If yes, tell me and i will never bother you again. He replied "I dont have an answer". Now exactly one month when we talked in message last time, he was asking hey what you are doing how are you, I said Im good thank you. Then silence 34 days till now. I wonder how he can be so calm and patient and dont texting am I ok or not. I dont know what to think or what to do ...Should I continue keep silence and not posting anything like Im dead, or start post in snapchat my beautiful pics and make him sad what he lost, really I dont know, Im so sad

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Ashlie,

      Perhaps he might have lost feelings for you which is why he tried to make the relationship fade away. I think you should start posting to show that you're doing okay and since it's been awhile. If he has feelings for you, he will check in on you, if not it's better to move on.

      Reply
    • Angela

      Hi,
      I have been dating my boyfriend for 3 years and suddenly 3 weeks back he is saying he don't have feeling for me.
      We were dancing partners and we known each other for 7 years. He promised me he will marry me and told each and every person this is my GF. But all of a sudden he changed.
      I texted him, cried , called.. he dnt care anymore. He is saying try out another guy. Im not da perfect one for you. I cnt fulfill your dreams. i said i dnt need anything only him.

      All i want to know is whether he will come back or not. i really love him

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you should try to understand if there is an underlying reason over why he broke up with you. It sounds like he feels inadequate, or he may not be being entirely honest about his own feelings towards you. Either way, if you really want him back, first you need to understand what the reason for breaking up was, before you can decide on what you should do next. If he really does not love you already, then it's best for now to move on and just focus on recovering from this break up. Who knows what may happen again in the future but the whole point of recovery is that you shouldn't be expecting it.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Hi! Thank you for reply. Few days ago we had short conversation,he said again that he cant effort marriage and etc. I asked him directly without any rudeness,did you found someone else? He said no, I dont have GF and i dont want. Then I asked him I am not yours anymore? And he said " I dont know its complicated and dont want discuss this topic again" He always do it, keep silence and when Im asking broke up or what?? He always cant tell exactly, sometimes I even think better if he will tell me YES we broke up, I will suffer but anyway I will let go to everything and will try to focus on my life, but I will never break up with him first, and its not about I can or cant, its because I will regret then all my life, dont want remorse later. I dont understand his logic, I know he has money issues now and job not good, but also his silence and ignoring annoying me! And when Im asking does he want to break up and I will not bother him , he just replying dont know ...

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Thanks a lot for reply. If he will check on me you mean just watch my pics or screenshots or comments ? And if he lost feelings is it possible that he will see me and will start to feel something again?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Ashlie, as cliche as this sounds, anything is possible when it comes to emotions and relationships. Even if a person has lost feelings, as long as those feelings didn't turn into hatred or anger, there's always still a chance he/she may fall for their ex again. I guess right now, even if he only stalks your social media profile without talking to you, you shouldn't be bothered by it and simply focus on making yourself happy.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      He texted me yesterday, I think because I checked his story in snapcahat (I wasnt checking one month) . But I didnt open his message yet and have no idea what exactly he texted. Dont know now what to do, Im so depressed.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Then you should open the message if the uncertainty of his intentions bother you. If you're feeling depressed, I would suggest perhaps spending more time with your friends or going out and continue doing things in general. At least this may take your mind off the overthinking a little.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      He didn't call me few months already but now he texted and said that he still have money issues and can't marry me . I argued a bit but then turned in a good mood and said I'm sure you'll rich all your goals in life ... He replied thank you . That's all , now he keep silent again but I think he won't text me . I want to treat him like I'm in a good mood and I'm not angry, want make him confuse, because usually I was arguing like "why you are silent " or "why you are not calling me " or "do you still love me" and etc . (I was so silly , but after read your articles I hope I became smarter). Now I want acting with him like I'm happy person and life goes on (without playing of course , in natural way) . Act like nothing happened and reply on his message in positive way and do not remind about hurting me or smth. Unfortunately we live in different countries with him , it's a problem ... But I want him realized and remembered our good times together and how much he wanted me in his life . Now I have an idea , want to tell him that I'm agree with him that better not to marry and accepting it and if it's his desicion I respect it and etc., Is it a good idea? How it will affect him ?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Ashlie,

      This may affect people differently. It's sort of a pattern break from what he's used to you saying and make catch him off guard. It may work in helping your case, as it may make him think if what he did was the right thing. This is of course provided he has emotional depth and is capable of thinking in those lines. I agree with you as well that you should come across as being happy and carefree instead of acting weak. I suggest actually going about with your own life and working on your happiness as well in this process since you have the right mindset.

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Hi! Thank you for reply. Few days ago we had short conversation,he said again that he cant effort marriage and etc. I asked him directly without any rudeness,did you found someone else? He said no, I dont have GF and i dont want. Then I asked him I am not yours anymore? And he said " I dont know its complicated and dont want discuss this topic again" He always do it, keep silence and when Im asking broke up or what?? He always cant tell exactly, sometimes I even think better if he will tell me YES we broke up, I will suffer but anyway I will let go to everything and will try to focus on my life, but I will never break up with him first, and its not about I can or cant, its because I will regret then all my life, dont want remorse later. I dont understand his logic, I know he has money issues now and job not good, but also his silence and ignoring annoying me! And when Im asking does he want to break up and I will not bother him , he just replying dont know ...

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Thank you . He didn't call me few months already but now he texted , is it a good way to wait a little bit and reply on his message later ? I want to treat him like I'm in a good mood and I'm not angry, want make him confuse, because usually I was arguing like "why you are silent " or "why you are not calling me " or "do you still love me" and etc . (I was so silly , but after read your articles I hope I became smarter). Now I want acting with him like I'm happy person and life goes on (without playing of course , in natural way) . Is it a good idea act like nothing happened and reply on his message in positive way and do not remind about hurting me or smth? Unfortunately we live in different countries with him , it's a problem ... Now I have a plan : 1. Reply on his message later but with positive 2. Never text him first 3. Post my nice pics . Will it help me to get him back ? I want that he realized and remembered our good times together and how much he wanted me in his life .

      Reply
    • Ashlie

      Thank you . He didn't call me few months already but now he texted , is it a good way to wait a little bit and reply on his message later ? I want to treat him like I'm in a good mood and I'm not angry, want make him confuse, because usually I was arguing like "why you are silent " or "why you are not calling me " or "do you still love me" and etc . (I was so silly , but after read your articles I hope I became smarter). Now I want acting with him like I'm happy person and life goes on (without playing of course , in natural way) . Is it a good idea act like nothing happened and reply on his message in positive way and do not remind about hurting me or smth? Unfortunately we live in different countries with him , it's a problem ... Now I have a plan : 1. Reply on his message later but with positive 2. Never text him first
      3. Post my nice pics . Will it help me to get him back ? I want that he realized and remembered our good times together and how much he wanted me in his life .

      Reply
  • Elise

    Hi Kevin, I've been 2 years together with my bestfriend. I've done the NC- period, now we hear eachother sometimes, but only for practical things. When we met 2 weeks ago to talk and give back our things, he cried because he misses me, but he doesn't want me back. He said he's an idiot to let a girl like me go, but he can't be in a relationship because his feelings are not strong enough anymore. To his best friend he said he is over me and doesn't want me back, never. He wants space but he is the one texting me, and he said I can still use his account for spotify. His friends don't understand him, they think he is making a big mistake. He still wants to be bestfriends. I see him back in 2 weeks with our mutual friends, and we are going to party together for NYE. What do I have to do? Is there still a chance I can make him fall back in love with me? And how can I make him fall back in love with me?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I guess you could if you're able to provide the spark he needs re-ignite his feelings for you. Sometimes if the relationship goes on for too long, it becomes stagnant and people may end up losing passion for each other. He may still love you but just that it he may possibly in a state where he's lost attraction for you (aka the spark) to keep the relationship going. I can't say for certain if you're definitely going to get back together with him (as it would depend on the context of what happened) but I can say, if you're willing to try, there's definitely a chance.

      Reply
    • Elise

      Thank you for your respons! He ended our relationship because I was too negative (I have had a stressfull period) but now I worked on myself. How can I make this spark come back?

      Reply
  • Ash...

    Heyy. So I’m looking for some advice. Some guidance, some wisdom! Ok, so it’s been about 9 days 12 hours and 40 minutes since I have seen my fiancé. We have been dating for 3 years and we live together. 9 days ago I brought him to work and I haven’t seen him since! He contacted me days later saying he needed time and space. This absolutely broke me because In my head I thought things were going good! I thought we were getting better at communicating and I felt like we were going to be okay. I’m not going to lie to you we have done each other a significant amount of dirt- I’ve hurt him and he has hurt me. Our relationship started to go downhill when we reached a good 9 months living together. Maybe we rushed things, maybe we are too immature (we are 20 years old by the way) or i don’t know. We had a pretty good relationship I think. I was living in an abusive home and he pushed me to get out of there and it cost me my family but I’m no longer being abused. I cried myself to sleep every night for those six months and he became my everything. With everything that I have been thru I have some issues and that can happen to anyone. He has been thru a lot too and it also left an imprint in him. There is just so much more to the story but long story short- he has been contacting me on and off for the past week and hasn’t given me a specific answer as to wether or not we are broken up. His stuff is still at our house and I still have his PS4! It’s the fact that he left his PS4 behind that is really convincing me that he thinks we are not over. But are we? He says he’s hurting- but I’m the one who is now alone stuck in an apartment miles away from any family and stuck with all the bills. Should start this process ? Even tho we haven’t officially broken up ?? I’ve already done a few fatal mistakes- texting him and calling him crying. Even In a fit of rage I packed some of his belongings and drunkinly thru his stuff in front of his brothers house. So I need some help here on what to do.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Ash,

      What was he hurt about that required time and space? It seemed like you guys were doing fine unless his issue was a pent up one? Right now, what I can advice you is to be strong and yes, avoid doing things that may scare him (aka your last few sentences). Also, it's better if you get an answer out of him because he left you in limbo so you know how to proceed but don't pressure him too much into it, especially if you want the relationship to work as that will push him further away. If you feel that it's not an appropriate time to talk to him, then you could always start with the no contact rule first.

      Reply
  • Steffie

    Hey, I've been with this boy for past 1,5 years. We had a long distance relationship and four weeks ago he broke up with me but said that he still has feelings for me. It was a very serious relationship and we wanted to move in together but it failed. We wrote each other the last weeks and now I decided no contact.
    Now I have no idea how I can ask for a appointment (step 4) because he is so far away that it's impossible to meet only for a coffee. I have to travel about six hours by train...
    So how I can do this step? Asking for a coffee and traveling 12 hours at one day only for a short talk?

    Thank you for reading this

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Steffie,

      If distance is the problem, perhaps it would be better to re-initiate contact through text first and get back on good terms before arranging for a meet up - which may no longer be a short coffee at that point.

      Reply
  • Nia

    I recently reached back out to my ex bf after giving him an ultimatum. I basically told him to commit or get lost. I guess I was just so frustrated after being with him for so long and the fact he didn't want to make a formal commitment, but we were having problems so I could see his stance. This was about two months ago. I've been missing him like crazy and feeling regret for my decision, so I decided to reach out to him. I emailed him and text him two weeks ago and there was no response. So, it being two weeks later I called. He answered the phone but said he didn't really believe I was sorry. He also text'd and said I hurt him immensely and he can't do this again. I honestly had no idea I hurt him as I was so caught up in my own feelings and thoughts. I want to do right by him and I want him back. I've told him this with no response yet, but that was only this morning. When can I reach out again? I don't want to pressure him and scare him away. I'm thinking Thanksgiving? Just to say Happy Thanksgiving. He doesn't have any family here, so I was going to see if he wanted some food, at least as a gesture since my family cooks. Not sure when to message him or reach out again, but I really don't want to hurt him anymore. Is texting for the holiday's okay?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi there,

      I think texting him during Thanksgiving would be alright. Keep it casual though and if he says no or does not reply, then just apply the no contact rule for awhile in order to give yourself and him some breathing space to recover from whatever happened before reaching out any further.

      Reply
  • Luis

    Hi Kevin, My girlfriend just broke up with me about 5 days ago she said she doesn't feel the same anymore but her family tells me it is her confusion now that so many changes are happening since she will graduate college and leave home for the first time to do her 6 months internship, she also mentioned to her sister that she felt she was too young for commitment and scared that she didn't find flaws in us so she might be sealing her fate at an early age, which is something she said she wanted at the beginning of our relationship. It was long distance, I had a plan to travel there in 2 days which she knows about and I've already been there 4 times this year.
    I don't want to miss the chance of being with her specially since this time I got so many days off from work usually I travel for 10 days at a time this time 20 days and it could've been a great time together. Should I try anything while I'm there or should I just enjoy my trip with other women and working on myself to let her have that time to reflect and miss me? after 30 days I would be back home and to be in the same country might take 3 more months.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Luis,

      I think you should drop her a text when you arrive to see if she would like to meet you (casually of course). If she does not want to, then perhaps it's better to give her space to figure out what she wants and to enjoy your time there. I know it may seem like a shame to not meet her but you shouldn't pressure her too much or she might just figure she does not want to be with you anymore and it would be permanent this time. For long distance relationships, usually a longer period of time would have to be spent on getting your ex back due to the frequency you actually see her.

      Reply
  • Fabiola

    Hi Team,

    Quite happy I found your website! So here goes my story: I have been in a long distance relationship since february 2017 and things were great, no real issues except the fact that he was always busy with work. Which i completely believe but still was an issue for me. He was travelling a lot, working a lot, but whenever he was present he was fully present. So I always ended up thinking that I had to be understanding since it was his career and that he was making the effort when he had the time and was just so good to me .
    during the summer I got more impatient, he was coming to visit in july but for the first time since we had been together he did not contact me for about 2 weeks.... he vanished. I kept calm but decided I could deal with that anymore. And also kept silent and distanced myself. Come july, he tags me on an instagram post of his to advise me that he arrived to my city. But he obviously did not notice that I was no longer following him. Hence the fact that I never replied to his post. Couple days later he sends a message saying he is in town...So i tell him that he hadn't talked to me for a month so obviously I wasn't ready to see him and that I didn't even know since I was no longer following him on instagram. He got mad... so I told him that my reaction was normal since he disappeared and he actually had other means of contacting me by whasapp or text or just call me.
    So I brushed him off...felt good about it....and met someone else was with him for about 2 months....but was still thinking of my ex.... broke off with the guy I was with for 2 months.....contacted my ex very casually. He answered saying he was happy that we are back in good terms... and 2 days later even told me that "he always knew we would live a great love story". We addressed the issue and went from there as if nothing had happened. Unfortunately he is always busy ... and he always apologises for it... and our last conversation was him wondering if I was still into him, that he hoped I wasn't too mad at him for not being there that he was coming in december etc.... but when I answered his message he didn't listen to it until 2 days later.... and never answered since then. I tried to contact him to know what was going on.... but to no avail.
    So I decided to apply the no contact rule.... its been a month... he who is always busy was in contrast very active on social media! more than anytime I have known him! So I kept calm and still diligently continued the no contact rule. It's been 30 days now... and I have greatly improved myself... physically, emotionally and also have come to understand that he means a lot to me and that I have just been very impatient and can not afford to lose him. But I have a hard time understanding how he has not tried to reach out to me....and worry that I would look weak or needy if I contact him now. I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you require closure, perhaps it would be okay to drop him a casual text to check in on him as he may have forgotten to reply (due to his busy schedule) but you should be prepared to end up going through the same cycle all over again if he replies you and you guys continue talking. If its something you feel you are able to handle (the occasional disappearances), then go for it. However if not, you might be better off walking away from all this.

      Reply
    • Fabiola

      Hi Ryan! thanks for replying! So I have dropped him a message... a positive one reminding him of a good period we had....he replied positively.... was scared i was mad when it took me long to answer him and asked me if I was mad... that he intended to answer me but whenever he sees my message he is either driving or at a meeting , people are around him all the time... so he said he never does it on purpose. Asked to not get mad at him. And that he will definitely make up for it because he doesn't want to loose me, and said he missed me. He even said that he saw (on instagram) that I was quite busy, and imagined that I had already forgotten about him!
      So now I am taking it easy...keeping a little distant and letting him do the work...since he said he will make up for it. What do you think? How should I proceed from now on? thanks again for your input!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Fabiola,

      Since he has said that, perhaps you're on the right track and yes, maybe keep it casual for now so that you aren't too affected by what he does (or does not) do. Take it a step at a time and see if things progress from there. If he is sincere, he will come back to you and make it up to you like he said.

      Reply
    • fabiola

      Hi Ryan....so little update....as it might be useful for others...or maybe so I can voice a slight concern that I have : So after him telling me that he'll make it up I literally told him "We'll see how this goes..." And since 4 days later no contact from him and he's active on social media and uses his WhatsApp.....So basically no change... and I thought to myself that this is not normal. And it also proves that he talks but no actions in reality. I had only told him jockingly that he should watch out because I can get tired fast and retract ... but looks like he doesn't care.
      So to protect myself from getting hurt or even just out of respect for myself I decided to remove him from my instagram and WhatsApp. And just clear my mind of all this and regain my peace of mind. Because I have tried, and I have given him a prior notice that he needs to make an effort, but he hasn't shown any will to get on with our relationship.

      Thanks again for all your help... and hope you think that I did well ;)

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Fabiola,

      I think you did really well! I'm sorry to hear that he didn't pull through on his words in the end. Stay strong and continue to focus on yourself and being happy.

      Reply
    • Fabiola

      Thanks Ryan! I will do just that! somedays its harder than others....but the show must go on ;)

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Have faith in yourself Fabiola. We always tend to underestimate our own abilities until we've crossed hurdles at heights we never knew possible.

      Reply
  • tapplo

    Hello Kevin,

    I met this guy 11 months back through a group. He fell in love with me instantly whereas it took me some time to understand that I love him too. We had big fights after 6 months or so but we continued to be in a relationship. He told his parents about me and we were thinking of getting married. We fought after that and since then he is behaving differently. Over a month now things are not normal between us. He met me in this time, he cried, he said I care for him like a mother. He said he loves me. Few days back he left for a 60 days holiday. When we meet in person everything is fine. He also met me before leaving. He would share everything about his day and diving experiences. He asked me to leave him several times in this one month. Then recently he started shouting saying that he wants to be alone, he was a loner, I wasted my emotions on a wrong person also that he needs peace and my presence is not letting him achieve that. I continued to be in touch thinking if i will not remain in touch, he'll forget me. I asked him to block me if i was bothering him so much. He did't do it. Past few days I did not get in touch with him by any means. My friends says that he is enjoying his life while you sulk here. Would he come back after the no contact period of 30 days considering he is on a vacation for another 30 days more. What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Why not apply no contact for this remaining 30 days and when he gets back, you can decide if you still want to try giving it another shot?

      Reply
  • Prasun Yadav

    Heyy Ryan,
    I have been with this girl for past two years.Two weeks ago we had a breakup.I called her and she was like dont call me ever again,its your problem that you cant get over me.I watched ur video and decided to go on no contact.After a week we saw each other at a party of a common friend and that night we ended up being together and intimate.A hope raised in my mind that she still loves me.I started calling her,texting her but then she refused to talk again.I even said i would change and can do anyhthing to get her back.She refused my idea of being together.She says she doesnt wants to be in any relationship because being in relationship has taken away her freedom.During my relationship I acted jealous and controlled her by always telling her to do this,not do that.Now that she is away i have realised her importance and I really love her.Please suggest me what should I do next to get her back.I also fixed up few meetings but she refused the idea saying that it defeats the purpose of breakup.Do u think she will meet me after when no contact is over.

    Reply
  • jason

    I need some serious help! I have been in a very serious relationship for the past 8 months and i truly thought that she was the one for me. She broke up with me for reasons that I have accepted but still says that maybe down the road things could work out for us. It sounds hopeful but it is a really hard answer to get right after the breakup. It makes me wonder why she even broke up with me in the first place and decided not to try and work things out. I would like to start the no contact period but there are still some things that i really need to know that will determine if I really want to get back together with her. The weekend before the breakup was a disaster and not knowing what really happened is leaving me not knowing what to do. I have zero tolerance for cheating but not knowing if she cheated is killing me inside. I have always trusted her to never cheat on me because she has been cheated on in the past by ex boyfriends but things just don't add up that weekend. I feel like in order for me to accept the break up and figure out if i do want to get back together with her then i need to know what happened that weekend. I feel like i have to know and if i were to just go ahead and start the NC period then i will still want to know what happened at the end. That would be bad though cause it will bring up bad memories and show that i have trust issues with her. Should i just go ahead and try to figure out what happened or start the NC period?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Jason,

      Personally I would tell you to just start NC and let it go but I also understand that it isn't easy to just do that. If you feel that it would really eat you up inside not knowing, then my suggestion is to find out and no matter the outcome, start NC after that.

      Reply
  • Ean

    Me and my ex, Myla, dated for over a year. I had told her that we should try to fix things but that only led to us splitting up. I once questioned whether I really loved her or not, but since I've thought about her everyday since we broke up, I think it's safe to say I love her. We go to the same school but we don't have any classes because they were switched.
    Every time I see her in the hallway i quickly look a way because it hurts because I'm not with her. Sometimes we make eye contact but it is only for, i swear, about a millisecond. She turns around and I look at my phone. When I look at my phone I don't look at anything because I can't get her out of my head. I've been trying to get her out of my head, but everything in my life brings me back to thinking about her.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Perhaps you could refer to this article on how to deal with an ex if you have to see her every day.

      Reply
  • Prasun Yadav

    Heyy Ryan,
    I have been with this girl for past two years.Two weeks ago we had a breakup.I called her and she was like dont call me ever again,its your problem that you cant get over me.I watched ur video and decided to go on contact.After a week we saw each other at a party of a common friend and that night we ended up being together and intimate.A hope raised in my mind that she still loves me.I started calling her,texting her but then she refused to talk again.I even said i would change and can do anyhthing to get her back.She refused my idea of being together.She says she doesnt wants to be in any relationship because being in relationship has taken away her freedom.During my relationship I acted jealous and controlled her by always telling her to do this,not do that.Now that she is away i have realised her importance and I really love her.Please suggest me what should I do next to get her back.I also tried fixing some meeting but she refused every time saying that u all get obsessed over me again so it's better we don't meet.Do u think she will meet me after I try contacting her after no contact period?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      This time around, it isn't so much up to you on how long no contact should be and whether you should approach her again but rather, how long before she is ready for another relationship. If you feel that you were controlling and jealous back then, even if you get back together with her tomorrow, the outcome will be the same because she will still feel that she has no freedom. I suggest first working on those emotions for yourself and when you feel like you have a better control over them, then talk to her again. If she isn't ready still, suggest just being friends and slowly build her trust.

      Reply
    • Prasun Yadav

      The thing is she has become cold she didn't reply to my text,answered to my phone calls which i eventually stopped doing after that.she even said we cant be friends too because no two people after being in relationship can be friends.lately i have realized her importance in my life and i regret over my mistake.please suggest me ways even to remain friend with her.

      Reply
  • John

    Hey Ryan.. 2 months ago i seperated from my wife because i found some texts on her phone from some other guy. She swears it was nothing serious. But for last 12 months she has beeng going out and drinking with her friends,coming home late in the night, so that was also one of the reasons i moved out. Last two months have been really turbulent. She texts me every day, still, but stupid things like, what are you doing? Or, How was the concert? Just like friendly texts. Also like month ago i asked her that we should reconcile (didn't beg), but she told me that she is to confused with her feelings, wants to be alone now, to find herself, she is taking some therapy to chose if she wants to get back to marriage or start a new life. As later i found out she was unsatisfied in our marriage for last 12 months. I tried NC but she would text me every day, and i would always reply. I told her that she has time to decide till 20th november and than we will decide to reconcile or divorce. Anyway that is only a week from today and she still sends stupid text messages that don't mean anything. And i am sure she won't want to reconcile. We were together 7 years, i love her, but for last month she has been keeping me next to her without making any decision. P.S. She is 30,i am 32. Any advice?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey John,

      Right now, she may be feeling a loss of routine since you guys have been married awhile. That's why she still texts you every day because she isn't used to not being apart from you. However, it's also important to note that not used to being apart from you and wanting to be together with you are 2 different things. You should figure out if she still wants to be with you or not. I suggest waiting till the 20th of November before making a decision on what you should do, depending on the outcome.

      Reply
  • Da

    Hi

    I applied NC for two days. My ex- bf always look at my facebook.He send me message asking such "what are you doing?" But I did not reply. Should I block him from seeing my page and block him from sending me message? Or I should leave him seeing my life in facebook.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      I don't think you should block him off and just leave it be (especially if your intention is to get back together with him eventually). However, I don't think you should reply him this early into NC. Complete it first before contacting him again.

      Reply
  • bob

    Hi, my gf of 10 months broke up with me, it was on good terms and we spent the next day together (its was long distance and my coach wasn't leaving till the next day), and although a bit awkward at times, we parted on good terms. I have began no contact, and today would have been day 4, but today my ex contacted about one of her belongings i possessed still, and i felt rude not to reply. Do i have to begin no contact again, or is this an exception? it involved a 3 message convo, focused only on the belongings, and nothing else.
    many thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Bob,

      You don't have to re-start NC all over as long as your conversation was more of an obligated exchange of texts regarding important matters and as long as texting her did not affect you emotionally.

      Reply
  • Me again.... jack

    Ryan.... this might be my last message I just wanted to double check with you if this is a good idea.

    I have followed no contact for about 18 days
    We have recently met up for financial reasons and but it off.
    Now we text quite a bit keeping it light and friendly.
    We’ve decided to meet up again on Tuesday and we are gonna spend most of the day chilling at hers. We are going to have dinner and watch movies.

    We were discussing what to have and this text discussion happened:

    Her: I’m just worried your going to think that we're going to get back together that's all. Xx

    Me:Why would you think that? X

    Her:I dunno cuz we're getting on and stuff I suppose x

    Me:In all honesty. I’ve accepted the break up. Don’t really want the relationship back as it was. If there was or is any chance of it working it won’t be for a while.

    But we get on well we always have. And if things develop from that I’ll be honest and tell you. X

    Does everything there seem ok?

    What should I do next?

    Thanks Ryan ! Your support through this has helped heaps!

    Reply
  • jan

    Hi Kevin,

    I'm in a difficult situation I guess. My ex cut the relationship a month ago (it lasted almost 3 months before). A week after breakup I sent her an email with the request that I wanted to talk with her about the untold things in our relationship. She then replied she had a little bit of time the week after, because she had a lot of fun things to do, I agreed. Then I read this website, so I realized it was a bad move from me to want contact with her, especially for this reason. What I then did was sending her an email saying I wanted to cancel the meeting. She then replied with asking whether something came up and I was willing to meet on another date, or whether I did not want to meet again. That was a tough one, but I replied something came up, without suggesting another date. 3 days later (i.e.last sunday). She suggested another date. I didn't know what to do then, so I agreed on a new date (this new date is tomorrow). Now I'm not sure, whether this is a good idea to meet her. She arranged this meeting now that's true, but I'm not sure whether she really wants it out of herself, or whether she wants to hear what I've to say as I suggested in the first email. Any thoughts on what to do? Should I ask her motivation why she wants to meet? Should I tell her via email first I'm not feeling the same way anymore as I suggested in my first email to her (almost begging for a meeting to talk about untold things). I'm afraid you will answer when the meeting is over (tomorrow 12h noon Paris time), I don't have a clue what to do now.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Jan,

      Ultimately if you want to get back together with her, you might need to apply the no contact rule in order to regain your composure and improve yourself so that eventually when you attempt to chase her back, she will see you in a different light. However, before you go into this, if meeting her would help with your closure before you start NC, then it would be okay to meet her since she was the one who initiated it. If you feel it may not help, then perhaps cancel with her and just honestly tell her that you feel it may not be appropriate right now and you need some time.

      Reply
  • Dave

    Hi Kevin, me and my gf had been a 6 years relationship and broke up recently, she had cheated me once few years ago but she showed to me she was truly regret what she has done so I decided to continuing the relationship at that time. Recently, she had broken up with me and said she love me but being together is so exhausting. She wants to look for another opportunities in the world to find love and happiness. She said if I understand her, I should let her go. Afterward, I had made deadly mistakes #2 & #4 very badly, I begged her to come out to talk about it face to face but she wont. I ask her if we can still be friends she said yes but when I text her she is ignoring me.... At the momenet, I know she is love to spending time with a guy at this moment I dont know if it is her true love or just rebound relationships. For now, I accpected the break up, I can control myself to stop texting her, but I just don't know what to do next, it sounds like she just want to be single but I thought she is just lying to me. I can't totally trust what she said but I don't want to interpret her message. Should I just move on? Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Dave,

      As much as you may not want to hear this, I feel it's only fair to say that right now even you can't trust what she says, it doesn't matter because you guys have broken up. Moving on isn't something I can tell you to do explicitly but rather it's really up to you on how you feel about her. If you really want her back, give her some space and time and let her do what she wants to while you focus on yourself as well. Maybe some time in the future when everything blows over, then you could contact her once again?

      Reply
  • Andre Thomas

    Hi Ryan so I been doing all type of research on this subject so I want you to understand my situation a little more....me and my ex were together for 4 almost 5 years...she caught me talking to random females on a dating website...but she has caught me talking to random females a lot of times...so now I feel like she was at her breaking point...she kicked me out and will not talk to me...I was begging and pleading her to talk to me...which she would reply once every 50 messages basically telling me everything I didn’t wanna hear...so the break up was Friday...I didn’t text her Monday at all...she texted me once Monday basically repeating everything she been saying because I wrote her a message Sunday...so this no contact rule is scaring me but I feel like I have no other option...any tips for me?? Thank you in advance

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Andre,

      If you've read our articles, you'll realize that your instincts right now are your worst enemy and should never be trusted. They would cause you to do reckless things and come across as a needy and desperate person which would push your ex further away. Don't spam her phone with texts as it would only make her decision to walk away more permanent. Give her some space right now to cool off (this is why we suggest the NC rule) and focus on yourself (calm yourself down and start trying to think more logically). After this period has passed and you feel more collected and she may have calmed down, then initiate re-contact with her and start things off from there.

      Reply
  • R

    Hi kevin.
    My ex broke up with me four months back after one year of long distance relationship. Since that time, i committed all the mistakes you mentioned. But now she has blocked me on every social networking site. I tried being friends with her, but the past things kept repeating and i kept accusing her even when she silently listened. Now i am panicked. What shall i do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Try not to panic and let your emotions get the better of you in the future. For now, if she has blocked you everywhere, the only thing you could do is wait it out and apply the no contact rule until she decides to unblock you. You have to be patient and you can't do anything reckless that might make you come across and needy or desperate if you ever want her back.

      Reply
  • Jack

    Ryan,

    Me again. I ended up having to meet my ex because of financial reasons. Ended up spending 7 hours with her having a laugh and getting on really well.

    At the end we both said we had a good time and would want to do it again. My question is how I should act now ? Do I go back to no contact ? Or do I just give it a few days and spark up conversation again?

    All advice appreciated!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Jack,

      That's a good first step! Well, if you both enjoyed your time and would want to meet again, I think there's no point in going back to NC right? You could spark up conversation again but remember to play it cool.

      Reply
    • Jack

      Ryan,

      I have been doing all the above whilst trying not to seem to pushy with the texts. ( texting to often) but over the phone she doesn’t seem to interested but have arranged to meet on tuesday.

      I feel lost and confused about the situation

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There could be a variety of reasons. Don't overthink and jump to conclusions for now until you meet her.

      Reply
  • Mary

    Good evening!

    Don’t know if I’m searching for an advise or just frustrated after break up but I do really like your page. It gives answers to some questions that I couldn’t understand.
    I just broke up with my boyfriend after 8 months that were more distant relationship. First 6 months (3 months out of it we were together) were really good, of course may be were small misunderstandings but nothing like argues or fights, never. We were apart before but all started when my boyfriend moved from his city to another country for studies. First couple weeks were fine but when I started to mention that he is changing, new place, new friends and parties, all his friends are much younger than him because he is doing his postgraduate and guys are mainly from undergraduate.

    I started to feel anxiety and tried to talk to him, may be had an intuition that something is wrong, we discussed and sorted all out but suddenly in two days he is calling and saying that he wants a break, he doesn’t know what will be with us on a distance etc. I asked if he met someone, he said of course lots of new people around and girls, but it has nothing with that. It’s more about that he wants some time for himself to think about our relationship, not a brake up, just space. I told him that on a distance it will be hard to sort it out like that. We should somehow spend sometime together to understand what is going on but it’s up to him of course, what I can do. Next day he called by himself and said that once to give us that chance if I’m still fine with him after yesterday. I agreed. In two weeks I went to visit him for 9 days, first days were great but after we went for a short trip to another country for some business meetings. Last two days he was so tensed, I couldn’t understand but tried not to pay much attention and let him to be in his cave because it was quite exhausting trip for both of us, too much on a road. Last evening we were in restaurant, i asked him if everything is fine, he said yes, but just in thoughts. We confirmed that I’ll go with him to the airport next morning.

    Next morning I woke up anxious because didn’t sleep well and had nightmares, I told him about it. He was also not in a best mood. We went to the airport, he was like that all the way. I thought it’s all we both were not really happy of leaving. He came back, first 3 days were fine, we were texting and calling to each other as usual. And suddenly he is calling and telling me that he decided to stay alone. I asked why he didn’t tell it when we were together but most probably just didn’t find courage. I said i respect decision but can’t agree on that.

    I made huge mistake of trying to stop him saying that it’s unfair and I can’t brake up like that, we didn’t even tried to work out, we spent too short time together. As well i said it’s just before my birthday that we planned to spend together, actually his idea was just several days before all that for me to come to him to celebrate it together. It was stupid to use that argument that sounded like blackmailing. He was already angry that I tried to stop him. He said: now u will spend it with ur friends instead and I don’t want to be with you. Wished all the best and hanged out. I feel very bad and blame myself for trying to stop him. Now I’m very low in his eyes. Don’t know what to do but most probably here is hard to do anything, he wants to live that new life of his. May be new girls are involved, I don’t know. When I was there I didn’t mention anything. I met his friends, all seemed fine. Very hard to cope with it when I didn’t even had a chance.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Mary,

      Don't see yourself so lowly. Anyone could have done that in the moment of frustration and upset. However, since it has already happened, I would suggest that give him the space he wants and you too should focus on yourself and just keep yourself distracted (go out with friends, hit the gym, etc) and spend the time recovering from this. Sometimes in a relationship, unfair decisions are thrown onto us and we don't have a say in the matter; but this doesn't mean we don't deserve to be happy at the end of the day. I think you should apply the no contact rule and work on whatever I just mentioned and while you may not forget him entirely, at least this would keep your mind off things and allow you to be functional and happy still.

      Reply
  • Cristina

    Hi, so i have been in this relationship for 3 months and my boyfriend told me 4 days ago that he feels he was happier before, that i restricted and took from his freedom, which i admit that i did, and he said maybe it's better to break up. I know he cares about me but when i had an issue in the beginning i talked to him and stayed because he promised we can work things out and we did. Now I find it unfair that he doesn't give me the opportunity to change. He actually told me he doesn't know if he wants to give up on me forever or just needs time. I texted him like crazy the first day, than i saw a therapist which i saw every day since then and i only reply to his texts but with longer texts and i do point out why he should not give up. In 2 days we decided to meet for a dinner. I don't want to lose him but I don't know what to do. I know my mistakes now and i know i would not repeat them. What do you think I should do when we meet? How to react? What if he tells me he wants to break up? I need to calm myself down somehow to not start crying in a restaurant :(

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Cristina,

      When you meet him for dinner, I suggest you play it cool, regardless of the outcome. If you really want to be with him, it's important that you do not show a weak side that comes across as desperate or needy, even if he feels that he needs a break from the relationship. Try to look at a bigger picture that if he really does decide to end things (in the worst case scenario), you're mentally prepared that you will fight for the relationship and be willing to take time in order to do so. But first, you have to ensure he doesn't end up blocking you everywhere, which may happen if you come across as overly devastated and do reckless things like beg him to stay.

      Convincing someone you're willing to work things out and change sometimes will take time and the more you push it onto a person at the start, the less the person would probably believe you.

      Reply
  • jonathan

    Hi, my ex just broke up with me a few days ago, after a year and a half together (she is 44 and I'm 39) We had a great connection & romance and loved being together, I am truly heartbroken & crushed.
    At one point I had a drawer there with some clothes and stuff at her house and we did spend a lot of time together. We had mutual things we enjoyed doing together and connected on a sexual level as well.
    During the last few months, she became distant and we didn't see each other often. Her mother also passed away during that time, which also affected her in many different ways.
    Finally, she said we need to talk. She felt that the relationship is not moving forward and we are just dating each other basically. We talked a few times about moving in together and having a baby, but she said I have never actually worked hard enough to make that happen & solve all the little details involved with it. She also felt disconnect bc I would always move to a different bedroom on account of her snoring :) so we would never actually wake up together, and I didn't work to solve that in any way. anyway, I was thinking to do the no contact for 20 days instead of 30 since her birthday would be in 20 days so a text with " Hey, I wanted to wish you a happy birthday..." would be appropriate then. What do you think?
    I intend to follow this 5 step plan completely as its a great advise to take little time and work on myself, date a little & then try to win her back slowly...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Jonathan,

      That's sounds okay as long as you have a plan of action for the period. The NC period is meant as a guideline and does not need to be strictly adhered to as long as you're aware of the reason for NC. It sounds fine if you want to text her on her birthday, however if she does not respond positively, continue with NC after the exchange.

      Reply
    • Jonathan Zach

      Thanks for the reply Ryan.

      I forgot to mention something sorta weird... during the talk about breaking up we were at her house.
      I was upset since I didn't want the breakup, and she hugged me and one thing led to another and we had sex. Then we had some food and I was getting ready to leave. She said "take care of yourself", "I'll miss you", and we hugged and kissed and even exchanged a few jokes. so it was a very positive sort of breakup, where both of us clearly meant something to the other person, and so it was not a clear-cut breakup over the phone...

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Jonathan,

      In that case, then I don't see why not regarding texting her on her birthday as long as you're able to handle it.

      Reply
    • Jonathan

      Thanks Ryan, I did get a text from my ex after applying a week of NC. She texted me: "hi i hope you are doing ok, i have some of your stuff that i can either drop off to you, or you can get it in a week" Does that means she is basically closing the door and want me out of her life, since she wants my stuff out of her place now? Do I text her back?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      It really depends on your situation and context Jonathan. I wouldn't know what her intentions are exactly since I don't know her, but you would know her best. Could it be that the last hookup was more of closure for her? Regardless, since she wants to return your stuff, you should take it first before going into NC again, perhaps even longer than 30 days for your case before initiating contact with her once more.

      Reply
  • Mark

    Hello team...may I please have advice.I have been dating my girlfriend for 3 years now,we broke up just a week ago.I started the no contact rule a week ago as well,my girlfriend says she will never get back with me.We have had fights,argued and she says she is tired of that.She is young to be emotionally abused,she is 23 and am 24.We had a nice relationship,she tells me her deepest secrets and I do the same.She wants me to change,she has been wanting me to change but I never listened.I love her too much and am a fool to let her go for my mistakes...so I don’t know what to do to get her back,is there even a chance that she might want me back?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Mark,

      At the moment, you try to approach her, you may end up pushing her further away. I suggest applying the no contact rule to spend some time focusing and improving yourself (change for the better). If you really want her back, she will need to see the change in you before she may open up again.

      Reply
    • Mark

      I should apply the no contact rule for how long,because right now she probably thinks I don’t care about her anymore.Everytime we argue or fight I go the next day to her we fix things now that I am doing the no contact rule she thinks I don’t love or care about our relationship anymore,any advice will b helpful at this moment?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Mark,

      In situations like these, it might be your insecurities projected onto her instead of how she actually feels. Perhaps you could try once more to see if she will give you another chance and if she does (make sure you do change) but if she doesn't, then apply the NC rule for at least 30 days because if you keep pestering her, it would irritate her and make you come across as a needy person.

      Reply
  • Lauren

    Hi,
    I was wondering whether you can advise me on my current situation. I'm female and was in a relationship for approximately 18 months with another female. Ive been in previous long term relationships however our connection was something different we were so suited but the timing was against us. There were many issues due to her not being ready for a relationship but we gave it ago anyway however generally we were so good together but about 6 months ago she broke up with me after a few weeks of arguing due to how she treated me. I love her a lot and I know how much she loves me however she was not ready for a serious relationship so she couldn't ever put the effort that I wanted in. It made me needy etc however after approximately 4 months of NC we bumped into each other and then started texting. We have been speaking ever since and have met up a few times and about a month ago we said we would get to know each other again. However I couldn't stand not knowing whether she was speaking to anyone else... And I know we were both single but I had to ask and I suppose it turned into a argument and since then she has stated it's just not going to work right now (there's no one else involved) and she doesn't know if she will ever get over us both being with other people during the break up. We met up a couple more times as friends but the connection between us is so strong I'm finding it difficult to see past friends.
    About 2 weeks ago I told her I couldn't speak anymore because no matter what I was always going to naturally look and hope for more... She agreed but didn't want to not speak but I said I couldn't. Anyway this conversation carried on, changed subject and were still speaking 2 weeks later and even met up and have been closer than we have ever been in the last 2 months!
    I just don't know what to do because I do want her back as I know despite the bad timing last time we were very good together, we have the same goals, and generally well suited in our morals on our daily life but I don't want to lose her again out of my life but I don't want to break my heart in the process! I just don't get what she wants what I should do or whether to walk away but I don't get how we would be ever able to come back from it if I walk away again as if anything further happened during another period of NC then ... I just don't know !
    Advice please , thank you

    Reply
    • Lauren

      So would you not recommend going back to NC ?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well Lauren, based on the scenario you mentioned earlier, it would seem like you've already gone awhile on NC before talking to her again. Despite the argument about whether she was seeing anyone else, you guys did move on from it pretty fast and even continued the conversation for another 2 weeks. You also said that you've been closer to her than you ever felt for the past 2 months.

      In my opinion, this is already sort of considered initiating re-contact. Firstly, do you think that the 'timing' is still bad at this point? If it isn't, and given the time frame for the previous NC, then there's no real point in going back to NC unless your plan is to move on from her completely.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Lauren,

      It seems that she herself isn't sure of what she wants. She cares about you still but does not want to go through the negative aspects of the relationship which is why she tells you she doesn't want a relationship but still want to keep you as a friend. Perhaps it would be good to take things slow and see if there are ways in which you can convince her slowly that being together isn't such a bad idea.

      Reply
  • Destiny

    Dear Team,
    My boyfriend of a year and almost 6 months broke up with me. He has been very depressed and angry and I’ve been making the situation worse because me being a Type A personality want to fix everything. Before we were dating he was like this but somehow there was a feeling that we would still be great together so during this time I’d give him space but also fight for him and show him that someone cared. Even once he told me that we couldn’t keep “talking” to each other and we had no contact for a week before he was at my door. The no contact has begun and I’ve thought about why this relationship is something that could be great and the pros outweigh the cons. While breaking up with me he cried and told me he loved me but he can’t because he was so stressed and overwhelmed. Also, we started dating in college but now have a long distance relationship. This is both of our longest and most serious relationship. In my opinion, the depression and distance and my negative change in my nature (due to anxiety which am now going to counseling for) wore him down. I’m looking to make myself stronger and work on myself to have a better grip on my anxiety. My question is that if there is a way to show him that there is more to this relationship than what he pulled out? Also everything is telling me that history will repeat itself because we’ve even had conversations about if we broke up and he would always say that he thinks he’d take me back because of how much he loves and loved me. My friends didn’t believe that he broke up with me and all are saying he is “burned out and needs to cuddle” type thing and that this is odd even given that we’ve had some pretty bad fights in the past.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Is your ex currently seeking help with regards to his depression and anger? If no, it would be something you either have to encourage him to do or spend the future being extremely patient with him since outbursts and relapses in negative emotion could happen anytime (similar with your anxiety). If you want to show him that the relationship is worth it, you'll probably have to give him some space for the time being regain his composure (since you felt that you wore him down). Also, spend this time working on your outlook and fixing those issues you may have. Since the depression and distance are 2 issues you cannot control, at least the third one that you brought up is something within your control to try and change.

      Reply
  • Ryan

    So this girl and I have been seeing each other for a little over a year now. During this year I have had a really hard time gettting over an ex of 6 years. I have made the mistake of contacting this ex multiple times and each time this new girl giving me another chance. I have in this time let my ex go, can finally say that I have no interest in her being in any part of my life. But, it was this last contact we had that has shown me this. Unfortunately, this last contact is also known by the girl I was currently seeing and I lied when confronted. She has since told me that she cannot be with me right now, to move on. Which to me are conflicting because right now tells me that she is leaving the door open for me to change and show her. We have spoken once or twice and she tells me she loves me still but needs to be happy with herself again. I know I need to do the same. So I’ve began setting up volunteer work, hitting the gym again, and just doing things that will make me happy. She has blocked my phone number but left social media open at which we have had very little contact. She says she doesn’t want to hurt me by it but cannot speak to me right now. She’s told me she wants to be happy with me but since I have broken her trust she only thinks that history will repeat itself. It’s been just over a week since everything has happened and I’ve tried to contact her every day since at which some times were successful. I know I need to start the no contact. I guess I just need some insight and advice. She’s an amazing woman, probably the best things that’s ever come into my life and I knew this before things went south. I don’t want to lose her for good because of my screw ups.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Ryan,

      Start on NC rule and not contact her for this period as constantly trying to message her will push her further away because it comes across as desperate or needy. Also NC will give both parties some space to distance themselves from the recent events that happened and the negative emotions attached to it. She's definitely given you a chance to prove yourself and to gain her trust again but give her some time to process and time for you to change before approaching her.

      Reply
  • Harpreet

    Hey,
    I have been with my boyfriend for 1year 8 months and he broke up with me. First we went on a break because he felt miserable; before we started even liking each other 2 years ago I had kissed a boy on a night out. This boy was my ex's brother's friend and both of us were single at the time. My ex knew about this and said it was ok because he knew it was before me and him started liking each other. However, the past year my ex got closer with that boy and would tell me he felt shit often because of my past. i tried to comfort him but he kept going on and we were both arguing, we were fed up with the ups and downs so We went on a break for a week and a half, where we completely stopped talking. Then he decided he felt better without me on the break, less stressed etc and broke up with me after 1.5 weeks of a break, but said he'd been thinking about it for a while. I really want him to want me back, so I'm going to do the no contact thing for a month. But what else can I do to make him want me back, as I feel like he's chosen this friend over me. We had a serious relationship talking about the future and I tried to remind him of the bigger picture of our future, but he still wanted to break up. How can I show to him that he shouldn't just throw our relationship away? Or is it truly over?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      If you're really serious about him, perhaps you could try to figure out what the root of the break up was caused by, whether it was an internal struggle he was already facing for awhile or was it primarily because of the friend you had mentioned. If it was the former, spend this NC period working on any issues you may have brought to the relationship and focus on self-improvement so that if you do decide to contact him again after some space, he may feel differently about you, seeing that you've changed for the better.

      Reply
  • Amit Bhatt

    Dear Team,
    she's so insistent on me marrying someone else because she is my brother's sister in law.
    everyone in my family and her family knows about our relationship. So if I decide not to marry someone else now then all blame will be on her. My family will tell her that you have spoiled my son's life. She doesn't want to listen these type of words from my family. I have told her that I am not going to marry anyone now and do not worry about what people will say to you. I have tried my best to show her how much I love her But she is telling that if you really loved me then marry someone. I will help in searching girl for you. Right now I have told her that ok I will marry someone else, that's why she is talking to me daily but as a friend.

    I want her back in my life but how I can change her mind I am not able to understand.

    Is there any way to change her mind?
    Regards,
    Amit.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Amit,

      I guess right now the only thing you can do is to take it slow. If she still is talking to you as a friend, for now you'll have to accept it and slowly try to win her back on a day to day basis again. Charm her like how you did the first time you guys got together and remind her (with actions not words) why she fell in love with you in the first place. If she really does not want to get back together with you despite all that, then it might be a better idea for you to start moving on. You don't have to marry someone else out of pressure but at least let the idea of getting her back go as well.

      Reply
  • Azam Solangi

    I have been married for 19 years (including my 1 year engagement period). My wife was having a relation with someone else while she was with me. Honestly she disclosed it to me after a 1.5 years and she was involved physically. I found the pics of her with her boyfriend on bed and some other picnic photographs. It was really shocking for me. I was annoyed and was in anger i made myself cool down and told her that ok no worries lets forget whatever has happened in that last 1.5 years and told her that i am accepting you and lets start a new life. In my life i had many ups and downs financially. She has been claiming that i never paid attention to her, i never gave that touch what she wanted and always replied in short words like yes and no. But very honestly I have been loving her whole heartedly and never expressed her. I gave the liberty to move freely, trusted her blindly, never stalked her on what is she doing or where is she going as i had complete blind trust on her.

    She took separation from me on 1st july 2017, and this for me was like living in another hell, during this phase every millisecond was of my life was making cry and missing her a lot and i did the same thing which was not suppose to do. i was in frustration and sent the pics to the boyfriends wife on 21st October 2017. as i was thinking my family has been ruined i will ruin his family life. This made her more irritated and now finally she has decided to divorce me, I am still on separation phase and she has told me for meeting tomorrow. I want her to be back in my life, as i still love her and we have two kids as well daughter is 17 years old and son is 11 years.

    Need your advice what to talk and what to avoid. As she has messaged me that she needs to discuss few things but dont keep any hope. Your help, support or suggestion is required. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      I guess you could go and meet her tomorrow but like she says, keep an open mind and don't get your hopes up. Figure out where you stand in all this and if it's a position that can be salvaged. Definitely avoid coming across as desperate or needy and never beg her to stay. You could also tell her how you feel genuinely but don't try to use that as ammunition or pour it out but rather, just tell her as a means to let her know (whatever she wants to make of it is her business, not yours)

      Reply
    • Azam Solangi

      Thanks, but we could not meet as she cancelled the meeting. Hoping to meet soon.....will be waiting for her text msg for the meeting.

      Reply
  • Amit Bhatt

    Dear Recovery team,

    I was in a no contact rule with my ex and as per your suggestion I was not talking to her.
    on day 21 of no contact rule she called me 5 6 times and so i have picked up phone and we had a discussion on our relationship. In that conversation she was trying to convince me to merry other girl. She was telling that our fields are different so its better to merry another girl. For the shake of me at least you have to merry another girl she was telling. Finally I told her that OK I will merry any other girl. Then she told me that she is very happy now and will talk to me daily. She is going to come to meet me also on my birth day on 8/11/2017.
    So what should I do now? she is talking to me daily as a friend. How can I develop interest in her for me?
    How can I change her mind to continue relationship with me?
    I now cannot continue no contact rule anymore I think. What should I do now I cant understand.
    Please help me.
    Regards,
    Amit.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Amit,

      Your situation is a little different from the norm because not many exes would spend that much effort and time trying convince their ex-partner to marry another girl. Perhaps she really is starting to see you as a friend? Regardless, you should continue to assess the situation and figure out what is going on in her mind before you decide you want to continue the relationship with her. For now, take it casual and treat her as a friend so as to get her to trust you and maybe she may open up to you on why she's so insistent on you marrying someone else.

      Reply
  • LaxGuy87

    Hey Kevin,
    My girlfriend and I dated since we were 20, so its been just over 4 years! We had talked for years about spending our lives together and kids and all that. We had also dated years before, back in high school and broke up and found our way back to each other. But, last week she broke up with me, because she felt as if that she needed to try and see if she can live life on her own. We had been having troubles for about 4 months now, and we were trying to fix the problems in the relationship! But, neither of us really put much effort into fixing the problems beneath the surface, just the problems like not doing anything or just sitting around all day. Note: she wanted to leave back in August, but she also wanted to try and make things work!

    Originally she had told me that she didn’t feel the same way she use to and that she didn’t know why, but she did know that she didn’t love me anymore! So we talked and agreed to work on things. There was a couple times in the 4 months where she wanted to leave and I convinced her to stay. But, there was also times when I wanted to leave and she convinced me to stay! But, this time enough was enough and she had it, so she packed up and left. I also haven’t had my license this whole relationship (currently working on getting it), She told me that she wanted me to get my shit together and that was one of the reasons she wanted to break up (I just never thought she would actually leave). But, now that she has left I know have to get my shit together. Not for her, but for me!

    We are classifying this as a “break” with the chance of not getting back together and a chance of getting back together!

    So we met last Sunday, to talk more about the break up and to get all of our feelings out on the table! When she picked me up, we talked as if nothing had changed and that we were still in a relationship. We ended up talking for over 2 hours and she didn’t really seem like she wanted to leave! She was extremely hungover and was the only reason she left. She even went to drop me off midway through and we sat in my driveway and we decided to go get food.

    I told that we needed some time and space after the talk and that night she had tried snapchatting me and I told her that I wasn’t ready to talk. She understood and didn’t really seem ok with not talking, but she understood.

    We had lived together for 4 years, and we lived in my parents basement. As I am a college student and can’t really afford to move out at this time! So, we had lived together for 4 years, and we got to the point where we stopped doing things and just sitting in my basement doing nothing! We also became dependent of each other for almost everything!

    I feel like we have a good chance of getting back together, I know what I need to work on to make my life better and to make us have a better relationship. I have been getting a lot of mixed info from friends and family. Some say that she wants to get back together and some say I should move on (these people didn’t like her)

    Just want to know what some strangers think?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Tyler,

      Personally, I think growth is important in every relationship regardless and when things get stagnant, sometimes that's when parties start finding reasons to be unhappy because they feel that the relationship isn't taking them anywhere. It's a conscious effort to be made and a continuous one at that, where if you want her back in your life (and to stay), that on your own part at least, you have to make changes to improve yourself be it emotionally or actual activities (i.e getting your license like you mentioned)

      Reply
    • LaxGuy87

      Thank you Ryan for the response

      Reply
  • Payton

    Hey, so I met my ex in high School senior year, she graduated and I dropped out. Her and I dated for 3 years sharing incredible memories. Our friends and family who have been in and out of serious relationships always said how special we were and constantly joked about how we were a "married couple". Like all relationships we would fight and we would have some big fights, but typically both of us failed to fix them. She got to a point where she couldn't be honest with me because it would lead to an argument. She went off to college and Those were the reasons why we broke up the first time, but then we got back together for one more year and we were very happy until about 2 months ago when I moved in. I got very depressed and unhappy, not with us, but with me. I let that distance ourselves and I should have been more honest with her because she could have helped me. We grew apart in 2 months and didn't feel like much of a team. I even ended up kissing someone else, which she claims isn't much of a big deal because she has kissed other people without it really bothering me or us in the past. She broke up with me 2 weeks ago and we haven't talked in a week. She says she broke up with us to save our friendship and that she wants us to still be best friends.

    I want to respect that and make her happy but I feel like her and I can do that in a relationship. We always envisioned ourselves getting married up until the last 2 months when my own depression started getting in the way of us. I've overcome my depression from myself and I'm working on making my life better for me and finishing school and finding another passion, but I feel like her and I are truly made to be in a relationship. I want nothing more than to make her happy and I believe she wants the same for me but she feels like we wouldn't make it later in life right now even though she didn't have those thoughts before we started going downhill. I intend on the NC period but Is there any specific advice for my situation that I should include?

    Oh and also, she claims the ENTIRE relationship was unhealthy. But I disagree, we traveled the world together, literally, shared memories that no matter who she sees, it will be hard to compare the passion that her and I bonded with over those memories. She’s up in college and I understand that she’ll probably find a rebound and the only thing helping me be okay with that is remembering that this guy hasn’t had the experiences that her and I did and that it will take a lot for her to find that with someone else. When we broke up she was torn apart and I could tell. And what happens if she wants to meet up at some point before the NC period is over? I’m not sure if this gives anymore insight on my situation

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Payton,

      Firstly, it's good that you aren't afraid of the rebound guy coming along as we all know that it will never last. Usually people would lose their composure and end up doing something that comes across as desperate which pushes their ex further away. If you both still love each other, and her issue with you right now is honesty and that she feels that it won't work, it's up to you to convince her that it can. However, this is something that you should ease into after the NC period when she has enough time to be emotionally separated from the negative emotions she might have felt leading to the break up.

      Reply
  • Jack Dines

    Right Kevin here is a fun one for you,

    My partner of almost 5 years, came to me and said she thought that we were more like friends.

    our relationship was quite afflicted with more serious matters from the get go.

    we lived 600 miles apart and i met her while working away.
    we decided after 7 months that we wanted to be together so she moved up to my local area ( her decision ). for the 2.5 years after that we were great. we had a few money problems but we worked it out together. as a whole the relationship felt great. and i asked her to marry me.

    i then got made redundant twice in the space of the last two years which put a lot of strain on her to work harder. we moved accommodation 3 months ago and then just last Wednesday she text me saying she wanted to speak.

    so basically....

    She believes that we are more friends than a couple. she said there isn't anyone else ( which i 100% believe ) but said she can imagine being with other people.

    now i am sensitive so we both got upset had a little cry but immediately felt we would both be OK if it had to be like this. i proceeded to go to sleep that night on the couch.

    30 mins later after going over things in my head she messages me from the other room asking if she thinks i can change for the better ( i was quite lazy around the house and we didn't spend a huge amount of time together ) i went through and said i would try my best. we hugged and talked for a half hour and she went to sleep as she had to be up for work early.

    now.. over the next day she seemed completely normal. we have dinner together one night and it was really nice we both had fun and great conversation, we had planned a movie night but she had been asked to go out with a friend. she asked if that was alright and i said "if you want to then of course darling".

    then between Thursday and Saturday we dont get to see each other much. On two occasions she said she would be home at 8-9pm and didn't come home until 10-11pm and went straight to bed.

    which brings us to Saturday night. she comes home at 10 and started work at 7 in the morning. we chat on the couch she gives me a kiss and says she is going to bed. i say i am coming to. we lay in bed and i begin to ask her how she is feeling. we talk about everything again and she decides that we feel more like friends.

    que my questions,

    i want to do NC but we have quite a lot of things tied together. for example joint bank accounts and my name is on the lease of the tenancy we also have a few joint debts that we were working to pay off before the split but agreed to half of it each when we ended.

    i said i wanted to get this sorted if we are officially over and she said that she didn't see the rush and does not see the need to split the accounts and that until we are fully over.

    i have insisted we spend a day to go around and sort things out.

    i was quite needy and have texted her a lot but i am on day 3 of NC now.

    here is my question. should i cancel meeting up with her on Monday ( 5 days away ) and leave it as it is for the 30 days no contact. and then use that to meet up with her after the 30 days?

    let me know your ideas

    a couple of things you might want to know about me:

    I have just gone self employed as a electrician and just over the last few days my business is jumped up.
    i am a confident person however since my last two redundancies i have been feeling quite down and a be recessed. ( i.e staying in watching tv/playing video games over going out )
    i like to think i am funny. everyone around me thinks i am funny. she loved my humour and i used to make her laugh all the time.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Jack,

      Since you're already on the no contact rule, perhaps you could let her know that now is not a good time to meet and say that you need some space to yourself first if things are going to be officially over. This also gives both parties some room to see if the 'friends' outlook was caused by her being too comfortable around you - since passion inevitably slows down after some time into the relationship. At the end of the NC period, then sit down and talk to her and both of you can come to a final decision from there.

      Reply
    • Jack

      Ryan ( sorry i thought there was only a kevin :L ),

      my issue is that she is determined she still loves me but isn't in love with me.
      i know my feelings about her and i know when we were back in the first 3-4 years we were great.

      i want to bring that spark back when i finally do arrange to see her, i know i need to evaluate my inner self to find those reasons as to why the passions gone.

      i left her the rented flat and moved back to my parents house. she was gutted that i was leaving but my confusion as to why we were doing this made me constantly text her asking what is going on.

      i suppose as with everyone i am worried about the unknown
      what do i do if she messages me in the 30 days saying she thinks shes made a mistake?
      what if she messages me about something to do with the flat, money or bank accounts?

      i know my parts to blame in this whole mess and as i am sure you have heard before i wish i could take it back.

      Ryan, i suppose i am curious as to what shes thinking. why break up the first time and instantly retract it ?
      why after we just moved house? Why would she be acting %100 normal the day before Wednesday.

      its all so complicated :'(

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Well, no one enjoys ambiguity and that contributes to why you feel so lost and confused. The way I see it, there are two roots to your issue right now: The ambiguity of the situation and how she feels; and the lack of spark she feels from you. For the former, sometimes it can't be helped and there isn't much you can do to make the situation clearer until the other party decides to be upfront about it. For that, you'll just have to be patient and not lose your composure to 'wanting to know'. For the second reason, like you mentioned, do figure out how you get that spark back (it's never impossible) - and basically win her over again.

      If she texts you within the NC period, you're free to reply her at your discretion - but do keep it casual and to the point especially if she's asking about administrative stuff regarding the flat, money or bank accounts.

      Reply
    • Jack

      Thanks for the advice I think I’m going to delay the meeting until I’m in a better frame of mind. I feel like feelings/neediness wants her back and my brain hasn’t had any time to kick in.

      I suppose i should take a step back and accept the worst before trying for the best.

      Thank you

      Reply
    • Jack

      Bit of an updat Ryan. I told her that I didn’t think meeting on Monday was a smart idea as it was quite soon. She seemed disappointed and said how about Wednesday?

      I don’t know what to do.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Do you feel ready to meet on on wednesday? What I can suggest is to be honest with yourself and how you feel. If you feel ready, then meet her. If not, you're probably better off arranging for a later date.

      Reply
    • Jack

      I don’t think I have accepted That it’s over. I find myself thinking that maybe it will work out all the time. Part of me doesn’t want to meet her in case she says she still doesn’t want us

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      In that case Jack, give yourself the space you need. If you really want her back, use this space to work on the issues you may have had like mentioned in earlier comments.

      Reply
  • T

    Hi Kevin,

    Great website! I'm 39, she is 42. Long story short and I'll get to the major points: In a brutally honest, long term loving relationship for 13 years with a single mother living in another country. I visit her once or twice a year and talk daily through social media. Financially took care of her and her daughter up to college as well as her aging mother. Her family and friends adores me, my family disapprove due to cultural differences but I'm culturally open. We've had minor fights that we overcome over the years but they seem to get more intense as the years pass by. She ended it yesterday in what I can describe as amicable from both of us. She thinks ending it will make her happy, and I want her to be happy if that will make her happy! She wants to end it because she doesn't "feel young anymore", and I don't care about her age! Also she wants to get married and live like normal couples, but that is extremely difficult on my part as my country makes it extremely difficult to marry from her country. I would marry her if I could. She thinks I'm fun loving and don't future plan, while she is future planning and worries about the future. Its been one day now, and I think its a good time for both of us to self reflect, but I'm not sure if this one will too pass off as the previous minor fights or if this is permanent. No question in particular, but a neutral observation/comment/opinion/suggestion from you would give me clarity!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      Well, in long distance relationships, misunderstandings can happen a lot more than the typical relationship since both parties don't see each other as often and there's more room to overthink. Also when fights happen, it becomes harder to simply meet them and apologize or make up and resolve things. Perhaps, give each other a little space, and have a proper talk to her and share whatever you've written down here when both parties are in a good frame of mind. Communication is really important here as both parties don't seem to not love each other but rather, the constant misunderstandings and lack of communication cause the fights to happen.

      Reply
  • Paul

    Hi Kevin, so I have a Long Distance Relationship with my girlfriend, but for a variety of reasons we agreed on taking a break from each other, she needs space and time so we agreed on No Contact except urgent stuff and no "other people", becuase is just a break. It doesn't have a certain time limit, but as it is associated with stress and her Uni, my wild guess is that by the end of her semester (mid-December) things may cool down. She's having a tough time right now in her life in general (struggling with Uni, problems in her family, can't stand being home) and eventually our relationship kinda "freezed" her feelings... basically she lost the attraction, but not the way she feels and cares about me.

    The thing is, I can't know for sure how long this break is going to take, because even if NC is over, she may still be struggling with all of this, I guess I need to "feel her out" after NC to try and see how things are going. But what is your advice?

    One other thing, probably she's going to contact me for my birthday, do I answer her? She also said she's going to give me the tracking number of a package she's going to send me for my birthday (she already prepared it 2 months before this).

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Paul,

      Since your break up was essentially a 'break' more than a break up, I would suggest that you could still reply to her regarding your birthday. Additionally, if you want to contact her after the NC period, you should be mentally be prepared to be extra supportive of what she's going through and avoid adding more stress to her (fights, disagreements, etc) since that may result in another break or even a break up this time. Thread carefully and ease it in to show her that you can be supportive of her struggles since that's what couples do.

      Reply
  • Charisse

    I am leaving this comment because I find Kevin's daily emails really useful, and I thought he is the only one who could give me the best advice. My scenario is pretty unique(i think), and I could not find a suitable solution or suggestion anywhere, so I am here to ask for help! So here it is:

    My bf(25yrs old) broke up with me(20yrs old) a month ago. We had been dating for 1yr3months, and it's the longest relationship for both of us. We broke up not because we don't like each other, but it's because he told me he had to focus on himself. He said he always wanted to save up to buy a truck and a house. We were a long distance relationship(LA and SD), so he said he wanted to be selfish about his time and money from now on. He said he is almost halfway through 25 now, and he wants to have some change in his life. He said the breakup was a hard decision, and he considered it for quite some time. He said he gets distracted easily, and he doesn't think a relationship is good for him for now. He keeps telling me that he still likes me and that he is not talking to no other girls. I am pretty sure this is true because he gave me his logins for everything, and he really was not talking to anyone else. Anyway, after the broke up, I tried to not talk to him, but I broke the no contact rule twice. He texted and called me once after the broke up. He told me that I could call him whenever I want(what is this for? what is he thinking?) He also told me that we can hang out sometimes and do "boyfriend girlfriend thing" like hiking, going to the beach, and etc. What does he want?! I am really confused.

    After breaking up for a month, we actually spent time together at a festival this past weekend. He said he still likes me a lot, that's why he only wanted to hang out with me at the festival. He was really happy when he sees me, and he even told me that if he wants to talk to girls again, I am the next one on the list. We spent two days together, and my friend told me we were just like a couple. Honestly, this weekend we were as if we went back to the time when we first started dating. Everything was sweet and cute... He even said that he was gonna come see me next week. But....

    Today, he started replying me on snapchat, which he hasn't done since the breakup. But then later I asked him whether he could give us one more chance since we had a great time(I know I screwed up). He was silent... He said he was perfectly fine when he was focusing on himself. He was saving up, going to the gym, eating healthy, and sleeping early. He said he wants to crush his goals. He said relationship is too much pressure for him... And now he said he's not coming up this week anymore..........

    What should I do? I am between giving up on us and trying for one last time. I'm mentally tired. :'(
    Thank you really much for reading my comment. I really need some help!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Charisse,

      To better help you understand the context of a male, you have to know that there are strong internal obligations and a sense of responsibility most males will feel and go through at a certain age where he starts thinking about his future. That's not to say that he doesn't love you but right now, his priorities and focus can't be on you because he feels that the obligation to fulfill his duties come first. It may be possible to convince him that you can support him on his decision and that you'll be able to wait for him while he works on improving himself, but it definitely won't be easy. Moreover, I feel that since he's working hard to improve himself, you should do the same, so that you too are able to grow as a person.

      Reply
  • Abigail Johnson

    Hi Kevin,

    My ex broke up with me 5-weeks ago. We were in a relationship for 4-years. A healthy, strong,loyal, loving. respectful relationship. We lived together and were planning and implementing steps for our future. To say I was blindsided is an understatement. He loved me more than anything - I just didn't/don't understand.

    During the 5-Weeks, I have had to contact him - moving out, separating bank accounts etc. Basic admin. But I have always been the one to reach out. I have also made the fatal mistakes of contacting with "long messages". I found out that he is "talking" to another girl he works with. They were talking a week after we split. She is the exact, polar opposite of me in every single way and also about 6-years younger. A young, care-free, easy girl. My ex is not the type for casual hookups and they fact they talk a lot makes me think its more.

    The reason he said he broke up with me was to "find himself" and just be on his own. He has been in relationships(long term) since he was 16(he is now 30). Three - One after the other.So it baffles me as to how he could be with someone so quick. I have confronted him about it(fatal mistake, I know) and he says he is still single, he just enjoys talking to her and her company and he assured me it was not the reason for the breakup. He was always loyal - I do believe this(even if I sound silly). I am not sure now what the nature of their relationship is.

    Last week, I have deleted all means of communication with him. I deleted his phone numbers and all means of social media. It has been a week of official no contact.

    The thing is, I think he is so focused on his new girl that he is completely over me. I am not entirely sure where to go to from here. I don't know the person he is being. I feel like I don't know him at all anymore. I am in the process of working on myself and I feel good about that. I would not want to get back together until I was 100% me again(I lost myself in our relationship). But I feel like if I reach out after no-contact it will be me, once again, reaching out.

    Do I just focus on myself, having a good time with friends and be the best me and wait for him to contact me again?

    I do want him back but I would want him back on different terms. He would have to be a better person than he was(and is being). Same applies to me. However, I am not sure if this is just wishful thinking?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Abigail,

      Firstly, the relationship he may have jumped into and the reason he's so focused on it right now could be that she's a rebound for him. Regardless, as you say, even if you want to get back together with him that it should be on different terms so spend this period of time focusing on yourself and creating a better version of you. That's the least you could do for yourself and when the time comes, if you decide that you still want to talk to him again, at least you're no longer the same person you once were. As to whether he would change or not, is a entirely different story, but one that you cannot control.

      Reply
  • Nikky

    Thanks I got this site, I met a guy in April online and we had such a great connection we come from same state and have a lot in common , we live in different countries and he was planning of visiting by December, he always put me in his future plans and talked about marriage with me, I'd thought we were meant to be, I even prayed about him severally, most times I'd notice he'd say when he comes back we would have sex, if I object he gets angry, but we talk the following day and laugh over it, sometime in August he asked me to send nude pics and I politely refused, that wasn't the first time, he didn't talk with me till the following day, I called him and he disrespected me so much, called me names such as being selfish and said it wasn't compulsory we communicated everyday, and even see when he returns, I cried as he spoke to me, that did not move him,i told him to act like a Christian he claims to be and ended the call, I unfollowed him on face book, and he called on what's app, I didn't respond, he sent several messages that day, I ignored, the following day he told me he wouldn't bother me again, a week later he says hi, I responded and he gives me this cold response, after about 3weeks ,I apologized for blocking him on facebook and tell him I miss us, and he says he misses us too, following day, I try to chat him and he continued responding coldly, I told him I was only checking on him, and he says I should stop checking on him it's no longer appreciated. I told him off the following day and broke up with him, it's been almost 40days we haven't said a word to each other. Truth is I wish this didn't happen, how do I get him to contact me, I'm afraid of getting another cold response so I haven't said a word to him, his birthday is in 7days ,do I wish him happy birthday? How do I get us back together?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Nikky,

      Firstly, although you wished it didn't happen, I felt you did the right thing. You deserved to be respected as a person and if you object to doing something, your partner should respect that wish. He may be treating you coldly because he wanted something more sexual which you objected to (no wrong in that) and having said that, you may be better off finding someone who would treat you with respect and dignity. Having said that, if you still do want to be with him, I guess you could wish him happy birthday but leave it at that and see how he responds to it.

      Reply
  • Anthony

    Hi Kevin,
    My girlfriend broken up with me due to my inability to change and she was afraid of being together with me and go through all the things I had done to her. So me being an emotional wreck, I kept begging for her to come back and said that I would change this time. Which didn’t work. I started using NC for a week and I went to drunk text her and I got blocked. We had a relationship for 10 months now and I’m still having a hard time accepting it and falling to depression. Is there really no more chance for me? I gonna change for real this time.. because she’s worth it...

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Anthony,

      Try to complete the no contact period before trying anything again and if you really intend to change, show it to her with actions and not words because that will have a stronger impact.

      Reply
    • Anthony

      Thanks for the reply! Appreciated it. But is there anyway for her to unblock me? If she doesn’t, I don’t know of any ways to communicate with her after the NC.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Perhaps you could try other forms of social media (but don't make it too apparent) - if not, unfortunately, you'll have to extend that no contact period until she decides to unblock you. Trying anything else may come across as too desperate and that might scare her further away.

      Reply
    • Anthony

      Does writing a letter changing my number seems to desperate that will drive her off?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      I don't follow Anthony, do you mean writing a letter to let her know you've changed your number?

      Reply
  • Jan

    Hi, I was with a girlfriend for about 2.5 months. In September 2016 I started a 4-year drawing class in the evenings. and I got to know her from there. I never suspected it, but she started to make the first moves to let me know she liked me during last spring and summer. She was back then for instance complaining she didn't know with whom to go on holiday with, but that she probably would go alone. I then suggested we could go together, and we both liked the idea very much. We went on this holiday and the rest is history. History indeed, because she broke up 3 weeks ago. I think she said she felt a lack of love in the relationship lately, I guess I didn't always listen carefully to what her unfulfilled needs were etc, or understand her hints to talk about this. In the middle of the night we had some discussion, and I didn't feel talking there that moment as I was tired, and I just went to sleep. I think she felt hurt. The next day we both went to work, and I saw her again only a few days later during which she broke up with me. We though had a great times in the relationship too, especially during the first two months, and she said many times she experienced it the same.
    I just came across your website, which sounds like good advice, but I did made some mistakes according to your plan. I'm not texting her often, quite the contrary, but I did let her know via email 3 days ago (3 weeks after the breakup), I am thinking about her a lot, and that I would like to have a walk with her to talk about untold things. She agreed, and in her reply she didn't say anything that she's thinking about me too, but only talks about with great new things she is doing lately, and that she only has time to walk and talk with me during a few hours, next Sunday. All the other times she is busy (which she usually is not so much, because we mostly met every day before, sleeping together in either her or my apartment). Now I feel I may come across needy indeed, because I ask for a walk and talk with her because I wanted to talk about the relationship, and that I think a lot about her, she replies she wants to walk, but she only writes in the email about the fun times she has with other people and things, and that she has a tiny hole in her agenda next Sunday where we could meet. How do you think I should reply? How would you respond to this email in this situation? By the time you answered I might already responded to her that meeting next Sunday will be ok (I would not know what else to do). Any advice when I'm in that situation too?
    Sometimes I saw her in the drawing class too (this week is a holiday though), so the no contact rule was not applied. I could perhaps go much less to drawing class for a while?

    Many thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Jan,

      Since you have arranged to meet her already, go through with it but during that time, do not come across as needy or keep bringing up that you miss her. She's showing you that she's able to carry on with life and do things despite the break up and you should too. Also, don't skip your classes since you've already made the commitment there but perhaps read our post on handling work and situations where you have to see your ex.

      Reply
    • jan

      Hi Ryan,
      thanks for the good advice man.
      I still have one follow-up question though to your response: Will it be for sure the best thing to do to go through with the meeting I set? I arranged the meeting before I came across this website, and the main purpose was to say what I think what went wrong in the relationship, and how I miss her. This doesn't sound like a good idea anymore, so I wouldn't know what to talk about really on this meeting? The fact I asked for the meeting, while she's not making contact to me on her initiative for weeks already makes me needy in my opinion now. Any advice an what to talk about on this meeting, or for a reason to postpone or even decline the meeting?
      best!
      PS why not put a donate button somewhere on the site?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Jan,

      Now that I understand the context a little better, perhaps its best that you reschedule that meeting to a later date. Spend this time focusing purely on yourself for now and when you feel more ready and have made some changes to your life, then you could contact her at a later date to discuss those feelings if you still want to. The most important thing is that when you're discussing those feelings, it should be a discussion that doesn't affect you and set you back into a cycle of hurt and sadness. You could postpone the meeting by saying something cropped up or else just be vaguely honest saying that you feel both parties need time before meeting to discuss and you aren't ready to at this stage.

      ps: that's something we will consider but at the moment we do have a product that goes more in depth than the blog in helping individuals cope with their break ups

      Reply
  • Sam

    Hi kevin
    I broke up with my boy friend yesterday. And this is the 3rd time in on year. The reason behind is his laziness to take decisions in his own life. Since day one it was clear that we speak with each other in order to decide to commit officially. Since we started talking and he keeps postponing this major point. I came to ask him once if he likes me and find me good enough to commit. He answered yes but he is not ready yet to commit. I waited for him for so long till his calls disappered and his text msg became rare. Then i took my last desicion to leave him till he makes up his mind. He shocked me with his answer of me being pushy and pressured him and that he is not sure if its gonna work though he wants it. But still he is not ready and i may go ahead and break up and find other guy coz i deserve better chances.

    What shall i do?? pls advise me!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Sam,

      If you feel that you want a committed relationship but he isn't able to give you that, then it's only fair to yourself to move on and find someone who will give you what you need. Sometimes people at different stages of life have different frequencies and he may be ready to commit one day down the road but it won't be fair to both parties that you're constantly waiting indefinitely and he is pressured by you to commit.

      Reply
  • Hannah

    Hi, I hope you would be able to give some advice in my situation. I broke up with my boyfriend of 7 months over 2 months ago. The main reason for the break up for wanting to focus on his career and he didn't have time for me. The break up was a mutual decision. I did the no contact for 30 days then messaged him. He replied very nicely and also said that he misses me. I said I miss him too but left it there. We kept texting for a while and spoke on the phone once. It was very emotional for me and I think for him too. He said he was really hurt because of the break up. I told him that I still miss him and hope there would be a chance for us to get back together. He said it would be nice to catch up and also we kind of agreed a date for the meet up. When I couple of days after asked him to confirm the date he never responded. We did text a bit afterwards, he also replied to me. But then he stopped completely responding to me. Is there anything I can do to make this work?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Hannah,

      Perhaps you could talk to him to figure out what happened and why he suddenly stopped replying you?

      Reply
  • Monica

    Hi Kevin, Great advice here. Thank you. More about my situation, I'm married and have 2 small kids. My husband had an affair for over 1 year and has not let go of his "friendship" in my eyes. He just moved out. How long do you think my no contact should be? how do I handle this with small kids? my no contact will be hard considering the kids, do I tell him that i want to minimize contact or do i just start avoiding him? with the holidays approaching i'm getting cold feet on the separation. guidance is greatly appreciated. :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Monica, firstly, be strong. If he has not let go of his 'friendship' at this point, you should not give in to him and let him back. It's not fair to you or your kids. The no contact period should be done as long as required and you don't have to avoid him completely but just tell him that you feel its better for both parties if he wants to continue being involved with another person.

      Reply
    • Monica

      Thank you.

      Reply
  • Ali

    Hi, I want your advice. We were 2 years together but before that we were 4 years best friends. He ended our relationship with tears in his eyes because he was not in love anymore. He still likes me, but not enough for a relationship. He said he hoped he didn't make the mistake of his life. I was too jealous and too negative because of the situation with my parents. I was very jealous because my other ex cheated on me. I want to be more positive and since the breakup I'm working on it. I didn't text him since the breakup but he went to my sister to talk. We have a lot of common friends and we still put some snaps in our group. He said to my sister he hopes we can be back best friends like before because he still thinks I'm a wonderful woman. It's now been 2 weeks since the breakup and I didn't hear from him personnaly (instastory and snapchat in group happened). He still has my gopro and a lot of things I need...
    What do you think about it? Is there a chance for me to get back to him?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey there,

      I suggest since you have gone 2 weeks without talking to him, perhaps complete another 2 weeks to give both parties some space and to work on your trust issues before asking for your stuff back. In situations like these, its normal that the spark is lost and he ends up seeing you as a friend again because of the history you have as best friends so it's important if you want him back that the spark/passion needs to be created to allow him to see you as more than friends.

      Reply
    • Ali

      And how can I make him fall in love again with me? We met two weeks ago, he was hurt he said he still have feelings for me, but not enough for a relationship. Before being again bestfriends he want to give me the time to lose my feelings for him. We meet again in 2 weeks because we have mutual friends. After we met the first time, I wanted to continue the NC, but he texted me to ask me where I was when he saw I was at a party, he texted me for the spotify, he still has contact with my sister. But he said to his bestfriend (I still have contact with his friends) that he is over me, totally done and he wants space. Do you think there is still a chance?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      There's definitely a chance if you're patient. Right now, if you push things, he may end up walking away. I can't tell you exactly how to make him fall in love with you again, but perhaps you could think back to when you guys first got together, and how it happened and felt. If you're able to re-create those feelings, he may fall for you once more. Like I said, it's normal for long term relationships to fall out of spark because they become stagnant, hence why it's important for long term couples to continuously do things to keep the spark and not let the relationship become too boring.

      Reply
  • Annie

    I broke up with my ex in a fit of anger. I had an unhealthy tendency of doing that, but he told me that last time was the final straw. After a couple days of thinking and lots of therapy sessions. I realized that this relationship was something I truly cherished. I went back to him and asked for him to give me another chance. He said that I could move back in and prove that I could be a decent human being. But because he also gave me a limited time frame, I got desperate to prove to him that I could be better. I bombarded him with affection and constant questioning about our relationship. Finally after a week of suffering, he told me that he was done, and that it really was completely over. He said it was fine if I continue to live there as long as I don't have expectations that we get back together. He told me not to act like we are still together in front of friends. We were still sleeping together during all of this too.... He told me that he needs space and that although he loves me a lot, the stress of the relationship now outweighs his love for me. I am madly in love with him and he told me I need to live with him as a friend. How do I get him back at this point? Is it too late?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Annie,

      I don't think it's too late. However, there are issues you may need to spend time working on. At the moment, it's best you give each other some space and move out if you're able to and apply the no contact rule. By continuing to live with him at right now, you'll only constantly remind him of the bad memories since both parties have not had time to recover. Also, since you already know it's not healthy to use break ups so casually as each time you do, it'll make walking away easier on both parties, so it's something you need to work on too.

      Reply
  • Ara

    Dear Kevin,
    I Just got out of a relationship that we both took very seriously. We were crazy about each other and madly in love. We planned our futures together and thinking that all of that is out the window now is just gut-wrenching. We are currently at different colleges but I am planning on transferring quite soon. I am feeling depressed and broken now so I know when I move I will feel a bit better because I have friends at the new school. It is so hard, but after reading your steps I am aiming for the no contact rule right now. Even though after the initial breakup I did try and talk to him by the end of that week I started the no contact rule. The hardest thing for me to deal with besides not having him right now is that I feel dumb for making plans and just celebrating our anniversary.

    I am trying to stay busy with friends so I have made advanced plans with them and when I am out and about I don't feel as sad. When we were breaking up he said that it wasn't really anything I did but that he needed to build a stronger relationship with God. He doesn't think that we are part of God's plan and he needed time. That was so hard for me to hear but I am trying to respect it and give him time. Just because we aren't the same denomination, we are both Christians that have same core beliefs so I am trying to build a relationship for myself also.

    We are both in our early 20s and we were together for almost 2 years. At one point he wanted a break that lasted a week and he initially thought that breaking up would be good for him but he said he instantly knew that was not the right choice.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi there,

      It's great that you've read our blog and have a plan to establish no contact already. Since you already have a good plan, focus on that and everything will be fine. If he needs to form a closer relationship with God, it's good that you are able to give him the space he needs and respect that. This will show him you are able to respect his strong faith in his religion, which I'm guessing he's a lot more staunch than you are?

      Reply
    • Ara

      I guess we are both very into our faiths but the reason for the breakup was that he wanted to be stronger in his and really find out God's plan for him. He said he "wants" God's plan to be us but he isn't sure. He said that he is not saying we won't get back together but he is not promising we will. He has since been posting on social media seeming like he is all calm and cool. it hurts and I feel like I can go a few days being okay and then everything hits me again when I see his feed. I am having such a hard time and constantly wondering if he is too or if he thinks about me as much. I see him watching my snapchat stories and him following his previous ex that broke his heart. What could this mean? I am trying to relax and not believe my first instincts like I read in the posts after I calm down I think so much more rational. My NC for 30 days should end about Thanksgiving break when we will both be in our hometown. That's when, if I want to still, I will reach out. How does that sound?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Ara,

      That sounds good. It's great to see you follow our advice and you seem to know how to handle this well. Like you say, try not to follow your first instinct and lose your calm in the process but rather, be rational about the situation and not overthink it. During this period, try your best not to obsess over him and how he feels or thinks but just spend this time working purely on yourself.

      Reply
    • Ara

      Is there anything else I could be doing better. Do you think we might have a chance in the future. I'm trying to give him all of the time and I feel like he might start to miss me.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      In my experience, there's always a chance but it all boils down to what people do with that chance. Right now, 'God' could be a convenient excuse to use in place of the reason he may not be telling you. This is why it's important to focus on yourself and improve yourself so that if you do want him back down the road, you could make him want you back because of the changes you've made in yourself that attracts him back to you.

      Reply
  • John

    Hi Kevin, I was in a relationship for 6 months and my girl saw a message on my phone of me flirting with another girl but I never cheated and she knows this. Before we started the relationship, she told me once she cant trust, she cant date so she broke off immediately after the incident. All through the relationship, I was the person more in love and I know she liked me a lot but not as much as I loved her. This is the reason why I think she is really gone. I begged, cried, and got used as a doormat (even sexually) but she didn't take me back. I have decided to establish the NC rule (4 days and counting). The problem is we live together and I am lucky to be away for work but I move back home in 3 weeks. How do I continue the NC rule? Do I need to move out? What happens if she doesn't respond positively after the NC? Do i give up & move on? Confused. At what point do I give up?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      hey John,

      It seems in your case, perhaps use this 3 weeks to apply no contact. When you return, you can initiate re-contact to see how it goes. If she does not respond positively, then it may be a better idea to move out so that you'll be able to move on too. The no contact rule and moving on may give you a fresher perspective to see how things could possibly mend situations (should you still wish for it further down the road)

      Reply
  • Lam

    Hi Kevin, can you provide some help of building the relationship after NC in order to keep it permanently? After NC, we talked about what's wrong with the previous relationship (Yes, we talked logically, not just blaming each other). We don’t share much common interest, hobbies even time table so it was a hard time when we are in relationship. We both tried to make some changes to cater to each other but it is not working.. We know in the deep of our heart we are loving each other so much so we talked about the break up reason, both we think we are not the perfect one and we deserve a better partner…. So we are doing some push/pull behavior recently and I start to think about should I just let her go and never look back. I know it sounds crazy but we have been 8 years and loving each other so much. I don’t know what’s wrong in this relationship and I think we are willing to do some changes to improve it if needed… Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Leon,

      Every relationship has different circumstances to it and most often, the changes/compromises that need to be made, you guys will be better aware of it than anyone else. If it's a problem with schedules, perhaps see how you guys can have a common understanding on when to meet during your free time, etc. If it's communication issues, sit down and talk things out to come to a consensus on how you address misunderstandings and fights.

      Reply
  • Joy

    My ex left me about 3 weeks ago, after I had left to Argentina for two weeks for a study abroad program. When I came back, we celebrated with family and the next day spent the day together happily. We even talked about getting a dog together and we slept together. Suddenly, the next day, he came back LATE from work in the morning (he worked graveyard) and said that he wanted to break up..We were together for nearly four years and had recently moved in together into our first apartment alone. I tried to talk to him and convince him to try and work on our relationship but he wouldn't give me a straight answer as to why he wanted to break up and was not really interested in working it out. He kept saying that he was happy being single while I was gone, then He said that he was tired of arguing but we hadn't argued in a very long time, then he said that the relationship was hard work and he was tired of trying. This was a day long event and for a second there he said he would work it out even though he knew he wasn't going to change his mind. The worst part was when I tried to kiss him and he would close his eyes and close his mouth tightly as if he was grossed out by me..After a day of trying to work things out, I had asked him if it was because he wanted to see other people and he finally admitted and said yes. After that, I packed all my stuff up and left immediately.

    A week later, I was dying to hear from him and talk to him to once again try and work it out. When we spoke, he seemed happy. And he then proceeded to tell me that he had been talking to someone from work. I'm not stupid, and I know that these things don't "suddenly" just happen.. I'm sure he had been talking to her for a while. I found out that he had already had sex with her and it just broke my heart..The worst part of it was that he would always joke around and tell me that I would one day be a nurse and leave him for another nurse or doctor. And sure enough he was the one to leave me for another nurse...
    I love him so much, aside from this incident, he has always been a great person and boyfriend to me and I don't want to lose him. I guess I just want to know if he is really done with me. He told me that he will always love me but because we spent 4 years of our lives together, not because he is IN love with me anymore.. I know that ever since I started nursing school it has been difficult. I have had to rely on him a lot and it has been emotionally draining. But we had always worked it out.
    I just need to know what to do...I want him back. I just need to know if I have a chance in being able to..

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Joy,

      If the break up seemingly happened so sudden, it might have been on his mind for awhile now? In this case, there's nothing you should do at this point to try and chase him back because it'll only backfire on you. I can't say that there's a 100% chance to get him back, but what I can suggest is that you take this time to apply the no contact rule with him in order to work on yourself. Improve yourself as a person and recover from the devastation first. When that is over, assess the situation (and yourself) again before deciding if it's something you want to go for.

      Reply
  • Amit Bhatt

    Dear Sir/Madam,

    Please go through below situation with my ex. And suggest me what should I do now. I will follow all what you will suggest.

    my girlfriend who is my brother’s sister in law. we are in a deep love from 3 years. my age is 33 and her age is 22. she is in acting field. and myself is a service person earning good. problem is that we both have talked about our relationship to family members. after that all fortunately agreed. and then they decided to complete the ring ceremony. but my X refused to got engaged as she is in acting field. she told to wait for more 2 years. after that I told her that dont worry you continue your study. but one day suddenly what happened to her I dont know, she decided not to marry with me any more. I tried to convince her what is the problem and she told me that I want to focus on my carrier now. I dont want to repeat this type of mistakes again.
    I tried to convince that you focus on your carrier no problem but why are you ending our relationship? but she is refusing all these. She has now carrier only in her mind. she is talking with me daily but with no feelings. and if I tell her to meet she refusing to meet me. but she is talking with me daily in normal way. She calls me, message me daily and also telling me that I have seen many dreams with you but all are now be a dreams only ..she has decided in her mind that she has a long carrier and I can't marry right now.
    How to change her mind .

    What should I do to get her back.

    I have started no contact rule and on 5th day of no contact time she contacted me but I have not talked to her. After that she daily sending messages to me but I have not replied. But on 13th day of no contact rule she messaged me that I have some work and unfortunately I have broke the no contact rule and talked to her. In that conversation she told me that merry another girl. If you love me truly than please merry other girl. And I was telling her that I am not able to live without her. I dont want any other girl. But she is telling that you are not able to understand me. I have then stopped talking to her again.
    So now what to do I dont understand. what should I follow now.
    Should I continue no contact or should I talk to her?
    Please help me.

    I am ready to do all the things you suggest to me but please help me in this matter .
    If I could talk to you on phone then please provide me the number , I will call you .

    Regards
    Amit Bhatt.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Amit,

      Perhaps right now, you should give her space and time. If her career is something she wants to focus on at the expense of her relationships, it is her choice to make and if you pressure her otherwise, she might feel resentful towards you one day. She might have told you to marry someone else because she didn't want you to wait indefinitely but unless you find out if that's the reason for sure, it's only my speculation. You should continue with the no contact for now until you feel like you're emotionally stable before contacting her again, but more so as friends first before anything else.

      Reply
    • Amit Bhatt

      Thanks for your quick response and suggestions Team,

      Right now she is not talking to me. No messages, no calls, and I also have stopped talking.
      So should I tell her in text message that you I understand why the breakup happened and have realized that it was for the best. and then continue to no contact rule?
      Or I should not do anything and continue No contact Rule.
      Kindly suggest what to do?
      Regards,
      Amit.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Amit,

      Complete the no contact period first before telling her that as the effect of it right now may not be very strong due to the recency of events.

      Reply
  • Joan

    Hi, so I have been with my current ex for about 2yrs now. We have had major and petty issues and all seemed like we got bored and have brought out the worst in ourselves.
    Ever since, I have been trying to bring us back together. Tried talking, tried texting and have been begging endlessly but all to no avail. We have been very supportive Every inch of the way with financial support and material support as well.
    She lives with me and this has been difficult to find closure with the relationship.
    Please what do I do, about the way I feel because i Cannot focus on anything and this is affecting my physical and mental health.
    She made me realize that I am the major cause and I have been apologizing and hoping we work things out but it's not happening.
    Should I leave the house to other state without telling her where I'm going to and establish the no contact rule? Because living together as ex's and having no communication may further cause issues.
    I don't intend to give her up anytime soon, I want her back.
    Please your advice is highly required.
    Seeing her everyday is not helping me find closure and further makes me look weak and needy because I can't but break down and cry and try helping her to do things and end up begging her.
    Meanwhile, her fear is that we might end up doing the same very things that has been causing our repeated fights and breakup. But I'm promising not to be that annoying anymore and would like to make her see me for me because I realized I came into this relationship with a lot of hurt.
    My current fear is ....? maybe she has moved on, maybe she is interested in someone else or she never loved me from the beginning. Tell me how best to either move on or win her back.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Joan,

      You don't have to move to another state but yes, perhaps moving out would be the best solution, not only for her, but for you too. Right now, you're both too caught up in the ongoing emotions and you can't recover if you're constantly reminded of her. Also, she won't be able to see you in a different light because you're crying and begging in front of her and it'll make you look weak. If you want to convince her that you've changed, you actually have to show it and not just say it, which takes time and space to change her mind set.

      Reply
    • Joan

      Thanks for the response but please explain to me how best to go about this.
      Do I move out temporarily or permanently?. When I move, do I still establish the No contact rule? Do I need to explain to her when and why I'm moving? And if I'm moving temporarily, how long is enough time before I return? And if you advice I show her I have changed do I stay back here to prove that?
      I am afraid of loosing her and I do not want my absence or my presence to Futher worsen the problem.
      I look forward to your response, thank you.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Joan,

      As you guys have broken up, I think you should move out with a mindset that's more permanent than temporary. Whatever that happens after should be a bonus, not an expectation. Establish the no contact rule from then on, and work on improving yourself. You could tell her that your moving out is because you want to take the time and space to work on your issues and on creating a better version of yourself. From past records, people don't worsen the problem by creating some distance. She won't forget your either so soon.

      Reply
  • Samuel El Santo

    We are broken up, but I love her and funny enough she loves me too, but she's now sharing social media affections to another guy but still shows me love and care. But doesn't want to get back together an also, I have tried to stay away but she still comes back in my life once in awhile and its so difficult to let go because I truly love her even though we're not together, but what she's doing with the guy still keeps hurting. I don't want to lose her cause I mean to spend the rest of my life with her but she's being over affectionate with another guy more than she has ever been with, and making me feel all we shared was fake and based on lies like she's confused. She all of a sudden asked me "WHAT MAKES ME SO SURE THAT WE ARE MEANT FOR EACH OTHER OR IF SHE'S THE RIGHT GIRL FOR ME" Please what do I do to win her back, to prove to her she's the one. And am the guy for her. Please??

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Samuel,

      Perhaps the guy she is being affectionate with is a rebound for her. It may hurt but right now you can't do anything about them. What you can do however, is to give yourself some space and work on self improvements so that if a second opportunity presents itself, you are able to make a move on it, without any previous baggage from the last break up.

      Reply
  • Sam Gibson

    Hey Kevin

    I was wondering if you could help me

    My GF (18) dumped me (18) 2 months ago because she sudddenly just stopped “feeling it” and just feels like She “needs to be alone at the moment” and that she sees me more as a friend than a boyfriend, that she can't see a future with me at the moment but that she wishes she could have those feelings towards me. She also said she doesn't want to lead me on at all. We had been dating for 6 months and all was well. At this time of year we are both in our last year of high school and she is aiming for a perfect score so is incredibly busy and stressed, and after school finishes in one months time she will be travelling with her family abroad for another 2 months. I was NC for 21 days and a week ago I sent my first text message, I started and ended the conversation quickly and two days later I started it up again however I only received two replies off of her before she stopped replying. I was just wondering about how I could best deal with this situation? As I'm all out of ideas.

    Reply
    • Sam Gibson

      Hey Ryan

      So your saying there's absolutely nothing at all that I can do? And that I should just give up? Like I know it sounds bad, but I'm not ready to just throw in the towel and give up that easily. Besides completely ignoring her again and hoping that in a few months time she changes her mind, is there anything at all I can do?

      Cheers Sam

      Reply
    • Tim

      Sam I was in a relationship with a woman I was madly in love with for 14 years our relationship was awesome at first and after we had our son she got really stressed out and we tried for 12 years to work it out and it just doesn’t sometimes. I hate to say it and I still love her but I had to give up on a 14 year relationship after we separated for 7 months. I was torturing myself trying to earn her back needless to say sometimes it for the best.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Sam,

      Ultimately for a relationship to work out, it still takes two hands to clap. Human emotions are a tricky thing as even though you may perform all the black and white guidelines perfectly, if she completely shuts you down or doesn't reply to you, there really isn't much you can do, short of getting desperate and pressuring her (which many people end up doing) and we all know how that will turn out. This is why I suggested giving it more room, and letting her grow a little before you come back into her life. Some game plans take a month to fulfill but unfortunately, some awhile longer. Having said that, I'm not telling you to just give up, but rather use this time to focus on yourself instead. She may just end up seeing you in a different light.

      Reply
    • Sam Gibson

      Hey Ryan I just feel like if I dont start building up rapport again soon and leave it, it'll be a couple of months before I next get the opportunity and that by then she will have completly moved on and that it will be to late. And I know I'm going against your advice here, but if I was to message her again soon is there a way I can do it without coming off as desperate?
      Ps: I have been using the last 2 months to improve on myself and have made a lot of significant life changes in order to better myself, but I feel like there's no way of me conveying that to her.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Sam,

      You'd be surprised by what time can do for a person. That's why there are many cases where people get back together even after years apart. Sometimes, both parties need to change in order to see each other in new light and change takes time. I'm not saying that it's impossible but I would rather you mentally prepare to move on than to linger around with potentially false hope.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Sam,

      As much as you may not want to hear this, but some feelings can't be forced. I suggest continue with the no contact rule so as to give her more space because if she stopped 'feeling it' all of a sudden, your presence back in her life this soon won't change it. Ultimately 18's a young age and because you're both still growing emotionally and figuring out what you guys want, it's best to perhaps let her figure it out.

      Reply
  • Kylie

    So My boyfriend broke up with me because he needs to focus on himself. He got very depressed and developed low self-esteem. We’re at different colleges right now and his first time being at a real college, and it’s hard to adjusting and things haven’t been the way he’s wanted it to there. Which sucks because I went through different schools and went through the same depression/lost thing and still stuck by his side and I’m always there for him in general. He has been going through a lot of changes in his life, and he’s been distant and angry lately. We have faced many problems because of it and I was always willing to work on our problems as a team. He says he needs time and space to work on himself. He said he can't be happy with me if he's not happy with himself. And that every time he tries to fix things, he keeps on hurting me and he can’t do that anymore. He also told me it has nothing to do with me and it’s his fault. But i don’t get why he’s pushing me away and he kept telling me he doesn’t want this to be like this and will talk to me eventually and how much he loves me but I am hurting and it’s affecting me I’m devastated and don’t know what to do. I know that he cares about me, but right now he’s really numb to everything. I gave him the right to make the decision of whether to be with me or walk away, and I told him I'm fine with either one (even though I'm really not ), and he decided to walk away. And he promised he wouldn’t do this but he deleted some of our pics from Instagram I just don’t get what I did to deserve that if he even said it was him not me.

    I have read a lot about people getting their ex boyfriends back using no-contact and was wondering if it works because that’s all I can do right now. I started the "No contact" rule and I try to keep myself busy and do new activities and surround myself with friends, but I miss him like mad, and I just want him back in my life. What if he just forgets about me if I don’t contact him anymore?!! And I’m terrified he’s just gonna go be with other girls, he’s not really that type and said he wouldn’t but how would I know. I’m very confused and so deeply hurt and need advice. I just don’t want this to be permanent and really want him to come back.

    Reply
    • Christine

      Hi kylie, I have the same situation as you. And we broke up this October 2017. The first few weeks were hard. We still talked at first but he was going distant and so I didn't contact him anymore. We had a talk about how he will reach out to me when he's okay and i'm also okay but I'm not sure if I can really trust him on that. I'm also scared he might forget me and move on in the process of fixing himself. He already deleted our pictures together in IG but not on FB. I don't know why because those were good memories. And I'm really hurt by that. I'm really crushed. How long do you think before your ex boyfriend fixes himself? For me, I think it will take a minimum of 1 year before he's okay. Do you have any updates on your situation?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Kylie,

      The fear you have about him forgetting you is quite justified as many people have the same fear. However, just like how people jump into relationships without taking time to figure out if it'll work or not, this too requires a similar mentality: having faith. I agree with your boyfriend's logic that if he isn't even happy with himself, how can he expect to make you happy? Applying the no contact rule right now would be appropriate as it would give him that space to work on himself. Give it some time before talking to him again.

      Reply
  • Antonio

    Honestly can you tell me that someone got back with their ex and then ended up to be with him/her forever? Are they happy. I want to know if this whole thing is even happening or it's just something to cheer us up in our times of grieve.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Antonio,

      I can say with confidence that we have had many cases of people getting back together following these rules but you also have to be realistic that sometimes, it doesn't work out. Ultimately when dealing with two human emotions, there are a lot of variables at play besides what you see in black and white. Having said that, our page is meant to guide people out of heartbreak and grief and to focus on personal recovery - and using that new found confidence and outlook to either try to chase their ex back, or move on, depending on where their perspective stands at.

      Reply
  • Syn/Adrian

    Dear Kevin!

    So my girlfriend broke up with me 2 months ago, because she told me that she 'doesn't like me anymore'. We are classmates and now it's really painful to see her everyday because i still love her.

    I tried to let her go but i couldn't, I tried to get her back in my own way in September but it didn't work out. So i checked your page for some hope and now i'm following the plan I'm in the no contact period right now.

    I feel like she stil misses me but both of us show a fake(at least i think it's fake) happy side. In September it was always me trying to engage chatting and talking so it was really one sided.

    Now she doesn't even look at me nor says hi. And she doesn't let anyone close to her.

    Nov 6th is her birthday and then will I make my move and start building trust/attraction again. I'm trying to accept the fact that we won't necessarily be again together, but deep in my heart i know that she is my true partner, and I'm not just missing her or feeling depressed.

    I know that it look pretty hopeless I mean she would probably look for me if she would love me but I'm simply too stubborn to let my love go away.

    Also she told me 2 minor reasons other than the 'love is over' reason but I could've changed. And she didn't tell me her problems, just the conclusion it's over.

    Syn/Adrian
    Thank you Kevin, please reply! :)

    PS: We also had a short breakup in June(2 days long), but then i talked to her and we got back together again. So we had 2 breakups and I know it looks stupid to try again but yeah I'm a stubborn guy in love so you know. :)

    And also sorry for my english, I'm still learning the language. :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Adrian,

      You seem to have this quite figured out. Now all you need is the confidence to carry it through and remember to never be pushy even if you want to be together with her again or if you want answers. Take it step by step following what you have already planned out and when you have gained her trust again, perhaps that is when you could find out why the relationship ended and see if there are things that could be done to get back together.

      Reply
    • Adrian

      Thank you for replying!
      I am just kind of scared that she won't give me another chance.
      And she moved over.

      Reply
  • crushed inside

    I started dating a childhood friend whom I have kept up with over the years. He was EVERYTHING I every wanted. We had a whirlwind two weeks of dating with him being affectionate, calling, texting, multiple times every day. We went out too. He talked about marriage. No sex. I went away to visit friends for a week and when I got home, he said he wasn’t ready for a relationship. I was floored. I allowed myself to be vulnerable because I knew him. It’s been a week and I am devastated. I sent a text saying I miss him and that was it. He won’t respond. It’s like I did something to him while I was gone... I don’t understand. He ended it before we even started. I want another shot at seeing what can happen. Is that realistic?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey,

      Sometimes when there's intense amount of affection and passion for each other on a daily basis, people get so caught up in it that the moment it stops (even if nothing actually happened), those feelings go away. I'm sorry to be the one to say that but if you're still serious about him, try to have a talk with him and if he doesn't respond, you should focus on moving on too.

      Reply
  • Karen

    Hi Kevin, I realize this may sound plain hopeless, but here goes: I met someone online and we had a short lived affair that lasted for about one month. We’d talk on the phone every day for hours and we’d virtually exchange thoughts, jokes and bodily fluids. It was exciting, it was humorous, an emerging source of happiness and butterflies. It grew into something larger than pillow talk entertainment. The absence of physicality didn’t make me feel any less loved, or any less vulnerable. I fell in love abruptly and he admitted to the same wavelength. We admitted to a very intimate romantic connection and made a lot of plans to be together. At the time we started talking we were in different cities, but as he will be back here in one month , we decided together to meet and make it a real life story. Then we had a shitty fight after which he "removed" his desire to relationship from the equation and eventually me from his contacts list (blocked me). I don’t know how this happened. Things just took a strange turn of the screw and we discarded each other in ways that painfully contradict the whole anatomy of our infatuation.
    My mind desperately spins re-reading our conversations like a broken turntable. I try to go back to the very first “Hello” but I burst into tears half way through, somewhere between a ceremonial “I promise to take care of you and respect everything that’s important to you” and an easy going “I love your morning elegance”. I know I must have hurt him, and he’s hurt me back so terribly that I backfired with much less diligence than I had in mind. People will say what they want to say. They may call me naive, reckless, missing an inch of a self esteem or spiralling slowly into a case of madness. They may suggest dangerous outcomes for my falling in obsession or magical thinking. I can be a fool. It doesn’t bother me as much as being a hermit had bothered me in the past. I am so glad to be alive. I am so grateful to feel and experience both the beauty and the misery of this story. We are both artists and perhaps too stubborn and crazy. I know very well what I felt and still feel, but it hurts for someone to take back their love like that. So, move on forever or try to actually meet this person in real life when they finally arrive back in my town? Thanks for the answer, whatever it may be :)

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Karen,

      If you are serious about him, perhaps you could try to meet him still when he comes down to have a talk but provided you have a means to contact him. If not, then it might be best to focus on moving on since the long distance will continue to play an excruciating part of the relationship.

      Reply
    • Karen

      Thank you for the advice, Ryan. I would feel terribly sorry not to ever meet him at least. I have his phone, but don't plan to call for at least until two days before he comes here. Long distance would not be a necessary outcome, because he expressed availability to remain in my town for an undetermined time in case the relationship would have taken off (he is not location fixed). How do you think it's best to approach this? What should I say on the call in order to make this date happen?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      If you're really keen to meet him, perhaps you could tell him that since he's came all the way here and despite how things turned out, you guys did talk about meeting up. So why not just fulfill that by maybe grabbing a cup of coffee nearby?

      Reply
  • Miranda

    My boyfriend and I broke up two weeks ago. I was trying to follow the no contact rule but failed. My ex boyfriend and I broke up on great terms and understanding what he and I need to work on. He has responded to all of my texts calmly, sweetly and reassuringly but very straight to the point in what he wants. He wants me to gain some self confidence and learn to trust. We hung out once since we broke up and it was not awkward. We hung out for 4 hours for my birthday without hooking up. He said that maybe in time we can make things work. I am a very insecure women and I am going to start counseling to help with all of my internal battles from a past relationship. My ex and I have been together for more than two years and this is the second time we’ve broken up.
    I am 31 and he is 28 but he is an old soul.
    I want to know that all the reassuring that he is doing is for real and I’m not getting my hopes up. We both still tell eachother we love one another, when we text and we still think about one another. Is this false hope? Or is this the space we need to really be together again for good and be in a strong relationship?
    What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Miranda,

      As cliche as this may sound, sometimes coming apart will allow things to come together better than before. In this case, you know your ex better than anyone else and that includes his possible intentions. If you feel deep down that he does love you and still wants to be together with you, I suggest that you take this time to actually work on your insecurities so that when you guys come back together, the relationship will be stronger than before.

      Reply
    • Miranda

      Should I apply the no contact rule? Or just go with the flow in this case?
      And since he was so honest in what he wants, do I date inbetween us trying to work on ourselves? Or give it some time before I even think about going out and meeting new guys?
      Thank you for your advice!

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Miranda,

      There's no set rule that you cannot date again. I first suggest you have one last honest talk with him to see where you guys stand right now. From there, if the decision is to take a break, apply the no contact rule to work on yourself. The whole point of the no contact rule is to give both parties space and to be able to see from a fresh perspective. Sometimes, if that means you're open to dating other people, then that's good. However, I won't recommend jumping into dates just for the sake of filling an empty void as that will lead to rebound relationships. It ultimately depends on what your goal is.

      Reply
    • Miranda

      I spoke to him about what he wants one last time. He said he wants to be alone for awhile. He loves me and we have so much love that we can have another shot at it, as long as there is change. But he needs space and we both need to grow up. I applied the no contact rule like you stated. But he said he doesn’t want to hold me back from dating but selfishly he wants me to. He’s not interested in anyone or interested in dating around. But I’m at the point of, do I don’t date and take these 30 days for myself and work on me or do I get myself back out there. I don’t want to hurt my chances because I do love him and I can honestly see us getting back together in the future.

      Reply
  • Susana Dodge

    Hi, so me and my ex dated for about 10 months but the relationship was very intense. We were madly in love for the first period but then due to my insecurities he began to feel insecure in the relationship. I questioned him, and the relationship many times and even broke up with him unintentionally and hurt him, although the last thing I wanted was to break up. This led to him questioning me and needing space. He broke up with me about two months ago and said he needed to move on and could not handle a relationship in this period of his life (we are both juniors in college) I have waited and he has contacted me but I don’t think he plans on getting back together. I can’t seem to get over him and I want another chance but I recently told him I needed him away from my life completely and that he should not contact me anymore. We are going to talk in person tonight and I am not sure if I should tell him to stay away from me for good so I can get over him or if I should ask him for another chance. I am sure he is the love of my life and I can’t imagine my future without him, but I am also in a lot of pain since the breakup.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Susana,

      I hope that talk went well. What did you decide to say? Regardless, I feel that perhaps some space right now would be good as you focus on college and working on your insecurities. Even if you ask for another chance now and get back together, you would still end up at the same outcome if the insecurities have not been worked on.

      Reply
  • Marie

    Hi Kevin. Long story short is I was in a 14 year relationship with my ex husband. He split 3 years ago and I started to dating my recent ex two years ago. I dated a few inbetween my ex husband and my recent ex boyfriend.
    My ex boyfriend however has never had a long term relationship. I was his longest relationship and so it was hard to go through our fights because he didn’t know what to expect or what to do at times. We had more happy times then sad. We were thinking about settling down together. He met my kids and I met his whole family.
    However the catch is, I’m very insecure. I can’t trust. I am not an unattractive women and I have a lot going for me but my biggest fear is having the relationship I had with my ex husband repeated in a new relationship.
    Since my ex boyfriend and I broke up, I have started therapy to learn to trust, I’ve started to go to the gym to help the confidence in myself and I’ve started pushing myself at work to get a raise. But at the end, my goal is to be with him.
    We have spoken a few times since we broke up and he has mentioned that he hasn’t considered getting back together with me just yet, he loves me, thinks about me still always. He said he wants to get to a point where we can hang out without trying to hook up with one another. But he always says that’s he wants to get back together but changes need to happen in his life and in mine for us to work completely.
    I just don’t want to hang on to something that might not be there or read too much into what he says to me. He is a very honest guy and majority of the time, what he says he means.
    What should I do?
    We’ve been broken up for 3 weeks now.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Marie,

      Since he wants some time to work on himself, I guess its good that you do too. It's a good sign that you know he loves you and that he wants things to change on both your parts before attempting a relationship again. Also, since you say he is an honest guy, that would probably mean he isn't saying all these just to pacify you. Perhaps apply the no contact rule to give both parties some space to figure out what they want and for some time to change to happen before trying again.

      Reply
    • Marie

      Do I date inbetween this space apart? Or do
      I solely just try to work on myself and bring me back to happy state?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Marie,

      Definitely work on yourself and bring yourself back to a happy state. If you're ready to date during this period, I don't see why not, but don't jump into one that comes along as that'll mean you're going through a rebound relationship and not because you're genuinely interested in the person.

      Reply
  • David

    Hi, I've recently broke up from a 4.5 month relationship which was at times very intense. She is a single mother with a 12 year old daughter, living in a studio type place with her daughter and no privacy. She has openly admitted to a difficult childhood herself, a marriage where she moved from Russia to Estonia because of becoming pregnant and then married due to pressure from her ex's mother. That relationship ended after period of abuse and start of counselling which she has continued for a number of years since.

    I myself had almost 4 years without anything serious after a 6 year relationship. Meeting her was out of the blue and at a time when I had started to think that I would not have or want my own family. I am in a good place career wise and unwittingly most likely created an imbalance in the relationship and some co-dependance by providing for her and her daughter, whether it be with new bike, clothes, a holiday, old study fees which prevented her from carrying on her studies this year and having hope of a career/future afterwards. I thought at the time I was doing the right thing to create a safe and stable environment which they seemed missing.

    After a few emotional arguments, she shows many signs of someone with Border Line Personality disorder, she constantly put me down in public and on our own said I needed to be more open in my emotions. I began working on these, journaling and talking with her. But after 4.5 months of devotion from me she said she didn't feel love from me, and after that public showing at a restaurant with her daughter also present I left and have not spoken or contacted each other for the past 8 days.

    Also whilst on holiday, I inadvertently checked her phone messages and she caught me, this was done because of some of the things she said during arguments and the fact I knew she was still in contact with a guy who was trying to get with her whilst we were out at a club together. I just wanted to know at the time it was nothing of threat and know I should have spoken to her but because of her wild mood swings I instead unplanned checked her phone when it was left open in front of me.

    She's walked into my life and made me want to have my own family and be part of someone elses life again, I sincerely love her, not I need to know if it is worth retrying in a month or so.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey David, given what she has been through, having certain issues develop over the years is not uncommon. That said, it is important to note too that if you decide to get back together with her, that you have to be prepared to face whatever issues that may happen again. Perhaps right now, some space is needed for both parties and I understand that it may be difficult to show 'love' when someone is putting you down in public or showing extreme mood swings. You have to figure out if she is the right one for you.

      Reply
  • Phillip

    Hi Kevin,
    My girlfriend broke up with me a week ago saying that she likes me but felt like it didn't go anywhere and that she expected commitment. I kinda understand that because I was trying so hard not to be pushy or needy and it seems that I have overdone it, but in fact I also wanted things to get more serious and I wanted commitment. For me it seemed too early to get to a conclusion of that sort since we dated for only 2 months. I was just starting to make plans on how to make things better in the future but I was maybe too late.
    What do you think I should do? We haven't spoken this past week and I kinda want to tell her that things were in fact going in the right direction but still I don't want to be needy or look like I am desperate.

    Thanks a lot.
    Phillip.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Phillip,

      since it was kind of a misunderstanding on both your feelings, maybe it would be good to have an honest talk with her about it and see how she takes it. If that doesn't work because she rejects all advances at this point, perhaps give her some space first and apply the no contact rule before attempting again to talk to her.

      Reply
    • Phillip

      Do you think I should tell her this now or wait a a little bit more ? Also any advice on how do I approach the contact what should I say how do I start? Even though I played it cool I am still scared to come out as a depressed needy person (stuff from the past I am not proud of). I just want an honest talk.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Given the circumstances, I'd recommend just casually bringing it up and see if she is willing to hear you out. Maybe drop her a text or a call and ask if she's free for coffee. If she says no, then it would be better to hold your thoughts and do the no contact rule first in order to give her some space for the meantime.

      Reply
    • Phillip

      Hello again,
      It's been a while since I've messaged here. Following this article I can say that I am feeling much better and a bit more confident about contacting my ex. I don't wanna rush it we still haven't talked but I have a sense from one of my ex's friends that she is asking about me but I am not sure. Is that a good thing or not I dont know. I show myself as a very positive guy in front of everyone and even though I miss my ex I truly am feeling better. The thing is as before I dont know how to start texting again and not look like a needy desperate guy I just wanna play it cool and even though I have an idea in mind I am scared that I would mess it up. I want her to be excited to hear from me in a while and hopefully start asking some questions herself and after a while I would bring up the break up situation but I will say that I am sorry that it haven't worked out since I wanted something serious but I am sure we will find happiness in life somewhere else. Do you think I should say that and make a move like that? Any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.
      Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Phillip,

      It's great to hear that you're feeling much better! I can sense that you have a good idea about what you want and all I can say is to have some confidence in yourself when trying to follow through with your plans. If she has been asking around about you, perhaps she would be excited to hear from you too. Lastly, the 'moving on' part really depends on what your goal is - to be with her or not. If you still want her back, then it's best not bring this topic up but treat her how you would when chasing a new girl.

      Reply
  • Al

    Sounds good! And ill definitely work on myself, but one more thing, so last time we talked she got really mad, and was like "do i need to turn into a hoe for you to realize theres no chance for us right now" so that was my wakeup call to stop, and a couple days before she unfriended me on Facebook and snapchat, but not on instagram, so she sees what i post, but she turned really cold and shes told me that she started dating other guys, but she doesnt want a relationship, just free food haha, but besides all that, a mutual friend of ours that helped us get together in the first place told me that she said shes sleeping with someone else, and that made me feel real bad and doubt all this, but i dont know what to believe, she might just have said that to push me to give us space? Its really hard to understand everything..., thank you for your advice!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey, well even if she is sleeping with someone else right now, you would have to accept the fact that you guys have broken up and what she does is ultimately not your business (I'm sorry to put it so bluntly) but it could also be that she is currently in the rebound phase which you could read up more on one of our articles. Regardless, right now your priority should be in recovering and improving yourself during the no contact period as a person so that when you do initiate recontact, she would be able to see you in a different light.

      Reply
  • Samson

    Hi Kevin, I am doing no contact with my ex. However, my mutual friend in the same college just tag me and my ex on facebook to have dinner together. What should I do? I didn't tell my friend I broke up with my ex and doing no contact with her so he didn't mean to "line up" us. It was just an accident move. Thanks for your reply.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Samson,

      If you're in the middle of no contact, perhaps you might want to give that dinner a miss for now to continue giving both parties the needed space.

      Reply
  • Al

    Hey Kevin, so me and my girlfriend broke up about 1.5 months ago after a 2 year relationship. I'm 23 and she's 20 now, but she is so mature and confident in what she wants and hard working.I was her first true love and she cared so much about me and made future plans of getting married eventually and having kids together and all that, but the twist to this whole story is that since we started dating, I always had something pulling me back from fully commiting and showing my true love to her that i knew i had for her, for instance we were of two different religions, my parents would push me to finding a girl of our nationality and religion, her parents werent okay with me for the same reasons, and just stuff like this unconsciously didnt let me let her in my heart as much as i was supposed to. Besides all that after around 6 months of dating I got into a bad depression and that messed up with my head, but she was always there for me and tried her best and most to make me feel good. But cuting to the chase, I was slowly pushing her away and didnt realise it, until she finally broke up with me for the reason that she cant fight for the both of us and that we both need space, me to find myself and her to focus on her and she said that if eventually when i can change and mature we can start over slowly. So after the breakup I would keep texting her that im sorry and all that, and cried, overall i was just obsessed until i noticed what harm i was doing to the situation and that she just got tired of hearing and saying the same things that she would get really mad and talk in an angry tone and tell me that right now theres 0 chance of us getting back together, so I just decided to do NC in which im in 13 days, and ive decided to work hard on myself, which i am, but i just wanna know where ny chances of getting her back are right now, sorry for the long post and thanks!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey,

      Good job getting through 13 days of NC so far. I think there's definitely still a chance for you to win her back since she seemed really supportive of you despite all the problems you had faced. Spend this time to improve yourself and gain a better understanding and composure over your emotions. If you do win her back, make sure you do not push her away this time.

      Reply
  • Susan

    Hello Kevin. I would like to know what to do if I have an memorable event which usually only happen once in a lifetime (e.g. Graduation/Funeral) that I really want to invite him to participate during no contact period. We have dated for 10 years already but we broke up twice before. We broke up again recently but I strongly believe he still love me. I want to go through the no contact period in order to keep him permanently, I don't want to repeat the "broke up cycle" in the rest of my life. What should I do? Thank you for your answer.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Susan,

      Good question. If you think it'll be important for him even if he was not in love with you and doesn't have any feelings for you (funeral of someone he was close to); then you should invite him. If not, for example (your graduation), then you shouldn't invite him.

      Reply
    • Susan

      Understood :) Thanks for quick answer

      Reply
  • Wendi

    Hi Kevin,

    I made a horrible mistake today, and I haven't been sleeping because of it. I logged onto my ex's email account. He probably received notification and changed his password. It's the beginning of week 2 of our breakup, and I feel like I messed things up because he hates people violating his privacy. Do you think I still have a shot? I really appreciate any words of wisdom you can provide me. I let emotions overpower me, and made a mistake, but I'm willing to salvage anything left.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Wendi,

      Since you guys have been together for 2 years, I think you definitely still have a shot. I suggest you read the article on the 5 step plan and try to follow it first using the no contact rule in order to regain a composure on your emotions before any attempt at salvaging things. Regarding the privacy issue, if he found out, I think you should just be honest about it and apologize.

      Reply
    • Wendi

      We're 26 and have been together for almost two years.

      Reply
  • Hue

    Hi Kevin, my ex broke up with me about a week ago. We were together for more than a year. I’m 20 and he’s 24. He said he lost connection with me and he had wanted to try and fix it for a month but he felt like it was not enough to find that connection. The thing is I had no idea about what he thought after we actually broke up. So it was all of a sudden. He respects me a lot and he keeps an available channel to help me that if I have any questions, feel free to ask him, any questions about our relationships. He said he felt extremely guilty over the hurt that he has caused. I only texted him once after we broke up to tell my feelings and we met after that because he needed to collect his things from my place. And I have not talked to him since. So it’s been around 4 days since we last talked. We agreed to take time apart to reflect ourselves and will set 2 months as the maximum time for each other to give out the final decision. We will meet again to talk about that, not via texts or calls. So in your opinion, do you think we can get back together? The time that we were together was great. However we moved in together quickly after we dated (about 3 months). We did go out but I felt like the fact that seeing each other so much everday and did not create loads of memories has been a factor which led to our break up.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Hue,

      Yes I do think that there's definitely a chance of you guys getting back together but before you decide to do anything, I would suggest taking that time you've both set for yourself to also give yourself some space and improve on yourself. This might give you a clearer picture as well on whether you still have feelings for him. Do follow the 5 step plan found above for further guidance.

      Reply
    • Hue

      Hi Ryan, thank you very much for your advice. I really want to write him a hand letter as the guide mentioned. However, I'm not sure when to send it as we are going to meet up again (should I send it before we meet up or on the day we meet up?). I will give him and myself more time but I am thinking of sending the letter after a month of no contact. On the day we meet up, I just want to keep it as happy and casual as possible but not being too friendly and anything about my thoughts and feelings would be written in the letter. However, the idea we meet up is also to discuss about our past relationship so I am quite confused if I should write a letter or not. What would your advice be for this case?

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      This decision to meet up and discuss your relationship was decided upon before you chose to apply no contact I presume? I think you should stick through with the no contact unless absolutely necessary. The letter should be given to him at the end of the 30 days and that would be a better time to meet up with him since it has only been a week or so. I think it would be better to avoid meeting so soon.

      Reply
  • John

    Hi Kevin,

    Just a quick question here, what about if ex contacts me to talk in the future (or other signs means ex wants me back) when I am in no contact period, should I reciprocate it?
    In worse case, if ex send me "I love you please come backup" message during no contact period. Should I reciprocate it? Thanks

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi John,

      During the no contact period, it's best if you do not reciprocate her texts and even if she wants to get back together, I suggest that you take things slow to give yourself a new perspective as she may also be saying that just to avoid dealing with the pain. Ultimately if you guys get back together, you want the relationship to last and not for the cycle to repeat itself.

      Reply
    • John

      Hi Ryan, thanks for your reply. If I text ex after no contact period, let say I text the actual example in the other article : "Hey, I’ll be in [area near ex’s house or office] tomorrow, wanna catch up for coffee?". However she is not responding me, should I leave her alone and give up for further action? Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey John,

      If she does not reply you, she may be busy or have other reasons (it's too soon). If you intend to try again another time, practice the no contact rule once more for another 2-3 weeks before trying but if she does not reply still, you should be prepared to walk away.

      Reply
    • John

      Thanks Ryan, what if she contact me again after I decided to walk away? I know at that time I may not in love with her anymore, but I think I can't just treat her as a stranger as we actually in relationship in the past. Thanks.

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi John,

      In cases like that, there would honestly be no correct answer for it. It would really depend on what you want to achieve out of it. You won't be able to treat her as a stranger, but you may not be able to treat her merely as a friend either. End of the day, I think it's about being fair to both yourself and her.

      Reply
  • evie

    hi I dated someone briefly and intensely for 1.5 months and we had a big misunderstanding 9/23. I waited 24 days to reach out since our relationship was not
    that long and wrote sent out a text light in nature. he replied within 5 minutes to tell me that he already met someone new and has moved on. this is a man who told me he has not been intimate with anyone for one year and I was the first to come along that tugged his heart strings and that he was truly interested in. how could he have moved on so fast? even if it is a rebound, our history was not long enough in comparison to the many other situations on here. help! I feel like I am in a rock and a hard spot. I truly feel so deeply for him and am heartbroken after reading his message yesterday.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Evie,

      I feel that you should give yourself some space to breathe right now due to the intensity you may be feeling. If he has truly found someone new, I suggest that you try your best to recover and move on from there. However, if you do see any chance of getting back together with him, it's best you follow the 5 step plan and make a decision again after.

      Reply
  • Joe

    Hey, so my girlfriend broke up with me officially 6 days ago... everyone in the world says this but i know in my heart and soul she is the one for me...my grieving process has taken a huge toll on me as well. We were together for almost 2 years and the first year was wonderful. Once she decided to initiate the break-up, she told me it was due to my lack of attention and constant inability to change to the talks we were having. I was truly blind thinking she would never leave me and some depression i have has seriously hindered my ability to communicate with her properly enough to the point that she decided to break up with me. Once the heartbreak was in my face, was my absolute moment of realization of how ignorant i actually was to the situation and i know I'm not the person i became that second year. This entire situation has caused a snap within myself to understand the changes i made and needed to make, almost a "miracle" of sorts, however she has no belief that i do indeed still love her. She made mention of wanting to stay friends because she does still care about me as a person and the NC rule just cant apply right now because she has nowhere else to live and i of course will not make her homeless. I absolutely love this woman and always have even though my actions have showed her otherwise and i want nothing more than to have her in my life for a multitude of reasons. She is even still wearing the promise ring i got her after our first year. When i made gentle questioning about reconciliation, she told me she was just so angry at me because of what i did and so confused about what to do. That was 6 days ago. I want nothing more than for her to know i really do love her and want her in my life and despite not being able to initiate no contact, i wanted to ask if you think there is any chance at all she will want me back? She has recently started talking with other men which of course bothers me, but i know there's nothing i can do about it and i bite my tongue and say nothing despite my jealousy...can i ever get her back???

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hey Joe,

      Based on the situation, it would seem that the best thing you can do right now is to show her with your actions that you are willing to change and not just words. I think you would be able to get her back if you prove to her that you are able to change and help her re-gain her trust in you.

      Reply
  • Selena

    Hi Kevin:

    Your blog is really helpful perhaps u can help me too :)
    Me and my ex broke up 4 months ago, the reason was very upsetting actually.... we were in a relationship for more than 1.5 years, he has always been secretive about himself, i thought he loved me but i think he was passing his time with me, to cut it short he lied to me almost about everything, he promised to marry me but when the time came to meet my elders he pretended to be ill n said he was diagnosed with leukemia, as he was a doctor he showed me his fake medical report which i verified later, he flew to uk telling me he was going for a treatment, he never disclosed his residential address, still i was stupid enough to trust him blindly, that was my mistake i admit it. when i came to know abt his lies i Confronted him through sms, all he had to say was " forgive me what i did" and he blocked me from all social contacting sites... i was sooooo miserable n even now i am, because it was my very first relationship, im 32 years old but this was the first time i loved someone.... last month he wished me a birthday through some fake fb account pretending to be someone else, i knew it was him n i confronted him again,he kept silent n didn't bother to reply....i wondered why he text me on fb when he abandoned me for no reason, i knew he was a flirt but still i gave him my 100%... i used to caught his lies, his contacts with other women, although he never let me touch his fone, he has been suspicious, which damaged our relationship.... i have a question if he never loved me or never wanted to marry me then why did he spend one and a half year with me? and now after breaking up why he wished me a birthday in disguise?? although he has blocked my messages from every possible source.... need ur expert advise Kevin.... Thx

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Selena,

      If he was willing to go through such extreme measures to lie to you, perhaps you should be honest to yourself and consider if you really want him back. It may not be a nice thing to hear, but even if he does have feelings for you, is someone who keeps everything a secret a person you want to have a future with?

      Reply
  • jj

    Hi Kevin,

    My girlfriend broke up with me because she caught me flirting with other girls on several occasions as play keyboard in the weekends. That drove her mad and killed the love we had for 3 years. So I tried to ease her pain and tried to regain her trust but it was to late. As days and weeks past by she developed like a hate for me and I felt that was because she was talking with a 3rd person. But i was still in the picture but i was n't begging i tried to develop a friendship with her because i wasn't begging anymore and we had no problem talking and caring for each other she have a lot going on also her college so i tried to give her space and support. But occasionally she would begin a fight about my flirting and hurting her and that her trust couldn't be restored and I was always ending up comforting her with sorries and One day she told me she was talking with some one that she liked. So i decided then to tell her i would not contact her anymore. After 3 weeks of no contacting(no social/no whatssap whatsoever) she msg a angry(jealous) message telling me that she hated me and that she is seeing another guy and that she doesn't miss me anymore. But I knew on that moment that her goals was to hurt me so I tried to stay calmed and tell her how sorry i was and she would try to let go of these evil thoughts about me. She was spying on my i.g. and couldn't bare seeing other girls liking my photos. But the truth is I love her till death and would like to gain her trust again and be with her. What should I do? she is still hurt and she is always repeating that she would never take me back!

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi John,

      For starters, if you really want her back, follow through with the no contact rule and limit the flirting with other people. If you really do love her and this is what she is insecure about, it is something you will have to change. She may be currently feeling angry and that's why you have to give her some breathing room, however you shouldn't always be apologizing especially if you haven't done anything wrong since the incident.

      Reply
  • Ann

    Hi Kevin,

    I would like to ask if I had a chance to come back with my ex. He broke up with me last week out of the blue and his reason was lost of connection. We’d been together for over a year and I know that I still have feelings for him. Our time together had been great. However, we moved in together quickly after we dated. He treated me very well but then one day he decided to break up with me because he said he thought about losing connection and tried to fix it by himself for about a month but it didnt work. He said it had nothing to do with physical attraction or the way I treated him. I have read your advices and today is my 3rd day of NC. We met last week after we broke up because he needed to collect his things from my place. He talked a little bit and he said feel free to ask him if I have any questions I have in mind. I havent talked to him since the last day we met. Looking forward to seeing your response! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Hi Ann,

      In this situation, follow through with the no contact rule and at the end of the period, attempt at re-contacting with your ex if you still want to be together with him. This gives both of you some space and be able to see things and reach out from a fresher perspective. If you do re-contact with him and get succeed in getting back together, make sure you have an honest talk with him about not trying to fix everything himself. A relationship is ultimately a partnership and no one party should attempt anything by themselves.

      Reply
  • Jenni

    Hi kevin, my ex boyfriend broke up with me 3 weeks ago, we had been in a 5 years relationship. We did fight almost 1-2 times for month lately and most of the times started by me because i felt that i was giving too much and he didnt make the effort so that frustrated me and made me been irritable many times. So we got in a fight and he told me that he loved me but wasnt happy and the felt that the relationship was patologic; i cried and ask him to give us the chance to try make things Work but he refused. So since that day, 3 weeks ago i havnt call or text him; neither has he.
    Will we have a chance of getting back? I not sure what i should do

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jenni,

      You were together for a long time. You definitely have a chance. But before contacting him, you must make some changes in yourself.

      Reply
  • Jeff backlin

    So I'm 2 weeks into no contact, she has sent me a few messages but I'm going strong and not replying. Recently I had to change phone providers and my phone number changed as well. Do I tell her my number changed or do I continue until it's over and I'm ready to reach out? At this point she has no way to contact me and I can't receive and possibilities of her reaching out.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jeff,

      You can tell her when you end no contact.

      Reply
    • J

      Thanks man, quick follow up. How do you think that will change the re contact message?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Just add the fact that you recently changed your number. Nothing more. If she tried contacting you, she will understand why you didn't receive the texts.

      Reply
  • emily

    hi kevin, my partner and i have been together 3.5 years engaged for 2.5 years, he has a child now 15 (boy) who decides 8 months into our relationship he hates my guts..... its been a struggle these last few years and we have ended due to this child......
    thing is we both love each other alot and have a great relationship.... im in the no contact stage as i need to figure out what i want so really pleased i stumbled upon your sight...... do you think i can get my man back !

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Emily,

      You can get him back, but unless you figure out a way for the child to like you, it will still be an uphill battle. But if you think he is worth it; it's definitely worth trying. There is a chance it will work if you give him (and his child) a little bit of space and slowly get back to speaking with each other again.

      Reply
    • emily

      thanks kevin, this could be difficult as i have no idea why his child dislikes me so much, i guess that is why our relationship ended due to not understanding how our relationship could move forward without knowing how to fix things..... i know my ex loves me but just doesnt know how to deal with it all.....

      Reply
    • Ryan - Ex Back Permanently Team

      Sometimes children and teenagers reject change and especially when in their teenage years, can possible rebel against someone they see as a threat (due to change). It's not something easy to deal with as a single parent, because in most cases, their child still would come as the first priority while the relationship second.

      Reply
  • khai

    Hey Kevin, I am currently in 4 days of NC. Actually, we haven't broken up yet. He is in another relationship for 7 months while in relationship with me for 7 years. Yes, he betrayed me due to my faults. In his last contact, he told me to focus on my exam as my final year exam is too close and he promised he won't let me wait for a long time.I'm now studying and doing NC, too. But I'm afraid something. By doing NC, can we be far more and more ? Can his new relationship be more stronger and closer as they are working together at the same company ? His friend told me to send message sometimes to be keep in touch with him. I really don't know what to do next. Please kindly advice me. Thank you !

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Khai,

      I recommend you break up with him instead of letting him disrespect you and keep you as a backup. If you want him to be with you out of respect; it's crucial you do this. Once you have broken up with him, I want you to do no contact for at least two months before contacting him.

      Reply
  • anil pandit

    Hey Kevin,
    We really used to love each other and we had fights before also.
    But this time it was nasty.
    All I can say that she wasn't performing well at work.
    I went to her office
    Her boss said she isn't do well because of my torture.
    You should leave her alone.
    The only line she said to me was I should focus on my career only.
    Off course she said It's over.
    In desperation I called her mom
    But didn't said anything about us.
    She call back and abused me
    And said they will take me back home and I will loose my career.
    I will follow ever step that u have mentioned.
    Still need to know
    If I can earn her back.
    Guidance please.

    Regards
    Anil p

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Anil,

      There is a chance. Just follow the plan above and work on yourself.

      Reply
  • catherine

    What if your ex has already moved on with another lady

    Reply
  • Rakaia

    Hi Kevin. My boyfriend broke up with me three weeks ago out of the blue. We've been friends for three years, and got back together around two months ago. We were long distance, with the plan for me to move to where he lives and us to get an apartment together. Everything was perfect and wonderful, both while we were friends, and during the brief period that we dated, but then he started to pull away, and suddenly he picked a silly fight with me and told me to move on. I've tried contacting him, and I made a couple of mistakes you listed (like acting a little crazy and needy...) and he hasn't returned any of my texts. I'm not sure if I should move on, or wait it out and follow your plan. I don't understand why he did this to me, and honestly it broke my heart. I suspect it might be another woman, or maybe he got scared of the commitment, and overwhelmed by his new job. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Rakaia,

      Start with no contact. Only you can decide if he is worth trying to get back with. If by the end of no contact, you feel like he is not worth it, then move on.

      Reply
  • Raghda

    I want thank about all your advice and i wish to be good doing this steps ,, but i want to give you some details about my ex first we have been in relationship for seven years then he found another girl and love her soo much then we brokeup i stood alone 1 year then i go in a rebound relationship but i never forget my only love and don’t feel great in my relationship because i was always want to talk my ex ,, then i broukup after 10 month,, in those months i talke to my first love about 5 times and he breakup but he say her ex was a real love ,,,,,, after this all i call him after my breakup and i show him how much i love him but he says he afraid of being with me again and i meet him and saw the love in her eyes ,,,, finally did you see your steps will be effective now ! Or it’s too late ??!!! Please answer me :D and forgive my bad english iam from sudia

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Raghda,

      I can't say for sure. But if you love him and think he is worth it, you should try getting him back. If it doesn't work, you will know you tried your best and you can move on.

      Reply
  • Ryan

    Hi Kevin

    She broke up with me last Sunday over skype after 2.7 years, only started going bad this past few months. We had been doing long distance for over 1.5 years seeing each other every month at least. I have not messaged her since she skyped to break up with me saying she was not happy anymore and we ended amicable. I know she's the one though should I message her asking if she regrets it since I've not spoken to her at all yet since or continue no contact for 30 days?

    Reply
  • Nick

    Hey Kevin, I messed up and was texting a girl from few weeks ago late night while she was out of town. I never followed through nor have ever been a cheater, stupidly I regret it. Obviously she went through my texts and saw that one as the catastrophe happened. This led to over analyzing every other text with platonic relationships I have with co workers and female friends.

    I know I was wrong and to her I’ve been deceitful during the entire time as she has less if any trust for me. Trust is something she emphasized when dating and after that’s her big thing, as with many.

    We had a little text battle of going back and forth The first two days, “how could...” “I’m sorry... I was being stupid...I didn’t act on it ...etc”. Then the 3rd day we talked on the phone more less the same as texting, as everything was calm- yes tears br nothing was ever hateful nor yelling.

    We live separate as she has a chunk of my belongings at her place. She has family coming to town this weekend and on the phone advised she wouldn’t be able to have us meet/ me grab my stuff.

    Just curious how should I go back and make this thing work itself out, if possible.

    Reply
  • Amoako

    Hello Kevin, before I begin. I must admit I really messed up and acted childishly, she was giving attitude anytime I call her and she hardly calls or return my calls so I felt she's seeing someone so I asked her on several occasions which she told me there's no one but she broke up with her ex just to be with me so I sometimes feel she will do same to me. As she kept on with the attitude, I got bored and threaten to leak her naked pictures which I was just joking because there's no way I can do that. So she had to go through emotional pain and she opted for a break but trust me, there was no way I could have done that because I love her so much Kevin. She promised never and ever to get back to me again. I need advice please. Thank you

    Reply
  • Kat

    Hey,

    We were together for just a little less than two years. We had so much chemistry and we worked great as a team - everyone around us saw that. He's been under a lot of stress lately and we had a small fight that lead to a break up. We've had bigger fights in the past but we both grew from it and learned from it. Is this all just because of the stress he's going through? I asked for a 'cool down' or a break but he said he didn't want 'us' anymore. I asked if he would give us another chance in the future but he said 'no'. Just the day before, he was telling me how much he loved me.

    I think the no contact is interesting but he's in all my classes and we're working very closely on a project. I've read the 'no contact rule at work and events' but seeing him being okay really sucks. How can I get more space?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Kat,

      If there is no way to get space from him because of the project, you will just have to endure. Although, if you two had any kind of meaningful relationship, I can guarantee you that he is not just "okay". He is putting up an act because he is angry and he wants you to feel bad. The best way to respond to his act is by keeping your head held high and if you both ever talk about the breakup or relationship, be honest about how you feel (that it's hard and you are healing) instead of playing into his game and try to show him that you are okay as well.

      Reply
  • Brandon Alvarez

    My ex broke up with me 4 months ago because of long distance we still talk time to time and the during the no contact phase she showed signs that she was missing me posting songs about missing an ex ect.. When she contacted me firstshe did it for a couple of days and pulled away showing hot and cold mixed messages. Is There a chance that I can still get her back since I'm moving back to where she loves since I got a job offer there?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Brandon,

      That's great. You should contact her when you reach there. Until then, it's better to do no contact.

      Reply
  • Thanh Thao

    Hi,he broke up with me last Monday because he was tired of everything, he told me that he loved me but he cant take it anymore, he feels like he is the only one interested in this relationship,and he told me that i didn't care about him, he feels like he annoyed me,and when he show his feeling and then he kissed me, i pushed him away because i was shy when we do that in front of other people.And when we were still in high school, my mom didn't allow me to date him, she told me that we could date after i go to university, i am now a freshmen, and he once told me to talk to my mom about our relationship but i was shy so i didnt talk to my mom. He was pissed because he is tired of sneaky when we hung out all the time, he told me that he feels like he isnt good enough for me, he want me to move on, he told me that he loved me , he missed me but he want to be alone. I agreed but i missed him so i contacted him the next day, we talked like nothing happen and then he refused to talk to me. Then yesterday, i inboxed him, i begged him to come back, i swear that i would change , he refused and told me "dont inbox me , wont reply" and then i cried , i inboxed him and told him my feelings, and i told that "i wont annoyed you anymore, goodbye , i hope that we would never see each other again" so i stop contacting him. But he followed me on instagram , so he saw everything that i post. Should i block him, so that he would feel like i have disapeared from his life? I miss him, i started to go to the gym and i feel great, but i want him back. What should i do when he willing to not come back with me? Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi,

      There is no need to block him. You should do that only if he is contacting you relentlessly. For now, just do no contact and focus on healing yourself. Don't focus on what he is feeling and definitely don't focus on how you can manipulate them.

      Reply
  • Brendan

    Hey Kevin,

    Love your program and advice. Just started no contact after my partner broke it off with me a week ago. I was a real emotional mess on the phone and haven’t spoken since. No text or emails or anything. It’s hard but I’m keeping strong. She is a corporate manager and has huge workload at present and very responsible demand. She says she needs to focus on work and has nothing more to give everyone right now and needs to unplug. Her mum is battling cancer also which weighs heavily. I don’t use Facebook and today I get a text to return one of her items (daughters car service book) as I did a huge amount of work on it for them both, and if she can post me my stuff from her place. Problem it’s more than postage as a few larger effects (pillow books and equipment) other than just shaver toothbrushes etc. she has minimal stuff here at my place only cosmetics and stuff. I have stuff to give her that she bought me from an overseas visit as souvenir and other stuff like after shave etc. I really love her and she is the best relationship I’ve had (8 months) this is my third real serious relationship. We’re both in late 40,s. do I ignore all contact or even after one text tell her to give me time right now and I’ll contact her? Any help is appreciated as I’m stuck on this one. I’m going to buy the program online now. Hopefully I get an answer soon from you. Cheers.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Brendan,

      If it's something important and cannot wait, you can return it to her. Although, it might be a better idea to return it via a mutual friend or an acquaintance. If there is no workaround, you can meet her and return the item. But when you meet her, keep it casual and as short as possible. If the breakup comes up, be honest that you are still healing.

      Reply
  • Becca

    Hi so I was friends with my boyfriends for 3 years then dated for 8 months and he broke up with me last month because he didn't want a girlfriend and that he was to busy for one and it wouldn't be fair to me but that we should still talk and just not have a label. So it was like we were dating still but didn't see each other as much. Then last week when we hung out he said that I was his and that he was only talking to me and didn't want to talk to any other girls and then the next day someone told me that he was talking to someone else I asked him if it was true and he said no it was only me. Then a couple days later I called him and asked him what he did that night and he told me he spent the night sleeping. Then a couple hours later he told me that he moved on from me and when I kept asking him if there was another girl he said yes and told me he didn't spend the night sleeping he was with her then stopped answering me completely. We haven't talked in a couple days and this girl is in college far away from us and she's known for being a slut. But he told me he really likes her. Should I try the no contact thing and see what happens? I'm really confused because I want to be with him

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Yes, you should do no contact. I'll recommend at least two months of no contact. I also want you to read the checklist at the beginning of step 4 in the above article. Don't end no contact until you have done each item in the checklist.

      Reply
  • Tega

    Hello Kevin,what If My Ex Shows Up Suddenly At My Door Step Smiling And Al That During The No Contact Period,what Should Be My Reaction To Him?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Tell him that you need some space and time and you don't want to see or speak to him for a while. If he insists on speaking, listen to what he has to say and then again repeat that you need space and time.

      Reply
  • Flower

    Hi Kevin,

    I broke up about 5 days ago with my bf, whom I was dating for 4 months. And I know that during that relationship I didn't give my all because I wasn't sure of my feelings ( I tried to end it after 3 weeks, but he wouldn't give up). Because of my past relationships, I was very guarded. So I wasn't opening up to him, I sometimes was mean, didn't appreciate him just because I didn't want him to fall in love with me. So he fell out of love with me and broke up. Now that I see my mistakes, I would like to give it another chance and see how it would go and give each other a fair shot of really trying to work this out.

    We had a conversation sunday, and it ended really well. I was more open during that whole conversation than I ever was during the relationship. We left on a positive vibe, both accepting the break up and we're still going for dinner in a exclusive restaurant that is really hard to make reservations for (we're going the 30th october).

    So I have two problems: 1) i would like to text him and say that: Though I didn't really always showed it, that he means a lot to me. And that I know it's to late now, but I just wanted him to know that. And that I look forward to going to the restaurant. Then I would go no contact. And thus my second problem 2) No contact should at least be 30 days, but since we have made that reservation in about 20 days do you think it is harmful for the reconciliation?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Flower,

      1) There is no harm in telling him that as long as you are not saying it out of neediness or desperation. It's actually a pretty good way of letting him know that you understand the mistakes.
      2) 30 days is not written in stone. In your case, I think it will be okay to end it after 20 days.

      Reply
  • Jay

    Hello, Kevin. thanks for your all articles. It really helpful and relieving me.
    I had broke up 2 month ago, because my ex girlfriend felt lassitude of our relationship.
    And also she need her own time.I was quite a shocked.and didn't said anything but ok. I asked her for reconsider after 10days of break up. but she said there are no reverse of her decision. I had no contact after that. but still waiting her.
    there were no argument in our relationship. We were in good mood. I can't believe this situation happened. still...

    do you think I should contact and meet her in a month? I'm worry about she forget me.
    thank you for read this. (from south korea)

    Reply
  • Joanne

    I was dating a man for 4 months and I was really into him. Unfortunately 4 months earlier he had just gotten out of a long (7 yr) toxic relationship. In the back of my mind I knew he wasn't ready to jump into another relationship, but I really liked him and was hoping he would have a change of heart. We saw each other once a week and we got along really well. But everytime we would get close he would pull back a little. 2 weeks ago after some cold behavior he ended things stating that he was having some personal problems and he wasn't ready for a commitment. As much as I care about him and as hard as it is for me I have gone no contact. It has been almost a week and it's not easy. Do you think I have a chance at another shot when he sorts out his feelings and attachment to his ex? Will no contact work in a situation like this? I know it will help me heal but I eventually want another chance with him.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Joanne,

      It's very hard to know if/when he will sort out his feelings for his ex. In my opinion, you should keep your hopes in check. If you think he is worth it, you should try again after at least a couple of months.

      Reply
  • Georgina Hays

    Hi my ex broke up with me in December last year. We were together 18 months. He is in constant touch through texts and Ive tried the no contact and only managed 21 days. He came back. Lately he texts all the time and we have seen each other briefly a month or so ago. Does he still love me, I want him back but not sure he is just keeping me hanging on to stop me moving on. I cant imagine my life without him.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Georgia,

      If you can't imagine your life without him, then you should resume no contact. If he contacts you again, tell him you need some space and time to heal from the breakup and you will appreciate it if he doesn't contact you for a while.

      You should contact him again, when you can imagine your life without him. This way, he won't have so much power over you and you will be able to make better decisions.

      Reply
  • Billie

    Hi, I followed your plan and it worked!
    I just took him out 2 days ago on a first date after we stopped seeing each other for 1.5months, we ended up at his place at one point and he wanted to have sex. But I stopped him and said that we're friends now and this is not what friends do. He agreed and we didn't have sex, I went home that night :) However I still tried to show him my desire for him through subtle actions. It's been 2 days already, and I haven't received any message from him after we said goodbye.
    So, my question are:
    - How long should I wait to text him?
    - How long should I wait to ask him out again?
    - I'm still attractive to him, should we have sex next time? I'm afraid that this is gonna turn into the "Friend with benefits" relationship instead of the romantic one. And that is the last thing I want to happen

    Thanks :)

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Billie,

      Text him again today or tomorrow. If his response is positive, ask him out again in a week or two. I won't recommend having sex with him until you feel a strong emotional connection with him. Ideally, you want to talk about getting back together before you sleep with him.

      Reply
  • Jewell Strong

    This is a wonder website with a wealth of information.

    I knew this guy back in 1979, reconnected on Facebook. He expressed his love for me over that time period.
    My intentions once I found him was not for a relationship, he is somewhat handicapped. With me I was reading to much in his messages, I would get up set about the smallest things, he was acting different one day and I did not know what was going on , I blew up and said some pretty nasty things that I really hated so said, he forgave me. I was working on my attitude and I guess he was just tired, he blocked me on Facebook and I did not know what was going on things were headed in the right direction and I think he was tired. He used to block me on his Facebook page, he does not do that now, he won’t take my pictures down and I am the only one there who is not family.
    I writes him all day and everyday. Your 30 day will help me, not sure about the relationship, because he had something going on as well. But I am not 100 percent sure. Will your plan help me with him? I know it will be great for me.

    Thanks,

    Jewell

    Reply
  • Annie

    Hi Kevin, so our breakup was sort off mutual... We dated for 10years and both went wondering, if you know what I mean. I decided to tell him about is as the other guy was blackmailing me and I couldn't keep it to myself no more. It broke me as I knew what was going to happen and he would be sohonest hurt. About two weeks after this we broke up, I moved out etc. We did not contact one another for 6 months...We are chatting now, made the mistake to be intimate with him. He has a much younger friend (lady) that he is not really open about. He constantly says we are rekindling our relationship but doesn't want to label it as he says he needs time. I am starting to loose hope and I am irritated with my insecurities regarding this other girl. He constantly says they are just friends. It seems that when we are together he pulls me closer and over texts pushes me away. He also recently stated that he doesn't want to sleep with me every time we are together. Last night he came over for dinner, we ate then accidentally fell asleep. I am so confused and just want to know what to do. In the time apart I have realised what I did wrong and I feel excited to improve these mistakes. I battle to get a hold on my emotions sometimes. Something else as well, he doesn't tell anyone we are chatting? Doesn't really want to go out...although it was his birthday not so long ago...he went away but I called tothe say, happy birthday at midnight..before that he constantly messaged me saying "he misses me". Also another thing, not sure what to make of this phrase.."I've got love for you enough to make you my wife and the mother of my child" is this just empty words? If I don't contact him during the day he'll ask me what's up as I am very quiet. He also stated that I've changed and he likes it as I am more confident etc. However I feel like I'm losing it, why would he say that but state he wants to go into 2018 single. Please can you shed some light?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Annie,

      If it's taking a toll on your emotional and mental health, you should lay your cards out on the table. Tell him that this is too much for you emotionally and if he wants to give it a try, there are some boundaries he should follow. For example, don't sleep with him until you are both back together.

      You don't want to stay in limbo forever. You need to know that you are moving forward. If he wants to give it a try, he should make an effort to address whatever is stopping him from moving forward. If he doesn't make an effort to progress; you should be willing to let him go and move on. Unless you are willing to walk away, he will have no incentive to commit.

      Reply
  • Sam

    Kevin I went through the no contact period. I got about day 10 of the texting plan. and it was going pretty well. I was out and she met up with me, she was winding me up about dating someone, to cut a long story short, she dumbed me for being younger than her, but then i find out she's dating a 22 year old (a few years younger than us both) and I just lost it, probably didn't help that I was drunk.

    Do you recommend starting the no contact period again? if so thats fine I didn't find it difficult the first time round.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Yeah, you should start no contact again.

      Reply
    • Sam

      After reading your rebound article it does seem to have the same sort of similarities as you suggest in it, however because of my reaction I'm guessing this is going to push her towards him more? if they do keep speaking they will have been seeing each other for quite awhile by the point I've finished no contact, I take it the chances of me actually pulling this off now will most likely be pretty slim, would you agree? also the elephant in the room text, do you send that on the final day of no contact?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Sam,

      Actually, the more they speak to each other, the more they will realize that their connection is shallow because your ex is not ready for a serious relationship yet. There is no way to know for sure how much chance you have. But if I have to guess, I'll say you still have a decent chance of this working if you follow the plan.

      Reply
    • Sam

      Kevin think I'd go as far to say you're a genius. I could do with some more advice though please. Last night I'm on a night out, I see my Ex and her friends, I played it cool and just enjoyed myself, however my Ex was hating on me, her friends were constantly trying to speak to me because they like me, and i could tell that was annoying her. So it turns out that her and this 'rebound guy' hadn't worked, apparently he was acting like a d**k (you were completely right on that one). anyway I'm a week off starting no contact, last night my ex messages me after the night out saying 'never speak to me again i hate you' i chose to ignore the message because I could tell she was just raging at me. she then ended up calling me and I just played it cool and took the elephant in the room approach, it seemed to work really well. my question to you is though is, where do I go from here? do I start the messaging stage now?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Sam,

      Great job playing it cool. I'd say give her a week of limited contact (only talk if she initiates) and then slowly start rebuilding attraction and connection through texts, phone calls and an eventual date.

      Reply
    • Sam

      Thanks Kevin much appreciated

      Reply
  • Sophia

    Hi Kevin! Great article! I plan to follow it to a T!
    However, i have one question, where you say that you should NOT message them or reply to their messages in the no contact period..
    if the event does occour where they message you during this period,and if i follow your advice to not reply untill i feel right doing so
    , what do i reply with when they inevitably ask me why i didnt reply that whole time? i feel silly saying "i was doing my 30 days no contact"beause then it makes it seem like i was obsessing over getting over them...

    hope this makes sence

    Reply
    • Kevin

      You can reply to them when they text you first. Just tell them you need some space and time to deal with the breakup before you can speak to them comfortably.

      Reply
  • Sairam.D

    Hi, my ex broke up with me a week ago and when ever I call her she is getting irritated with me?... I spoke very bad with her so please guide me what I should do now?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      The article above is actually a guide on what you should do now.

      Reply
  • Shermaine Basilio

    He broke up with me a week ago, but before that he tried to ask for some space for a while. Now, he said that he is attracted with someone else. Someone who has these traits that I dont have. I called him from his work and he said, right now, he doesn't want us to be together anymore and he likes this other girl. I also called the girl, she said that they've cut the ties between them but it is her who's my ex want now and not me. What should I do?

    Reply
  • john Sykes

    I'll tell you now. Every single word of this site is 100 % correct.
    No girl ever goes back to a cry baby but everyone forgets their ex's weakness with time ad remembers the real them.
    I cried and begged to get her back for 6 months, but as soon as I gave up and moved on and became once again, the boy she fell in love with in the first place, she chased me.
    We've now been married ten years.
    Believe me, I made every mistake described above.
    I was first guy she slept with and was sure I'd never see her again.
    Every day of that 6 month was hell.
    If you're the one being left. Tell them you'll miss them forever and then never call them again.
    I was told that by a clever pal, every day for 6 months but ignored and got to the stage when my (now wife and at the time girlfiend of 5 years) started to hate me.
    2 months later she found out I was happy with someone else and she took me down and told me she loved me.
    This is not shallow, its part of growing up. Realising you are with the right one.
    Be strong. Never call them.
    They left you. Pity will never win them back.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey John,

      Thank you for your comment. It's great to hear from someone who has reconciled and has been with his ex for 10 years.

      Reply
  • Jacob Harris

    i'm hoping my ex takes me back even after the rough time we had before we broke up...
    i am going to do whatever it takes to get her back, thanks for all the information...

    Reply
  • Catherine

    This is my 4th message to you. I send last two weeks ago but no reply from you. I hope to get message this time because I really need advise right now on how to get my ex back.
    It has been 7 weeks since my ex and I broke up. We are only connected in social media.....we became friends and then decided to move forward to a serious relationship. Our first meet up suppose to be was on May this year but our plan didn't happen. I broke up with him. I am totally fed up about whats happening to him and all the issues about him. I told him not to send message to me because during that time I want peace of mind. Then He said OK. We are still connected in social media but we don't send messages for each other. But what kills me is seeing him active in messenger and other app very late at night....What keeps a man stay long in social media? Maybe he already find someone. It freaks me out because I want him back. Should I send first to him (ITS IN THE 4TH AND 5TH STEP) even I told him not to contact me? But last week I received a call from him in IMO but he said he accidentally press the call button and said sorry. Then I told him its ok and wish him Happy Birthday because the following day was his birthday. Then he said Thank you. I didn't reply after that. Should I start the conversation even all problem between us were all about his issues? I really need your expertise on this. Please send me reply.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Catherine,

      You should do no contact. If you are finished with no contact, contact him.

      Reply
  • N

    Hi Kevin I broke up with my bf 2 weeks ago I will follow what you said and when the 30 days are over do I message him first or wait for him to message me and also these 30 days are so hard to not text him. Please do email me

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      Read the 4th step. If you are ready to end no contact, then you can contact him.

      Reply
  • Matt

    Kevin,
    Me and my ex has been broken up for a month now. He is now seeing another guy. I know this is not a rebound relationship because he really likes this guy. My ex is 27 and his new person he is dating is 20 but they both work together and my Ex is his boss. Again, my ex has blocked me from everything and has told me over and over again to move forward and that this is done. We were together for 5 months. What do I do to win him back? Is it too late?

    Reply
  • V*

    Hey..i have this guy i really liked..still do but its a distant relationship..we kept quiet fr a while because at some point he said i had made him distant..yet all i did was care..called him all the time before that..i texted him and yet he never did all tht..he z kind of a workaholic so he always pushed me to do something..many times i failed coz i didn't know where to strt frm..he always was abt work..and at some point he complained how i always wanted to meet..did tht coz he was never around..time came n he said i made him distant..asked him how i did tht..he never replied..so decided to go with the no contact rule...the 30 days got done..when i contacted him, he replied..but itd always me asking questions and talking..he never asks but replies all ma qns..he always waitd fr me to ask then he replies like before..he z not in the country so that's kinda hard..what should i do? Does he still care?

    Reply
  • Matt

    Kevin,
    It has been 3 weeks since me and my ex broke up. He is all what I think about and I called him several times through *67 since he blocked me on everything still. Do I have to start the 30 day no contact rule again? I'm so lost. Please advice. This post is from the same Matt a couple post above by the way. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Yashna

    Hey Kevin,
    Loved your article!
    I broke up with my ex nearly 2 years ago and now I'm questioning if it was the right decision. He's just about started talking to someone he might end up dating ....
    Do you think the 5 step plan might be worth a shot given all the time that has passed ?

    Thanks !

    Reply
  • Bára

    Hey Kevin, I would like to ask you a simple question. When in the process is best to ask for my belongings? It has been for weeks since we broke up and I´ve contacted him only once since. He sent me a message this week but nothing special. Only that I got an letter from health insurance at his pace and what it sayes. Can I just start conversation and ask him what shall we do with my things?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Bára,

      If the things are important for you and you need them urgently, then you should speak to him about it. If not, then you can leave them for now while you are doing no contact.

      Reply
  • Abdul Ahad

    Hi kevin.
    Me and my girlfriend broke up about 3 weeks ago and i made all those mistake i became needy desperate and miserable and begged her i kinda regret it after reading ur post.... what should i do now?
    P.s we are already on no contact thing from both sides nor im texting or
    Calling her neither and i have blocked her everywhere except whatsapp and i have uploaded many sad statuses during no contact is it a bad thing?

    Reply
  • Yannick

    Hey Kevin,
    I'm reading your website and I'm really tempted to send something to my ex girl right now (after 2 months). If my English sounds off, don't be harsh it's a Belgian dude here. I think your website is very usefull, but I'm doubting it will be usefull for my case... The thing is, my ex-girl is halve Egyptian and halve Dutch and born in France (mixture of everything almost ?). She is also Muslim and I'm a full fletchet Atheïst, I still didn't give a damn. Love should be above religion, ethnicity,... everything you see. But (now comes it) she was/is daddy's little girl... In our year and 3 month relation she didn't tell her dad out of fear for his reaction. A few weeks before the break-up, her aunt in Egypt liked a photo of us 2 in Facebook. But she didn't tell her dad yet aswell... That aunt is her dads sister, in case you didn't see the plot. Anyways, I think she might have closed because of that Like on Facebook... I really have no idea on how to handle this right now, and make her tell her dad about the relationship.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Yannick,

      It's always more complicated when religion is involved. I think you should be realistic that it won't work. If you have not done no contact till now, do it and give her some space to think about everything and miss you. After that, contact her and lay your cards on the table.

      I think a good approach will be to tell her that you refuse to stay with her if she is hiding you from her dad. Tell her that she should tell him in a calm way and if he does not agree with this relationship (despite seeing that it makes his daughter happy) and she doesn't want to go against her father, then you should both break it off for good.

      Reply
  • anisha

    Hey !! I just loved your blog!! But i was thinking that if i tell him that i have accepted the breakup and moved on..will it really work because that's what he wanted when i used to plead him all the time to come back?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      No one can guarantee it will work. But you have a better chance of getting him back if you are coming from a place of confidence instead of neediness.

      Reply
  • Kunal

    Hi Kevin,
    Registered on you website a d went through test twice ... Did not receive any email. Please help

    Reply
  • Darby

    Hi Kevin,

    My ex and I broke up exactly three weeks ago. We had dated very seriously for almost 8 months. We had even discussed marriage and our lives together in the future. I'm feeling confident in myself and happy but I still miss her and want her back. I'm worried that if I wait too long, she will move on to someone else. I've been doing a lot of things to change my life including working out, working on selling my car, changing my career, not playing video games, etc. Would it be okay if I ran into her this upcoming Sunday instead of waiting the full month? She broke up with me and removed me from ALL social media platforms, so I know she is trying to move on. I guess my biggest question is, how do I not know she won't move on? How do I know that I'm not waiting TOO LONG for the No Contact Period.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Darby,

      There is no way to know for sure. But in my experience with helping thousands of readers personally I have realized that most people don't move on so quickly. And even if it feels like she is moving on, there will always be a part of her that will love you so you will still have a chance if you make the right moves.

      Reply
  • Matt

    Hi Kevin,
    I read your advice everyday and im very thankful for it. Me and my ex boyfriend broke up last Tuesday. We dated for about 4 months and we even said that we loved each other during the very beginning. But two Thursdays ago, I had a mental breakdown that he went out to the gay bars without telling me. He said he needed some space because he felt I was suffocating him. He moved out of my place 3 days later. I feel of course miserable and I want him back desperately. I already did a few mistakes that you listed above such as calling him maybe about 30 times and texting him. As a result he blocked my number and blocked me on facebook. He has said multiple times to give him space which I have been now doing for the past few days. Do you really think I can get back with him? I love him very much and a few people are saying it might be too late. Please help!!

    Reply
    • Kevin

      It's not too late. The only way to know for sure if it will work is to follow the plan.

      Reply
    • Matt

      Kevin,
      How am I able to communicate with him after the 30 day plan if he blocked me from everything? I'm afraid that he will forget about me and move on from me. I'm basically his first real relationship. He is 27 and I'm 28. Also, my Birthday is coming up on the 4th of July this Tuesday and what do I do if he does message me happy birthday? I'm trying to keep myself occupied with my friends but my ex is always on my mind. I have been eating less and less everyday and a loss of appetite because of my ex. Also, I broke down last Friday after one of my friends told me he saw my ex on Grindr.... a gay hook up app for gay guys. He told me before we broke up that he loves me but he is not in love with me that he needs space and time to see if he will miss me and he said that he wants to find his way back to me and that he needs to figure things out. I don't know what that means. Also he still has my key to my house and everyday I hope for him to just walk in. Literally I'm a complete mess without him, he is basically the best thing that has ever happened to me.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Matt,

      You need to get yourself together if you want to have any chance of getting him back. He will not be attracted to you in the state of mind you are in. This is why you should do no contact. Read this article for the rest of your questions.

      Reply
    • Matt

      Hi Kevin,
      After the no contact period, how am I able to contact him if he blocked me from everything? There is no way to get in contact with him through text message, snapchat, facebook, or instagram. I don't even know where he lives. The last message he sent me was "I will reach out to you when I'm ready, please leave me be and I need you to respect that".

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Matt,

      There is a good chance he will unblock you during no contact. Even if he doesn't, you can always use an email.

      Reply
  • Jake

    Hi Kevin just to add to my previous comment-

    We broke up because she caught me talking to this ex of mine two other times. Both times she got upset and and gave me chances. Now that we've broken up again she said she doesn't know if she could go through all of this again, we both love each other we txt everyday but she just doesn't trust me anymore. She says she needs time but yet she's already talking to other guys and most possibly meeting up with them too. What does that mean? I'm confused, does she want time so she can go and have fun to hurt me or has she moved on and just said she needs time to think about things and to trust me again to keep me on a leash? She knows I want her and I've apologised to her multiple times, idk what to do... I just want her back. How do I get her back?

    Reply
  • Mac

    Hi Kevin,
    I broke up with my ex almost two months ago now. She said it was mutual, but it was mostly my doing. I didn't feel a connection. However we kept seeing eachother and attraction was still there. I spoke with her about it and she said she wanted more time to figure out what she wanted. Almost two weeks later I gave her flowers, made a card, and a bottle of wine and hid it so we could find it together. We found it and agreed to take it slow. However she later told me she only took it because she was afraid of rejecting me. We spoke and I said some potentially hurtful things. We agreed to be friends again, but I still miss her. I feel like I ruined the only chance I had...I should have given her the time she asked for. Is there any way to get a third chance with her? I saw her at the gym yesterday after two weeks NC and it seemed fine. I don't know...

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Mac,

      There maybe a chance. You won't know if you don't try. Just follow the plan again and don't give her gifts until you are sure she wants to be with you.

      Reply
  • Henry

    Hello,
    I'm Henry from the UK.

    So my girlfriend broke up with me I was devastated and crying for a good while begging in disbelief. A couple days later we went to the cinemas and at the end I apologized for crying so much when she broke up with me. A couple days after that we went out as a group her me and two others, we had quite a good time but a few times throughout we had our difficulties, which I think annoyed her quite a bit. After the day out I messaged her at night that I'd like to talk to her in person whenever she next had a chance.

    A few days later we met up (this would be a week and 1/2 since she broke up with me) and I told her something like 'I still love you and as much as I want to keep you in my life we can't hang out anymore because it hurts me too much and it'll prevent me from moving on. For now I need to focus on myself and heal and move on. I hope you understand' and then later I said you can call me if you ever feeling down and really need help/support.

    Now it's been 6 days and I haven't talked to her. We still have eachother on facebook and snapchat, I haven't sent her any direct snapchats but she can still see my story, she views what I post, I assume she just is up to date with all her friends stories on snapchat not just mine, my story snapchats have been of my life of me going out and doing things, If i was in her shoes and making a judgement of how I was coping with the breakup it'd probably seem like im doing fine/well because everything on my snapchat has a positive vibe. Should I stop posting on snapchat or should I not continue as normal. Has the 30 days already started from when I said we can't hang out or did snapchat ruin it?

    Thank in advance <3

    Reply
    • Kevin

      You should stop posting on snapchat and focus on yourself for a while. You are using snapchat to stay connected with her and communicate indirectly. And the point of no contact is to remove all connection for a short while.

      Reply
  • Arvin

    Hi Kevin,
    My Gf and I have recently broke up. Infact its becoming a routine.
    Every month, everytime we get into an argument she always chooses to end it. When shes happy she send me long text msgs how happy she is -ill copy and paste one of her msgs "
    Baby i'm laying here thinking how grateful and blessed i am to have you in my life, i know sometimes i don't show it at all and when i'm upset or sad i hurt you without any intentions too, i'm here to let you know what i'm feeling not just because you have been so good to me these weeks but i want you to know that we both have came a long way.. to get to where we are now in our relationship. I am still learning about you each day i learn how to deal with you and yet till today i'm still learning how to communicate with you better, thank you for supporting me through everything and being so patient with me. I hope we can continue to be positive and happy and go on more adventures together! i want to create unforgettable memories ones that give each other the feels when we think about it, just memories like you coming to pick me up or me sitting on the train with you going to work, simple things like that make me happy, i love you so much, i know you say your always here for me and that no one can replace me, what you have told me i've never been told that in my life and it gives me this feeling i cannot describe, yet it's a feeling of ease.. a warm, comforting feeling in my heart that makes me want to burst into tears of happiness, yet when i hear those words from you in person or over the phone it makes me have that rush warm feeling all over again and it makes me what to hug and smother you with kisses :$
    i hope this makes you smile after a long day of work! or should i say short day haha! "
    That msg was sent a week ago.
    Anyway two days ago she choosed to end it because of ne going out with a friend when she broke up with me, saying that I am cheating. So now she had blocked me completely on everything. But she still chooses to reply to me via email. But consistenly telling me to leave her alone. I would leave her but prior to this we had a discussion of her saying its over , she has said she hated me for that moment. I dont know what to do

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Arvin,

      Do no contact and follow the plan. There is a good chance she will want to get back together after you start no contact. If she does, take things slowly and tell her clearly that you do not want a relationship where she breaks up every time there is a fight. You both need to work on your communication. You should lead by example. Start reading books on communication while you are doing no contact.

      Reply
  • Jen

    My ex told me he reconnected with his ex before me and he might get back together with her. But he wanted to check on me sometimes. He needed a week to think who he will choose. I blocked his phone #. He emailed me after 4 hours I blocked him asked me if I will reconsider him and he loves me. It took me 2 days to respond. I said something sweet and said we need to meet up in person next week. If you can't do it, I will block your email. And you can never reach out to me. I think he had been with his ex for a month now. He might just put me on side. Now how should I implement this NC rule?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jen,

      If he has not replied to your email for a month, then you should let him go. Ultimatums are dangerous because if you don't go through with them, your ex will lose respect for you. And if you do go through with them, well, you can't pursue your ex anymore.

      Reply
    • Jen

      Hi Kevin,

      Thanks so much for your response. Yes I gave his Ultimatums. Last Saturday I sent this email and said if you couldn't meet me next week, I would block your email and everything and you could never reach out to me.....he hasn't responded yet. After I blocked his phone # for 4 hours last Thursday, he emailed me and asked me if I will reconsider him and he loves me. I sent this Ultimatums email on Saturday. If he loves me as he said, why hasn't he responded yet? What should I do now ? I really want to get him back. I love him but I never told him before in our relationship for 6 months. I didn't treat him well during a certain period. But I realized how much I like him at the end. What should I do ? Should I just let him go if he won't reply for a week like I said in the email?

      Reply
  • Bára

    Hey Kevin,

    I would like to ask you for and advise. I spoke to my boyfriend over phone and he said that he feels that if he doesn´t see the long term perspective in the relationship then it is not fair to continue. We spoke about it couple of times and he always said that i´m the right one for him right now and just doesn´t think about the future like that. But now he came with this. Thinking that he´s stopping me form meeting someone who i could plan the future with. He was very kind and i know it wasn´t easy for him. I know he would like to see me because he asked me to visite him for a weekend. I was very heart broken because we always find a way. So i told that it´s not a good idea spending all weekend together in his flat. Today i wrote hime that i know he didn´t mean to hurt me and asked him if he is really sure he wants to breakeup because of the future we don´t know. (I asked because he didn´t say the final word, always saying he thinks, he feels) He has not replied yet. It makes me wonder if he is sure about that. Anyway, i would like to hear your opinion and advise on what to do. I would like to be with him and i know that it does not always work out but I still would like to do my best for getting our relationship on a right path.
    Thank you Kevin
    Bára

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      If your ex is sure about not wanting a future, and you are sure you want a future with him, then you should suggest to take a short break of a week or two. Tell him that you can both think more clearly if you are not speaking to each other and he can figure out if he truly wants you. You should not do total no contact unless he has completely broken up with you.

      Reply
  • RachelWork

    My ex boyfriend broke up with me less than a week ago and he's already seeing someone new I'm pretty sure this is just a rebound but Will this still work?

    Reply
  • Marcus Reichert

    Hey Kevin, 12 days ago my girlfriend of 3 1/2 years dumped me.

    We used to have an amazing, loving, intimate, relationship. We were in love. Then about 8 months ago we started a downward spiral. I was so ignorant. We got in little arguments that would turn into bigger problems we couldn't understand each other because both of us had never been in a long term relationship like this before and we had no idea how to communicate to get through this rough patch in our relationship. We covered up problems, lied to ourselves that it would get better by doing nothing and in the process lost trust. We became emotionally disconnected. She was the one holding it together and I was too stupid to see it. She got tired of it.
    In the last 8 months our sex life was a roller coaster. Sometimes we had amazing intimate sex that would last a while. Other times it was once every other week chore for her and we both didn't even really want to do it. We almost completely stopped doing fun things together and she got bored. I could feel her pulling away and I got jealous and super needy. She got even more disconnected and was falling out of love and I was fearful. We got in stupid arguments over stupid stuff and she dealt with it by not wanting to talk about her feelings at all. I saw it coming.

    After one of our classes at college together she dumped me. I told her I understand. After the break up we hugged, I held her while she cried, she kissed me and we told eachother we love eachother. Two days after the breakup I gave her a handwritten letter telling her how I know why it fell apart and that I accept the breakup and that I was sorry for hurting her. The same day I messaged her at 3 am on FB trying to reconcile with her. It didn't work obviously. She wanted to be left alone, she didn't want to be my "love", she was very hurt and emotional. She told me she was lost right now. She told me she can't go back and that I need to move on and that she is too.

    I was very hurt and upset for the next 10 days, it was hell. I had never faced this kind of pain in my life. The person I love slipped away and I would give my arms and legs if it meant I could be with her and share a life full of love and passion with her.

    Since then I have been working on myself, self reflecting, eating right, doing meditation, being with friends and trying everyday. The problem is that I want her back in my life. Not because something is missing. I want to share my wealth with her. I want to use this to learn. She is a mirror for me to grow.

    I want to go no contact with her but we have (4) classes together and 2 more weeks of school in college before the semester ends. I've interacted with her in some way about 10 out of the 12 days since the break up. Some initiated by me, some by her, some positive, some negative. She is friendly with me still and tries to talk to me in some of our classes. So would I still be able to have the effect of no contact after the semester or am I screwed? Any input is appreciated. I need some help Kevin..
    Thank you.
    -Marcus.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      Yes, you can start full no contact after the semester and you will still have a chance of getting her back.

      Reply
  • Joe

    My GF of one year moved out saying she's unhappy and gave me hints. Starting today I am starting the no contact. She hasn't answered much or not at all. But she still has some things at the house she hasn't picked up. And she has asked me if she could get it but never came. Is she possibly leaving it here to give her self a reason to come back down the road? Or should I contact her to come get the rest if her stuff.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Don't read into why she left the things. there could be a million reasons for that. Just follow the plan. Don't contact her to come get the stuff.

      Reply
  • Sarah

    Hello,
    So he broke up with me 3 days ago and the only reason was because he said he can't handle my depression and told me to get help. Now the problem is i did the exact thing I shouldn't do, and created a huge drama and was so needy and desperate.. but after that I haven't contacted him. His parting words were "I'm here if you need me" so i feel like he said that to make himself sound so in control also he made it sound like I'm a bit crazy. And also, complained that i lashed out and became moody the weekend before making it sound like i have anger issues even though i DO NOT at all and we have NEVER had a fight before. I'm 19 he is 20. He even said we're perfect for each other but just doesn't like the fact i never talked to him about how i was or felt etc. I want him back so bad especially because i feel the reason wasn't good enough because I'm planning to get help for my depression. He is going to a different country in 24 days to see family for the entire summer until October. What should i do? Should i not contact him until he's back in October or should I contact him tight before he leaves? Any advice would be a great help. I've been reading through your website and i find it so interesting thank you.

    Reply
  • Lily

    Hello Kevin,
    I am 22 and so is my ex. we were together for two years and everything was amazing, we seemed to get on great and he seemed to really love me and he used to talk about getting married and having kids and everything. He used to tell me how I was the one for him and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, however about five months ago he moved away for work and we only managed to see each other once since for two weeks. He is having a really good time and as time passed he seemed to be less and less interested in me and I became increasingly clingy because I was so scared he was slipping away, so I decided to move out there to be with him. At first, he was really excited about it but it has taken about three months to work everything out and he became uninterested again and broke up with me about five days ago but I am supposed to be flying out in two weeks. I am moving my entire life to be with him and now he is totally uninterested in me. He says he still wants to be friends and that he will help me find somewhere to live, and we are still talking but I just don't know what to do. I know he must still care about me because he took so long to actually decide to break up with me and he kept changing his mind about us. He has really hurt me when he was being so indecisive he would shower me with affection one minute and ignore me the next. should I completely ignore him when I get there and try and work things out with finding somewhere to live on my own? I have social anxiety and its quite a big deal moving all that way and he is literally the only person I will know there. I am just really worried about what will happen if things don't work out and how I will cope if I don't make any new friends.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Lily,

      You can tell him that you need some space from him and you won't be speaking to him when you move there. You can ask him for advice but in my opinion, you can find resources online for any information you need. You can also use websites like meetup to make new friends in the town.

      Reply
  • Libby

    Hey Kevin,

    I did post mine but I think it got deleted?but I will type it all again,

    Basically me and my ex were engaged and we were together for a year, few weeks back he was meant to come to mine but he couldn't come cause of my mum and me wasn't well cause we always pick him up as he has a learning disability and when my mum said we couldn't come he was fine but when he message me I asked what's wrong? He got all moody at me and we had a fight then he said no more calls, no more Skype, no conversation, he block me and my mum and I brought him flowers to say sorry to him his family wouldn't open the door so we gave them to his next door. I was so upset I wanted help so I message one of family member and he unblock me saying "please don't contact my family or friends otherwise I call the police" then he said "I do not want to see you again" I break down so hard and hard so much! I really miss him and I really want me and him to sort this out as this is him being childish all because​he couldn't come and see me …. What do you think I should do? I mean we were so happy now this happens :(

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Libby,

      If the breakup seems like it's coming from nowhere, then there is a good chance your ex is hiding something. Nevertheless, you should do no contact and if you still want him back after a couple of months, then try contacting him again.

      Reply
  • dineth

    Hello,

    I Did All Mistakes That described above :)
    is there still possible to get my ex back ? (LDR)

    Thank you

    Reply
  • Maria

    Hey Kevin,
    My boyfriend of 1 year broke up with me a week ago today, however when he ended it with me he didn't give me any reasons for it besides saying that he was unhappy. I treated him really well, we were so happy and in love. However he hasn't tried to contact me at all, so I haven't been contacting him either. Should I try the no contact rule even if he's ignoring me and may not ever speak to me again?

    Reply
  • R.W.

    I have recently started no contact and she has messaged me every day since (this is only day 3). She seems quite angry now that I am totally ignoring her. How long do I leave it before I let her know I want space and time to clear my head?

    I feel quite bad now for ignoring her. I'm trying to work everything out and better myself but everytime she gets in touch I feel like I'm going back to square one and she is right back in my thoughts. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      Don't totally ignore her. Tell her that you can't speak to her because you need some space and time to heal.

      Reply
  • Christina

    Hi, my boyfriend broke up with me after a 4 months relationship. We got along really well, shared similar interests but he said he was not looking for anything long term since he just got out of a 6 years relationship. We still send each other a text or two a day and it's so confusing because I can't tell if he is still into me. We bumped into each other at the gym and he was very nice go me and helped me with my weights just like when we were dating. What does this mean??

    Reply
    • Kevin

      It doesn't mean anything. If you want him back, do no contact for a while and try again.

      Reply
  • Beyoutiful

    Hi.
    I tried doing the no contact. But i think it didn't end well. Hebkept texting me, but when the time comes that I texted him, it's as if hebis not interested anymore. He broke up.with me because he said I was insecure and i am always complaining. But that is not true. On the day of our breakup we had a really huge fight and there he ended things with me. It has been 3 months. We had casual talk befire, I told him to never had another girl so fast and he said he won't do any serious relationship now for he has to focus on his career, one of the reasons why we grow apart is his career. It has been 3 months. Last time I was drunk I texted him that he will mever hear from me again since he is pushing me away so many times. He said that I should hate him as long as I want to if that will help me move on and that he is sorry things did't work for us. I heard he is already dating another girl. Is there a chance for us. Is nc still applicable cause i feel i messed up the last time. :(

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Yes, there is a chance for you. Follow the plan. Don't break no contact just because he starts texting you.

      Reply
  • lisaxox

    Hey

    Will the no contact rule work if my ex has blocked me from his phone? we were together a year and a half but he says the relationship isn't going anywhere! I know I want it to work but we've broke up so many times over the same thing I think he's just had enough. I've been so need for the 2 days after the break up then he blocked me?

    Any advice would be appreciated as I feel im going out of my mind x

    Reply
  • Yannine

    Hello,
    I used to live with my bf for 2 years. 6 months ago he told me he has doubts about our relationship and that he feels not ready for commitment. I managed to convince him to try and that things could get better, but this thing wounded me and I started to be overemotional and needy. 1.5 months ago we have separated to try long distance (we went back to our parents, in different countries) and about 2 weeks ago, after I had asked when we could meet, he told me he doesn't feel like seeing me yet, which upset me and I started a discussion with him which led to him being brutally honest with me and telling me that whatever he had lost is not coming back and that he's sorry and he cares for me but does not want to keep hurting me and if I tried I would understand. I had no contact since then (18 days now) and he didn't attempt to contact me either. I love him and I want him back. Please advise what I should do.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Yannine,

      I am sorry you are going through this. It'll be best to continue no contact and follow the plan in the article above.

      Reply
    • Yannine

      Thanks Kevin, I'll continue doing that. But, in case he does not contact me in the next 2 weeks, should I contact him anyway? Or still let more time pass? I guess he feels sort of relieved that I'm not bugging him anymore since he admitted the last couple of months have been stressful. I hope that he will start missing me eventually.. There is not really a chance to bump into each other, so contact is all we have..

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      You can contact him if you are ready to contact him. See the checklist above.

      Reply
  • River Deep

    Hay Kevin,

    I broke up with my ex for a week now. I was so needy and we ended up in a fight where i swore at her. She got mad at me and told me to backoff and leave her alone. i didnt contact her for 2 days and then i tried again. She was still mad at me and then blocked me from all means of communication. i tried called her on Saturday and she clearly told me to move on as shes moving on. She was drunk this time. I started no contact rite away. Three days after no contact she messaged me on Viber asking me aboout some stuff, i replied briefly and then she messaged me again on the next day. This time i could tell that all her anger has gone. What should i do? She still block me from all comms except Viber. Should i remain NC?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey River,

      Yes, you should continue no contact. If she texts again, just tell her you need some space and time to deal with the breakup.

      Reply
  • Marilyn

    Hello.

    My Boyfriend broke up with me after he realized that I cheat on him 3 times. The first one was emotional cheating by texting some other guy. The second one was physically leaving him to go with the other guy. This episode lasted 5 months and I kept going back and forth with him and the other guy. He was very hurt and was drinking and partying every single night. But he forgave me and accepted me anyway. The third time I made out with a Friend in a club and he found out about it. Now he completely lost his trust in me and is afraid to be hurt by me again. When he found out, he randomly threw hurting insults at me. One fine day, he blocked my number on his phone so I'm unable to contact him up till now. However, I bumped into him last night and he still doesn't want to talk about the issue. He kept brushing me off Ms acted like he didn't listen when I was talking. Please advise me on what to do to get him back.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Marilyn,

      If you keep on cheating on him, then there is some serious issue with you. Unless you accept that issue and try to find a solution for it, he will not have any reason to trust you again. I suggest getting therapy.

      Reply
  • Jesse

    Hey Kevin, holy do I have a story for you let try and keep it short tho. My girlfriend of 2 years left me. We have a 1 year old daughter. My house isn't suitable for her and it can't be made sutible because I don't own it. so I go there every other night and watch her after work. My ex usually goes out or stays in her room, and I watch alyia downstairs. I broke all the rules lol and had many chances to be around more. I should have moved in, but i didn't and it annoyed her to have the baby all the time.. as for now, how do I do the no contact when she calls and texts about our daughter .. I can't ignor her, so do I seem distant? Friendly? I need your help :(

    Reply
  • ikeyz

    Hello Kelvin,
    me and my ex girlfriend are close to each other, we chat on social networks everyday, sometimes we call to check up on each other, and she visits me also . I such case, how do I go about no contact?.

    Reply
  • Chris

    Hi Kevin. Me and my ex see each other on a weekly basis due to having a child together and being involved in her life. My question is during the no contact period is it ok to bring a female friend to an event ( like a child's sporting event)? She has and I was wondering what would be the best option?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Chris,

      If you think your ex will think of it as you being disrespectful, then you shouldn't do it. If the female is friend is important to you and is just a friend, you should speak to your ex about this before bringing her to an event.

      Reply
  • Philip

    Hey

    My ex girlfriend broke up with me about 4 days ago because i ran away from my house for about 4 days. Her dad is also dying from cancer, he only has about 3 months to live and i really wanna be there for her and help her when he passes away. i cant really do the no contact thing because we have a class together and we're partners for this project that we are doing for the rest of the year. what should i do? and also what would happen if she also read this article and we both do the no contact thing?
    Thank you in advance- Philip

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Phillip,

      Do the project together but keep your distance and only speak to her when necessary. Be a little distant for a couple of weeks and try apologizing to her and tell her you want to be there for her as a friend.

      Reply
  • Ro

    Hi Kevin,

    So this is a tough one, I'm a 30 year old female and my ex is 32 years old.

    We dated for close to 3 months, during this time I've been going through a divorce and he was there for me. Our relationship quickly evolved and we exchanged I love you's and he talked about marriage, children, a future. We were extremely happy and in love.

    Unfortunately during this time, his sister was contacted by an anonymous number and told her brother was dating a "married" woman, mind you he comes from a very Christian family. In addition the messages implied I was a whore who was using him for sex and also encouraged his sister to "talk to her brother, save his life & future". Obviously after receiving that message he was extremely concerned, yet we decided to ignore it and continue with our relationship.

    About 2 weeks later he then received a message from an anonymous number implying I was a cheater, was still sleeping with my husband and accused me of physically abusing my husband, the message warned he leave the relationship. Again, we tried to work past this.

    A month or so went by, text free, but from time to time we would end up having a silly argument in which he'd bring up these texts and tell me he was under a lot of stress from them, it was hard to forget them and he felt threatened by them. About a week ago, he broke down crying on the phone and said he was overwhelmed, stressed, scared, unable to eat, etc. He asked for space and I of course failed to give it to him, I'd text and he'd be short, I also ended up driving to his house uninvited, where he reiterated to me that he needed space but I continued to call/text and essentially kept bugging him asking if the relationship was over, to where his replies were always somewhere along the lines of "I need time to be by myself".

    Last week I received a message from him saying these anonymous texts started again and he and his family were being threatened, he wouldn't tell me what they said, but he asked me if I was pregnant and then made a comment implying how convinient the timing was for them to come through. Today I get another text asking me to tell him everything I know about these messages and if I had anything to do with them as he's going to the police, I let him know I didn't have anything to do with them.

    I asked him if he still loved me and he said he did, but the messages had gone too far, then again I asked if the relationship was over and was met with this response:

    I've taken matters into my own hands. Please let me try to be in peace. Like I said these messages have gone way too far. It is because of them I must move on or try to. You should have done something to stop them months ago. All I wanted was time and it's come to this.

    After receiving this message, I text him back about 4 times and essentially begged for a second chance and reassured him I had no involvement and would do anything to help and protect him, he never replied after that.

    Is it too late?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Ro,

      Do you know someone who could be sending these text messages? You should contact the police regarding this. I recommend you apologize to him and tell him that you were wrong for not giving him space. Ask him to contact the police regarding the text messages and if you should contact them. Do no contact after that and follow the plan.

      Reply
  • May

    Hey kavin..
    I just broke up with my girlfriend 3 days ago its so painful .. We were together for almost 3 years .. We were best friends and lovers ( btw im a girl also) she loved me to death.. She left all her friends just to be with me although i didnt ask her to do so but she was like ur my friend my love my everything etc.. But now she started getting back her old life and friends .. She told me she still loves me and want me in her life but as friends because she wants freedom and she cant live without me.. I actually cant be friends with her after want we been through.. I want her back as gf!!! I can right? Btw we work together but different departments ... Helpp meeeeee

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey May,

      Follow the article. Do no contact before trying again. If it doesn't work, let her know honestly that you can't be friends and you need to move on.

      Reply
  • Amanda

    Hi Kevin
    So I broke up with my boyfriend about a week ago. I broke up because he didn't treat me right. My friends told my many times before we broke up that he wasn't good for me. But I really loved him and I still do. I have always seen the positive things about him. And yeah he hurt me a few times but not like this one time. I still want to be with him but I was too hurt to call him my boyfriend so I ended it. I'm still heartbroken and don't know what to do with my life. A part of me feels bad and awful for breaking up with him because I know I hurt him a lot. I feel evil and mean for not giving him time to apologise. I feel like its all my fault and I should make it up to him again. The only thing I want right now is to get him back. We had like this special connection and we were both very honest with each other.
    We are teenagers and very young and I know that I should just live my life but I feel like I'm stuck. I don't know what to do without him. He was such a big part of my life.
    So that was my story. Here is my question: is the "no contact" thing still the right thing to do? We are still friends but I feel like if I don't keep in touch with him he will forget about me.
    What should I do?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Amanda,

      If you don't keep in touch, he will not forget about you. In fact, the best thing you can do for him right now is to not keep in touch. By giving each other space, you will both realize if your love is truly special and whether or not you should get back together.

      Reply
    • Amanda

      Thank you, Kevin. I will do that and hopefully get a nice result.

      Reply
  • Teresa

    Hi.. I've been seeing this guy for almost a year and a half. We weren't exclusive, but we spent a ton of time together/vacationed together/etc.
    Anyway, he came to my house this passed Sunday while I was sleeping and went through my phone. I texted a guy the day before because I was bored.. (the guy I was seeing was ghosting me for 2 days - VERY unlike him). So I ended up hanging out with the guy for a couple hours.

    Shouldn't be a big deal right? Wrong.
    He left. Didn't wake me up or anything. He texted me going off & said he's not messing with me anymore. Says we had a "mutual agreement."
    After Sunday, I began no contact. He hasn't contacted me & I haven't reached out to him. He watches my snapchat story though. Like he will watch half of them & not watch the others. He's done that 2 days in a row.

    (I want him to know that I have a life outside of him & that I'm not miserable. I use snapchat to do so).

    Anyway, what should I do? Is this relationship even salvageable? I don't want to waste much more time on this guy if it's not worth it. I'm completely heartbroken & I have been holding it in for 5 days now..

    Thanks in advance. Your advice has been great thus far. ?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Teresa,

      If you were not exclusive, then it shouldn't have been a big deal for him. However, his actions kind of show that he was developing feelings for you and he may have wanted something exclusive. I think you should speak to him honestly about your feelings and let him know that he is important to you and you want a relationship with him. If he refuses, then follow this plan.

      Reply
  • Rachel

    After 5 months of dating, where I supported him through his divorce and court case, I asked him if he loved me and he said no he didn't. I said I need time to think about whether I wanted to continue sleeping with a man who doesn't love me and he dumped me!! Said he does not love anyone and is no where near ready for a commitment.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Rachel,

      He was honest about what he wants and expects. Being emotionally ready for a commitment after a divorce is a big step and it might take him a lot more than 30 days to reach there. In my opinion, the relationship was much more important to you than him and there is a chance that he will ignore you when you try to contact him after no contact. If that happens, you can't do anything other than do indefinite no contact. I think you should do no contact for at least a couple of months before trying to contact him.

      Reply
    • Rachel

      Thank you Kevin

      Reply
  • rachel

    What if your ex sent you a "closure email" and then blocked you from email? What if they completely ignore your email or text after 30 days NC ? How can you proceed then?

    Reply
  • jamie

    I would love to get emails every day

    Reply
  • Tanisha

    Hey Kevin,

    So I (23 Y/o) have just come out of a relationship with my boyfriend (21 turning 22) of 6 months we had known each other for 3 years before that and were friendly. He actually initiated our relationship after he liked me for 3 years on and off. I know it was a short relationship but we were extremely close, he practically lived with me while we were finishing uni, we turned into best friends and we wanted to experience new things together. So last week after months of telling me to move in with him after uni, to attend his cousins wedding, to meet the family (which I did on numerous occasions) for him to meet mine, to be put on his car insurance he told me he wanted to break up because he didn’t want to commit and knew I wanted a long term relationship. It also turns out that he thinks he might like some girl from work because she makes him happy and is fun to be around and is a good cook and we had been arguing recently as I had been away for a week. He says he loves me and likes me more but says he thinks she doesn’t want a commitment either and he just wants to give it a try and see what happens, she is leaving to go back to Poland at the end of May but will return late August early September. He also says he sees a future with me but doesn’t want a future right now and therefore would like to try with her. This girl found out we broke up last week when he told her and over the weekend she broke up with her bf of 4 years. They are going to a horse racing event alone something that really hits home since that was our first date and he told me he wouldn’t just go with anyone, he also spent 3 -4 hours driving to pick this girl up from the airport regularly since she is from Poland and goes home every other weekend. They work together and have begun spending a lot of time together. It really hurts because I was skeptical of getting with him and he showed me throughout how I shouldn’t be but now I feel like I never really knew him. Help, I know I am young and everyone says I have my whole life ahead of me but I don’t see why that matters. What should I do?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Tanisha,

      I am sorry you are going through this breakup. Your boyfriend is stringing you along as he is going around and exploring his option. Everything he said implies that he wants you to wait for him while he goes around with that other girl. He is young and is not ready to commit. He does have strong feelings for you but that didn't stop him from breaking your heart. I recommend you do two months no contact and follow the plan. If after two months of no contact, you still want him back, reach out to him. If he is still not done with his exploration, you should move on.

      Reply
  • henry

    Hi kevin,

    I know this girl from last three year and we were best friends and from last 4 months we were into a relationship.
    She broked up with me 10 days ago saying that her family is looking for a guy to get married.i talked to her about what i feel for her but she said she cant take her chance and cant convince her family so after that i didn't called her again but she now calls me sometime and says that she is confused for this new guy.we are still friends so i helped her with this problem but deep inside i still want her.
    I am helpless please suggest what should i do?
    Please help me with this situation.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Henry,

      Situations like this rarely work in your favor. I recommend that you stop being her friend and cut her off from your life.

      Reply
  • nidhi

    hello kevin,
    you have given so many ideas which is very helpful for everyone.....this article shows your kindness about those people who loss their mind during this break up and helpless period.
    but my condition is lil bit different.please give some suggestion.........i was in relationship for 7 years. during this period he broke up for 3 times just because of his parents...because they are very strict and narrow minded.now he thought he spoiled my life and want to go away from me for my happiness and wants that i should marry somewhere else.he is forward in caste and i am backward
    tell me kevin what should i do?
    i am not in contact with him for 20 days.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Nidhi,

      Continue no contact for another 10 days and reach out to him. If he still thinks like that, then there is a good chance he will not marry you because of caste differences. In that case, you should just do indefinite no contact and move on. I am sorry you are going through this and a 7 years relationship ended this way, but there is nothing much you can do here.

      Reply
  • Trish

    Unfortunately i have made all those mistakes in 1 month we separate at the point he told me he doesn't love me no more .just wondering if he mean it or have just read your advice before me.he is doing exactly what you asking to do.Does it mean he wants me back?he totally got me round his finger if his intention was to see me crawling.My worries are if i start feeling better with myself there is a way back cuz i wont forgive him for such a scar left me and i heal all by myself with his 7 month son.its impossible not being in contact in this situation or even ignore texts.Everytime i talk about myself and how i been doing all i get is jealousy and hate and we are not together .Im really confused not knowing if he loves madly me or totally hate me to see me well without him.Help

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Trish,

      There is a good chance that he still loves you. You are right, after healing by yourself, you might not want him back and might even realize that you are better off without him. But you don't really have any other option. You've tried everything else. Now it's time to put yourself before him and your relationship and start loving yourself.

      Reply
  • Nj

    Hi Kevin,

    It's been 20 days of no contact with my ex. She text me 3 times within that period. The first time she text me it was to let me know that her and our 13 year old daughter were going to go visit family. The last 2 times she asked me how am I and said something about the bills. It had been 16 days of no contact at this time. I only responded to the third text and kept it strictly about the bills.

    Besides that one response about the bills it's been 20 days of no contact. In 12 days it will be 32 days of no contact, and it would be our 16 year anniversary. I'm wondering if I should contact her then if she doesn't first. The whole point was for us to have some space, work on ourselves, fix bad habits, and start new. Then all of a sudden she sends me a text about breaking it off for good.

    I think she's still not ready to trust the positive changes I've made and continue to make. I've taken accountability for my flaws and I'm making efforts to improve. However, it seems she just wants to hold on to negative things. I know this comes from hurt. Hopefully time will heal some wounds. I just want my family back together again. Your insight would be much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Nj,

      I am sorry you are going through this painful breakup. I think you should contact her when you are ready. You will have to be very patient and you can never push her to get back together. It has to be her idea. The only thing you can do is be consistent and show her that you are really capable of change.

      Reply
  • Sanjida Ahmed

    Hii Kevin!! I'm soo in need of how to get my man back and its very painfull !! :(
    Our relationship has been for 7 months and its after his ex broke up with him. I was there to help him , to take care of him and friendship ended up in a relationship when I confessed my love for him. Since he got the love and care he wanted , from me which his ex could not give. And now that his ex has come back and reminds him that he betrayed her when she was the one to breakup and he just eventually decided to move on with life with me . He blames himself for hurting her and told me he needs space . He is having his space now but I am afraid to lose him. I cannot just lose him at all. Though he did not tell me he broke up with me, he just asked for space . And I'm deadly obsessing about him since I love him so much and I just couldn't even think about letting him go. What do I do and How do I get him back? Pleasee help
    Thankyou

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Sanjida,

      There is nothing else you can do except give him space.

      Reply
  • Ted

    Ted, its already 1.5 month, and only now I understood that I was still needy..... isnt it too late to put no contact rule and expect for the best? Or did I fucked up everything? We had couple nice meetings during this period, but on the last one we had a bad conversation again...and I kept being needy for couple days again. Now I think I fucked u everything, or ?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Ted,

      If you want her back, you should give it a try. No one can say for sure if it's too late. The only way to find out is to actually try.

      Reply
  • A girl

    Hi Kevin,
    Two years ago i broke up with my boyfriend. We didnt have contact for about a year. Suddenly he added me on facebook and we were started talking. He was asking about my 'then current boyfriend' and so so.

    However, there was a event going on april first. We were both going. When i first told him that i was going he asked me if i was going alone, i said yes. Then i asked him, he said no, i will go with my best friend, he continued that i might not want to see him because his best friend tried to hit on me. That day i told him my feelings and that i still cared about him. He told me that he has not the same feelings, i accepted him and didnt contact him for two weeks.
    After two weeks he sent me a message saying; hi are u still going to the event? If you do, do you want to come with us? Me, my best friend and two other friend. I replied; no i will go with a friend. He continued to say lets go together. The morning of the event he texted me asking if i was already gone.
    At the event i didnt greet him, so he came to me and said why are u ignoring me? U look at me but u dont greet. So he hugged me. And stood next to me.
    The next day i contactws him saying that he really confuses me. That i dont understand what he is trying to do and so. Since then i havent talked to him. Its been about 2 weeks. Should i still follow the rules? What do you think?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      If he has not replied to your latest message about what he is trying to do, you should follow the rules and do no contact.

      Reply
  • Pat

    Hey! We broke up because I lied about changing my selfish acts and it when really long than I actually want to do it. Can you help me because she keeps on ignoring me. I sent her a message after doing a no contact. I'm kinda nervous if she's ever gonna talk to me again. Please help me. I want her back. :( Pls help. Thank you

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Pat,

      Instead of telling her that you've changed, you need to show her that you are serious about this. Getting therapy or joining a group therapy session will help you show her that you really mean it this time and will increase your chances of getting back together.

      Reply
    • Pat

      She's really mad also at me and idk what to do. will she ever talk to me? I'm kinda anxious because i really pissed her off and ended up breaking up with me :(

      Reply
  • Nick

    My girlfriend and I recently broke up about 2 weeks ago. We had dated for over two years. She moved down to me and didn't know anyone. She was dependent on me and there's only so much you can do when she's not 21 either. She felt trapped and moved out and started living with people she met. I was totally fine with that. Did it suck, yeah, but she seemed happier so I was all for it. So after the break up, I didn't contact her until she called me asking to meet up for lunch. I said sure and we had a great talk and had a really emotional, long hug (She was crying, not me). She said she really missed me and just needs to see I've changed. She said she sees I have changed a little, and just wants to see it last and stay changed forever. We had lunch the next day as well and we laughed about things and talked about the relationship. She said she wants us to work out, but still needs space. She said she wants us to work out, but isn't putting any effort into making it work out. I don't know what to do because we are going to my friends wedding together next week. Please help me figure out if she is still interested in our relationship.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Nick,

      I can bet you aren't the only one who needs to change if the relationship is to work. You should be clear about what needs to change in both you and her and lay your cards on the table. Tell her that if she wants it to work, then you both need to make some changes.

      Reply
  • Ann muazu

    this answered my questions from start to finish, got more than I needed. God bless

    Reply
  • Linda

    My ex broke up with me on thanksgiving yet she acts like we're still together just in February she tells me to find someone else,and that I will never find anyone like her yet she calls me everyday all day I used to answer her just recently I stopped I asked her what were we she replied we aren't together and I told her we weren't friends either after that she has called my phone several times in a day even exceeding 15 unanswered calls then today she texted I miss you! I want to go to the beach what is that about

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Linda. Your ex is confused and doesn't know what she wants. Ask her if she wants to get back together. If she refuses, then tell her that you need time and space to deal with the breakup and start no contact.

      Reply
    • Linda

      I'm on day 6 of no contact today has been the first day she has not contacted me.,, how do I know how long to keep the no contact should I wait for her to send me a text stating she wants to get back together or just let it go a full 30

      I know right now she is feeling overwhelmed I used to be at her availability always and now I haven't been

      Reply
  • Melteweens

    Hi Kevin i REALLY REALLY need help . I am currently feeling so hopeless and i want him back so badly… Heres the thing.. Me and him had been together for 6 months but as time passed he showed lesser sign of love and didnt take me as his priorities anymore… Thats when i suggested to break up. A week before the breakup he kept messeging me acting as if nothing happened , but i did not reply any of his texts . For the next 2 months we did not contact each others until that day he messeged me if im going to his college’s event . In the end i did go and he seemed to be doing so fine without me … He did not show any signs of missing me and seems to move on already… Even when i see tagged pictures of him on social media , he seemed to be happier without me… I cant tell if he was acting or he really prefers to be single… If so why would he invite me to his college’s event? (I dont think he was trying to revenge to make me feel bad because he is really not that type of person) After seeing him during the event , i instantly fell in love with him again and slowly recalled tons of good memories with him…Therefore i went ahead and whatsapp him after the event was over . He told me that he was better than ever and i admitted that i sounded desperate during that conversation . Throughout that entire week after that event i couldnt resist my urge and started a convo with him 3 times.(He never started the convo ) The 3rd time when i whatsapp him i asked if we could get back together , and he said no… (Reason was he wanted to be single and he was dealing with Alevels exam in 1 month time) I told him that i could wait and he asked me not to… After that we did not talk until now.(Its been 2 weeks) Sometimes he showed signs that he still likes me but sometimes it seems like he has completely moved on. I miss him badly… ? I hope you could give me some advices on this , even just a bit .. I need some guides on what to do next pleaseeeee i hope you read and reply to my comment ?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      It's good you started no contact. He is young and he wants to explore his options. He does has feelings for you but he doesn't want to get tied down yet. I don't recommend waiting for him. You should focus on moving on. I know you have strong feelings for him and don't want to let go. If you want to give it another try, do no contact for another 2 months before contacting him. You should really make some positive changes in yourself before contacting him again. And I highly recommend you date other people to regain your self worth and confidence.

      Reply
  • Alex

    Hi Kevin,

    My fiance broke up with me back in January. We still live together her and you can imagine how that is going. I have thought about all the questions you asked in. Your article and she is the one I want to be with and being with her makes me a better person. She was the one who ended things and I am at a loss with what to do. It's hard to give space since we live together still. Sometimes it seems like she wants to get back together but then at other times hides it with anger. I made a lot of mistakes in the relationship and have changed greatly even though we still live together. Do you have any suggestions or tips to help me put or what I should do next? We also have a 3 year old daughter together.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Alex,

      Is it possible for you to move out? If so, then you should move out temporarily. It will give both of you the much needed space and time. Only speak to her about your daughter and nothing personal. Work on yourself while you are away and try to figure out what caused the breakup. Moving out might be a scary move but it will help both of you understand how important you are to each other.

      Reply
  • Jorge

    Hello Kevin
    Around 4-5 days ago me and my girlfriend broke up as she was stressing out about school and her head is all over the place. She is said that it is not likely that that we'd be back together but she is unsure whether she loves me or not and she admits she regrets the argument. The argument happened because she did not communicate her feelings and failed to address problems which she told other people but not me. Now unfortunately I fallen into a trap of pleading and begging her to give me a chance to change however on the day I met her in person to sort things out (a week before she broke up with me) me and her did a few things (sexual) and on that day she always responded to I love you and insisted that she needs space and that she was not ready for a relationship. I am in my 4th day of not contacting her and I need to find out what my next steps are, one of them is going to the gym but that's about it. I would be happy if you could help me out.
    kind regards
    Jorge

    Reply
  • Harman

    Hello,
    I love someone truly from 3 years and he loves me more than me.But starting of this year was very bad.He thinks I have another man in my life that's not true.I always use to spend wholw day talking with him.But he stop talking with me.His health is now not good because of these nonsense problema which is not true.Then I asked his friend to help me.But he was not good person.When my bf tell me about his friend's nature I stoped taking his help .And my bf start talking with me because he doesnt want me to get wrong again.But I dont know what happen my bf after 2,3 days started saying that you still with my friend.I thought may be his friend is lieing to him and I put his frend's pic on fb by saying that he has used many girls bla bla but that's true..And situation become more worst.Now what I have to do.I'm standing with truth but he is not believing.He is very disturbed now.He is not happy.

    Reply
  • Motty

    Hello my name is Motty and i broke up with my gf yesterday she blocked me in insta,fb,whatsapp,calls and message.After seeing this this i called her and asked why she did this and she said she is not intrested,i asked her the reason and she said she doesn't know kept on repeating the same thing and she said she doesn't like my character and our characters doesn't match .the main problem was a incident done ny me on a bus as i was gonna kiss her,she felt very insecure and left it from that time she used to get a lot of strain, afraid of me and thinks that i like her body instead of her.Yesterday i called her and the above thing happened,he has a Brother and he called me and said you touched her and said i need to see you in a angry mode.i didnt see her in that way but dont know
    What happened to her she used to love me so much and we hav plans of future..i need her would you suggest an idea.

    Reply
  • Grace

    Hey Kevin !

    Thank you very much for you daily emails, i have a problem with my ex, he broke up with me when i was 2 months, i tried with the no contact rules as from 03 March 2017 but it seems as it will not work as we are having a child, and i am very far to get the EBP Advance book

    Reply
  • Samual

    I am currently on day 36 of no contact from a long relationship. I have not heard from my ex girlfriend at all during this time. How much longer should I do no contact, and what should I say to her?

    Reply
  • Helen

    Hi Kevin,

    I would love some advice please. Apologies for the length in advance.

    We met a year ago whilst I was on vacation in Germany. I live in London. I'm 31 and he's 6 years younger than me. We managed to see each other once a month (3-5 days at a time). He struggled with the distance more than I did but we had pretty intense feelings for one another and tried to make it work - talked every morning and every night between visits. These were new feelings for both of us.

    He cheated on me about 5 months ago and called to tell me the very next morning because he didn't want to lie to me. The guilt was killing him and it meant nothing etc and the entire experience had only reaffirmed for him how much I meant to him and he now felt stable about us and comfortable for our futures to be intertwined in a permanent way (whereas before he was uncertain about us working). We went on an amazing vacation straight after this, after some time I forgave him and our relationship grew stronger. Or so I thought.

    Last month he flew halfway across the world to my family home in Southern Africa where he met my mother (only guy that ever has) and we had a wonderful 2 weeks together where I felt we grew so much closer and there were random comments about marriage and kids he made throughout that made me feel certain that this was the person for me. Then, just over a month ago, out of the blue (though there had been a few days prior where he was behaving strangely and not calling/texting me the way he normally would, but I chalked it up to his brother having just moved across the world from Syria to live with him so I wanted to give them space) he called to say he couldn't do a LDR anymore. That so much of our relationship has been consigned to the phone and that being apart from me was proving to be too difficult for him, that he wanted to wake up next to me like a "normal" couple. We had had issues with the distance aspect of our relationship before, but our love seemed to get us through those moments. We spoke another 2 times that week where I came to a slightly better understanding of what the real issue is:

    He's still a student (originally from Syria) and his financial situation is proving to be very difficult for him so he's considering moving back home (which is nuts and I've adamantly warned him is not a good idea). Even if he does opt to stay in Germany, he hasn't progressed academically and he doesn't want me to wait for him to get his life together (we had, once or twice, briefly discussed settling down together, marriage etc once he graduates). His older brother moving to live with him in Germany is what stemmed this entire thing because the day he arrived they had a massive bust up with his brother shouting at him about what he's doing with his life etc. His brother was supposed to come with my ex's university transcripts but because of the war, the records appear to have been lost which means he'll have to start his degree from scratch rather than just completing his final year. This adds more time on us being in a long distance relationship and also prolongs the time we would have to wait before getting married etc. I said I'd consider moving to Germany because I'm in between jobs at the moment and no longer want to live in London, but he said no - didn't want for me to move to a country where I don't speak the language and would struggle to find a job and to do that just for him and that I would come to resent him.
    He said that he needs to make these big life decisions without thinking of me, that this is a time when he needs to be selfish. I'm willing to wait until he gets his life together and graduates (whenever that may be) but he got angry with me and kept saying "how can you not even think about yourself?" (I believe that may age has a lot to do with this and he's conscious of potentially wasting my time) and that I should meet other people. He didn't sound like he was going to change his mind, I did a lot of crying and a little begging and he said goodbye. There was a finality about it though he said to call him if ever I need anything and we can be friends. I told him I didn't want to be friends.

    That was just over 30 days ago and I read your article and have not been in touch with him at all since (except his best friend and roommate msgd and called me about 2 wks ago to check up on me and see if I was ok - I said I had a flight to catch the next morning and that I was fine. I was very brief and vague). I have not heard a word from him at all. Complete radio silence which has worried me a little. I have been working on myself to make improvements (been working out and feeling good about myself) and am currently still travelling around Africa visiting family while I figure out where I want to live etc (it would have, rather ironically, been the best time for me to spend some months in Germany to test the waters for a full time life there with him). Do you think I have a chance of getting him back? I don't even know if he's yet made a decision about moving back to Syria but we don't really have mutual friends so I have no way of finding out (he's not on Facebook so I only have whatsapp and viber as a means of communicating with him).

    I guess what I'm struggling with is the first contact text message (can't send letter as I don't feel that would be appropriate) as to me my intentions would seem obvious if I were to reminisce about good times etc. Maybe this internal conflict suggests I'm not quite ready. I've gone through your checklist of things to have done before contacting your ex and I'm all there except that I'm not quite convinced about those endless opportunities to find love should this not work out. That it took me 30 years to find love for the first time, a genuinely meaningful and serious relationship makes me feel somewhat less than optimistic about what the world has to offer. I really feel like timing is all that is keeping us apart and though life will go on should this not work out, I'm not at all confident that I will experience another love like this. Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Shaz

    Hey Kevin, Was seeing a guy but he only saw me as a booty call, he started losing interest. so I've back of completely. I reacted and acted needy and he was probably annoyed. I just don't want him to see me as a booty call anymore and more as girlfriend material. I'm worried he won't come back, because he won't speak to me at the moment. Maybe you could give some handful advice.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Shaz,

      If he never developed feelings for you and only saw you as a booty call, it's unlikely his feelings for you will change. I think the best you can do is stop contacting him and focus on yourself. If you want to avoid a situation like this in the future, you should always take things slow when starting out with a new love interest.

      Reply
  • Luke

    Hi Kevin,

    I have a specific question related to the "no contact" period.

    My ex broke up with me two weeks ago, after dating for a little over a year. She claimed that, while she does love me, she does not see me in her future. Heartbroken, I managed a couple of days with no contact, but then slipped into the routine of social media stalking and constantly pestering her with needy and pitiful text messages. I came across your plan, and I am very motivated to stop the messaging, officially start "no contact", and continue with the other steps.

    I have one big issue. We are both in college, and both heavily involved in a very active on-campus organization (she is President, I am Past President--and therefore technically her "advisor"). In this organization, we have officer meetings (10 people total) every other week, plus additional events that we have to host. I really have no clue how to handle "no contact" when I literally must be in professional contact with her for my remaining 3 months in the organization.

    I'd really appreciate your insight, Kevin. Thank you for helping me get my girl back.

    -Luke

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Luke,

      Read this article.

      Reply
    • Luke

      Thanks Kevin! That article is great. I read it twice over to make sure I didn't miss anything.

      One additional question: I recently performed a very substantial wardrobe change (a much more modern look), because I saw that you recommended it, and it has indeed made me feel much better.

      I'm just worried that when my ex sees me again (I have a professional meeting to attend with her just one week after I started No Contact) I will appear as though I am seeking attention, and therefore needy. My new clothing is quite different that my old style, so it will definitely be noticeable.

      Thanks,
      Luke

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Luke,

      Don't worry about it. Even if she thinks like that, it will not affect your chances of getting her back as long as you don't act like you need attention or her approval. Just treat her like you would treat any person you are in good terms with without getting too friendly.

      Reply
  • Alban

    Hi Kevin. Two days ago i broke up with my girlfriend, she wanted so and we broke up. She loves me but she doesn't want me to know that, she thinks that i'm better without her because she always hurted me in the past with her attitude, with her ignorance. Iread all your article but i have a problem with the no-contact thing...I'm in highschool and i'm in the same class with her everyday! Can you please tell me what should i do in ma case? thank u

    Reply
  • aubry

    I am currently going thru a some what you called "breakup". I was basically chasing and after i got him, we were dating but a few days ago things wasn't as great and he said he doesn't want it anymore. He said that he wasn't ready for any commitments and doesn't wants to fall in love again and he just don't want to date anyone or see anyone anymore. I still love him so bad, and i am currently so confused. Please advice me on what to do. I do still text/call him sometime when i miss him and we see each other at work if we are working on the same shifts.

    Reply
  • Luca

    Hi Kevin

    This article is amazing and helped me a lot. Thank you so much for giving us those wise words.
    I am now at that point with the handwrizten letter, she just got it last week. I followed your steps and wrote content just like you proposed. At the end of the letter I asked her, if she would go out with me.
    The same day she texted me back and thanked for the kind letter and beautiful flowers I sent her and added, that she needs some more time to decide.
    I replied, that I understand and she shall take as much time as she needed.
    Its been a week now and I still have no reply from her and I am going crazy because I have no idea in which way she will decide.
    Also I texted her yesterday wome empty messages (yup, my fault) and she just dont text back.
    One more thing: I noticed, that she is less often online in whatsapp then she was before the handwritten letter.
    How should interpret this?

    Thank you so much in advance for your advice, how I should behave now and what could be going on on her mind.

    Kind regards
    Luca

    Reply
  • Icha

    Hi Kevin,

    I need your help.
    I was in a relation with a guy who is married now
    He was playing a mind game with me till the time I didn't fall in love with me
    He lied frauded cheated through out...he had physical relationship with many girls..he might be expecting the same in the absence of wife...luckily I was saved.
    I now want to teach him a lesson...want him to be attracted towards me badly...as I am somewhere sure he will not be loyal to his wife too.
    He played a very dirty game to drag my attention
    I did do no contact and on & off when I call he 95%pick up my call
    He has a very well experience of handling girl making the emotional fool
    Please guide me as I really want him to be hunted the same way I am going thru

    Thanking you in anticipation.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Icha,

      I am sorry you went through a terrible heartbreak and betrayal. But revenge is not going to make things better. If he lies, cheats and manipulates; he will eventually lose everyone close to him including his wife. You don't have to do anything for that to happen. Just don't contact him anymore and focus your time on healing and becoming happy.

      Reply
    • Icha

      Thanks Kevin,

      I somewhere feel....he is loyal to his family so he will keep them happy and will be loyal to his wife too
      But he needed to be taught a lesson by making him emotionally fool
      I know this might not be a positive attitude from my end....but I badly feel to trap him in his tricks

      Pls guide

      Regards

      Reply
  • Dan

    Hi there! Great article, I absolutely loved it. Can I ask a question re the 30 days no contact. I'm about the days in and already I'm getting messages etc, presumably she's wondering why I'm not chasing still. However, we are still in the process of moving out of a shared house and so there is some need for discussion. What do I do? She texted to say as a courtesy she was letting me know she'll be home tonight to grab some stuff and what time in case I didn't want to see her. Sounds like fishing? Also that she has done my washing and folded it for me. Please help.

    Daniel

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Dan,

      Just tell her that you need some space and time to deal with the breakup. There is no harm in meeting her as long as you keep any conversation strictly to the point. Don't talk about anything personal and if she does, just tell her you are not ready to speak to her as a friend yet.

      Reply
  • Jennifer

    Hello. My boyfriend broke up with my June of 2016. We kind of rekindle things but never really got space like we should've and we ended it recently after the holidays. I still want to be with him and feel like when we first broke up I should've just let it happened. I feel like it ruined any chance of us working out. I still want to be with him. He is currently moving out. What should I do

    Reply
    • Darcy

      You see, I myself am struggling with a breakup (not even an official relationship) but I'd suggest you to evaluate some things. Do you think he still isn't over you? And if you don't, do you want to take the risk and try to get him back? I believe you should first take it easy. Don't go after him but talk a little, casually and less than you usually would talk, then, start the No Contact rule. From the No Contact part on, you should follow the rest of the plan and it may work, I mean, you know your chances better than anyone else. Remember, by the end of the steps, despite the fact that there's always a chance that you might not get your ex back, you're supposed to be a better version of you who appreciates life even without their ex:)

      Reply
  • Aaron

    Hi Kevin,
    My girl friend and I have been in a 4 years relationship. In the last 7 months, things between us has been stagnant. Now she has her priorities changed and she wants to focus on her higher studies for her post graduation and not on this relationship. She broke up with me and she is happy and does not even miss me. She only talks to me as a friend now. Im just hurt and I miss her. I want her back and I would do anything to make our relationship work. Please help me

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Aaron,

      Stop talking to her as a friend and follow the 5 Step Plan.

      Reply
  • Briana

    Hey Kevin email me I need to ask a question for you!

    Reply
  • Nabila

    Hey Kavin. I have just broked up with my ex yesterday. But noy I am badly missing him. I made a mistake . I should not let him go. i just want him back in my life. i can't stay a minute without him. i am now feeling like dying.and I want to make him to miss me. Will you please help me?

    Reply
  • Jaici

    Hey Kevin,
    I read your should you get back with your ex article. You said that if you don't have trust, honesty, and communication you should not get back together. I did not have those things in my relationship. However, I want to try and fix it, it was my fault we didn't have those components and I feel like besides that, we were good together. There was some cheating and lying on my part, and my ex is just done. I want to change. I want to give him the same thing he gave me. I want to have a better relationship with him and I feel it is fixable if I just get one more chance. What should I do ? I feel like this is someone I want to spend my life with. We were planning on moving in together and now it is nothing. I really wish I could take back the things I did. How do I fix it ?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jaici,

      You should make some major changes in yourself and try to contact him again. But before you contact him, you should have already started working on whatever issues caused you to make the mistakes you made. Things like going to therapy, group therapy or a 12 step program is extremely helpful because it shows that you are serious about change. Once you have started on the path to change, contact him after a month of no contact with one of the methods mentioned in the article.

      Reply
  • e.p.

    Hello Kevin,

    It's been months since I last wrote on here. Well after my last post saying to give it one last chance I did give a chance but it didn't last. We broke up again and I left his house. This was right before Valentines day. So much has happened over these past months. But to be honest lately like these past weeks he's been on my mind like crazy and my feelings are going crazy too.

    After the split we weren't really speaking he said he hated me for taking our daughter away I told him you did this by still doing your sh*t. Fast forward to like 2 months after I left I ended up getting a new job and again it so happened he stopped working when I started so anyways I kept trying to call and text him to confirm if he can watch our daughter while I worked but he wouldn't answer any of my calls and it was rare if he replied to my texts. Rewind actually to a week before I started working I had called his phone it was morning and a girl answered me I was thrown off and asked who's this? Guess who it was? None other than his ex which became his girlfriend again.

    I told her to let me speak to him but she said he wasn't home and then I clicked on her I didn't even let her finish. Like 2 hours later he calls me back but I didn't answer I was mad. OK so the day I started working I called him when I got off but this time I called the house phone and he answerd and was shocked when he heard my voice so we spoke but then I forgot to tell him something so I called back but then she answered again so I clicked and called his cell and he didn't answer I called again and he ignored my call so then I texted him and I saw he read it so I called him again and then I didn't hear any ringing so I said hello and from a distance I heard her like she answered but meant to ignore my call or I don't know but I hear her say something and end it with b*tch.

    So I got really mad and called back and they ignored my call so I text his phone but texting her basically I'm going off and then I messaged her on Facebook and we got into it but then I stopped replying. Like a week later after that he texts me saying "I swear she's out my life" I didn't believe him but that was months ago and he kept his word.

    Things were ok between us as co-parents. So now in June we went to club event to see a DJ with some friends. We were inside and he disappeared for the rest of the night I left early with my friend because she had to go pick up her brother from the airport. I decided to leave because I started to feel sad so I had to get away. I left with her but the rest of our friends said we'd meet up at her house after the event was over. So me and her were talking and she asked if I thought my ex would go to the house I told her no and that I knew exactly what was gonna happen. I said he's gonna ask for me when they meet up to leave and they're gonna say I left and everyone is meeting up at your house and then he's gonna ask to get dropped off home.

    She didn't think so but exactly what I said happened lol. So whatever we continued drinking and we end up sleeping over. His cousin which is my friend, she ended sleeping in our friends room and they had a spare room but one of the guys that had gone out with us took it and my ex's friends slept over too, one took the couch and the other took the other so me and my friend's brother were like ok so I guess pick a corner lol. My friend (his sister) then says she has an inflatable mattress and that we can use it so we ended up sleeping next to each other. Next to my ex's friends. We were talking and he asked if they would tell my ex I said I'm sure they are.

    Now I knew there was a possibility of them telling him but I knew if they did my ex wasn't gonna say anything to me he was just gonna act mean to me and then get over it and have me guessing why he was being distant towards me or something. Well I was mistaken all that happened on friday/ Saturday morning so on Sunday I called him because our daughter wanted to speak to him. He ignored my call right away and texts me "?" And I reply saying you can't answer me? And sent him another one saying every time you start talking to some girl you start acting shady towards me. So then he replies saying if it's not about our daughter don't talk to me, talk to that one guy you had sex with in front of my friends. Then he sent another text saying I don't even care though I'm glad for you. I started laughing because I didn't expect him to snap at me I told him he was stupid that nothing happened I only slept next to him because I had no where else to sleep and that it didn't look like he didn't care but then I said but whatever I'm not gonna try to convince you you're gonna believe what you want.

    I know what happened and that's all that matter. Nothing happened and his friends know that and he knows that. His friends then told my friend that they never said I had sex with him just that I slept next to him that that part he was adding on his own. Which I figured because he can be extra at times.

    Month goes by without speaking because he's mad at me. He ended up getting over it and well a month ago I lost my job we were talking and well we've been cool he would talk to our daughter on the phone then he'd tell her to take care of me. We went to the zoo not so long ago and last week we were talking on the phone and he said that I don't have to be here at my house that I can go to his house to like live i didn't say anything I just changed the subject. But again he started ignoring me again. Well my texts messages because my calls he takes or if he misses one he calls me back. I feel like some girl is involved and that's what started having me go crazy.

    To top it off I think it's this other girl I know and I'm cool with her. I feel like he's after her. I want to ask him but I'm scared of his answer. Kevin help. Why do you think I'm going crazy again?

    Reply
  • Scott

    Hi there,

    I'm a first time writer.

    I went through a break-up with my ex.

    Followed your rules...

    They appear to be working.

    My ex suggested dinner. I gave it some time and responded by saying, "Maybe the four of us could go out?" As we use to double date a lot with her best friend and her boyfriend. I said that way it would be keeping it light and we wouldn't be the focus of the night.

    Anyway, she's basically said she just wants it to be the two of us. I'm not so sure about this? I'd rather it was the four of us. What do you suggest?

    I hope to hear from you.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Scott,

      If you have completed the no contact rule and you feel confident about it, then you should go. If you are not confident about it, tell her that you need some time and postpone it a week or two.

      It's a good sign she wants to meet alone. As long as you don't do anything needy or desperate when you meet her, it'll probably work in your favor.

      Reply
  • I got her back on my hands

    It worked. My ex dumped me with another. I was begging but wasn't worth. I disappeared for 2 months, during this period I was dating another and the day I was in the movies with my current baby she called saying she's been worried about me. And now she's been begging to be forgiven. Follow these rules on this website, give it at least 45 days. Good Luck.

    Reply
  • E.S

    Hey Kevin i post a comment nd i havent see any response nd also i already suscribed to your daily emails for NC help you think something is wrong?

    Reply
  • Blake

    Hi Kevin. Really enjoyed reading your article.

    I'm really confused about my girlfriend. Her mum doesn't approve of me, and that must have contributed to our breakup. Our relationship was strong for two and a half years, and I am quite sure she still loves me, even though she did kiss someone else before we broke up, I guess to help her out of the relationship. They are "friends" now, and still keep regular contact.

    We've had sex after the breakup a couple of times and after about 5 weeks of torture I've finally decided to do the no contact. It's been about 6 days. She hasn't contacted me since, but always liked or commented my "happy" posts and other people's posts about me. She also comment (not directly to me) on posts where I've commented. I'm confused about her behaviour. Is she trying to tell me she doesn't care, or is she attention seeking? What is she thinking? And what should I do?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Blake,

      You are not really doing no contact if you are trying to decipher her actions on facebook. If you find yourself obsessing over her social media actions, then you should probably stay away from them for a while.

      There could be many reasons for what she is doing. The most obvious will be that she is trying to get into your head. And I will say that she is doing this successfully.

      Reply
    • Blake

      Thanks Kevin!

      So are you suggesting me to block her? I'm just so afraid that if I block her, she will just move on without trying to contact me again.

      I really want her back.

      Reply
  • David

    Hey Kevin.
    I agree with your article. And I'm in the stage of the contact part. However before reading this I have been texting with her. The last thing she said was this. ''All I ask is that you never come into the store if/when you find a new woman. Because I wont be able to control my reaction and emotions. And never come by my home and store"
    I want more than anything to be with her but I also know even though is hard for me to accept that I need to give her at least 30 days. My question know is should I respond to her text? Should I say something like "I understand I'm sorry for causing you pain" I know it's not right but I also feel like saying absolutely nothing before I start this no contact rule. And well the place she works at is really close to my home, and I use to go there pretty frequently..

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey David,

      I don't think you need to send her any text for now. If she tries to contact you again, then tell her you need some space and time since the breakup has been hard on you.

      Reply
  • hopefull

    hey there kevin i need some advice about getting my ex back. Well to sum it up we were talking a lot and it was long distance relationship (one hour with the train) but because of the distance we had to break up. The next day she called me crying saying that she didn't want to break up, so i took her back. We talked and then out of no were she started giving me short responses because of that i ignored her for three days in the hope she would act like she would. The last thing she said(crying) to me was "maybe this is a test from god and if we are meant to be then we will find each other again." and (we both said and meant this i hope) "you are the first i truly loved." When we broke up i was devastated but i didn't show it. I always kept thinking about and what could have been and sometimes I wonder how she is doing.
    This was about one year ago and now i saw her instagram account and put in a follow request and she accepted it then I commented an emoji under her picture that hinted that she is beautiful but she didn't respond on anything. I mean she didn't comment back or message me or something. Then last night i had a dream about her and we were happy and I haven't been that happy in a longtime. When I woke I grabbed my phone and went on instagram that was the moment I saw she posted a new picture and that was when my heart started pounding very fast. I have been living a little bit dirty, I mean like dirty room, not shaving, not caring about my appearances but that day I cleaned my act up. I was thinking of messaging her tomorrow if I dreamt about her or if I got a clear sign. My mother came into room she comes by often talking or asking for help and then out of no were she asked me about that girl and said how is she doing? and are you two still talking but my mother didn't know her that wel she knew her name and they talked over the phone once because she thought I was a player and as proof that I was loyal I let her talk to my mother. So I don't know if I should message her or not because I keep thinking that she maybe moved on and isn't interested in me anymore. I don't want to cause her pain or trouble from an old wound but i truly love her and want her back in my live, she was the only who understands me even my family doesn't understand me that wel as her......

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      If you think she is worth it, then you should follow the plan and contact her after no contact.

      Reply
  • darknluvly

    I would like do start off by saying that your article was really great and very inspiring. I really enjoyed reading it. Unfortunately, I don't believe that getting my ex back will work for me. We were friends for a few years and decided to start a relationship. We had a lot of arguing and fighting in it mostly about him and other women not necessarily dating now but just not respecting the relationship. Within those two years I've had 3 miscarriages after my third miscarriage he leaves Me 2 Days Later. I'll admit I broke every step you've stated. Anyhow,within a few days I see him with another woman after he said we could try do work things out but he felt confused.He wanted do work it out but a bigger part of him was telling him do let go.We argued that day on the 4th of this month about the woman and the miscarriage that I just had. He said some pretty foul and mean things And before i knew it we got into a really bad fight, he even made sure the girl was somewhere safe thinking that I might do something to her. it was then I realized how much he really must like her. He told me to forget everything that he said and that I would be able to move on to and that I could be sleeping with someone else just like him if I wasn't so focused on him.I can't even begin to explain the way that I felt without filling up this page. I've prayed and cried so much and the thought of it and how it ended makes me feel worse. But when i read that part of your article about knowing your ex about facebook,instagram, etc. I came to reality. I remember when i was with him he stayed in that stuff now since he's been seeing her he's never on it. And I couldn't even do the contact rule if I wanted to be changed his number and spends most of his time at her house. As I said it was a great article and I'm pretty sure it will help those whose relationship ended better than mines. Good luck and blessings to you all.

    Reply
  • Jack

    Hi !
    My gf dumped me about 2 weeks ago. We had been together almost a year. Now she called me that that she has been thinking everything and want's to talk with me face to face. What should I do ?
    My feelings are messed up and I don't know what to do or think.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jack,

      Tell her that you need some space and time to think things through and regain your composure as the breakup has been hard for you. Tell her that you will contact her when you feel you can talk to her comfortably. And then start no contact.

      Reply
    • Jack

      Ok thank you!
      How should I contact her after the no contact ? Should I follow your rules or should I write something and then read it to her face to face ?

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jack,

      I'd suggest you just text her after no contact using one of the methods mentioned in the article. If she still wants to meet up, she will bring it up.

      Reply
    • Jack

      Hello again and thank you for your advices! I just want to tell a bit more about my ex and our relationshin and what it meant to me so you can maby see the whole picture. She is a very religious person and music is her whole life while sports are my life and I'm not so religious. We were different yes, but for me it worked as a motivation. We learned so much from eachother all the time. When I had tough workout or workday and she was playing piano and singing it just comforted me and took all my stress away. We had strong connection because we came from so different backgrounds.
      I have already realised what I did wrong in our relationship but it's so small compared what she did. We were out one night and she started to talk to other guy and ignored me entirely. Then she ofcourse got interested to that guy... And then she broke up with me. She is not with that other guy atm.
      The thing is that I think she regrets what she did(I will see when I talk to her after the no contact), because there was alcohol included. All her friends told her not to break up but what hurts most is how good connection I had with her big family. Her mother texted me yesterday thanking me from everything and the time I spent with her daughter... It hurt.
      My ex also got letter that she didn't got into school week before our breakup. She had hard time. Maby she just didnt know what was the difference between breakup and taking own time and space since this was her first real relationship....

      Reply
  • Shehrbano

    Hey Kevin,

    Your article is great. I broke up with my fiance a month back. I chased him, begged him to come back, tried everything to convince him that I am the one but nothing worked. So I am gonna follow all these steps now.

    Just wanted to ask that 2 weeks after the breakup, while I was trying to convince my ex of getting back together, He confessed that he has found someone else. My intuition as well as the frequency with which he checks his whatsapp suggest that he misses me. We are in no contact since 2 weeks. I am afraid if i'll stay in this no contact period for long, he will get more closer to that girl. What do you think I should do?
    When we were together, he was deeply in love with me. Will he come back? Will he miss me?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      I think 2 weeks is very soon for it to be a real relationship. I am pretty sure it's a rebound and it will end eventually.

      Reply
  • Jenna

    Hi Kevin!
    I'm subscribed to your daily email system, and thanks a lot for those emails. They are my source of encouragement to keep moving on.
    I implemented the NC for 2 weeks then broke it by calling him because I decided that I wanted to end this hopeless try. However when I heard his voice, although it was cold and distant, I knew that I want this man in my life, that we can have a great future together if we try again. The only problem is that I'm a perfectionist, so sometimes I pay too much attention to details, and he's having a lot of problems going on in his life right now, so he has decided that he wants to be alone. I know we're still in love, but I don't know if it's feasible at all that I have a chance to get him back into my life, although I know that's the thing I most want now. Note we're living in different countries. LDR is the real challenge. Can you give me some advice?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Jenna,

      I think you should do no contact again and try again. Give him time to sort out his life and use that time to work on yourself and whatever issues that may be affecting your relationships. LDR is going to be a challenge, but if you worked through it before, you can make it work again if you are both willing to compromise.

      Also, the reason you felt that way after hearing his voice might be because you ended no contact too soon. Perhaps this time you won't feel the same way.

      Reply
  • Jennifer

    Hello Kevin,
    I've commented before on the whole breakup situation. We are still living together and he is moving out soon. When we are around each other it's like we are still together and he tells me that the space will still be good but he does want to be with me. I feel like seeing him and being the way we have been is very confusing. Am I doing more damage than good by hanging out with him even though he is still scared to commit back to the relationship?

    Thank you

    Reply
  • Laura Denys

    I don't think these steps help in a situation when you have children.I have two boys 5and 7 years old.
    Recently broke up after 12 year relationship.
    He is unable to get a job and does not and never contributed towards our children.
    Recently because he's a very good looking man he got a new girlfriend(with two boys) and basically threw our friendship away.I may nor talk or phone unless it's serious about the children.even though I have financially supported him for years. Came back today from a long trip with the kids a dangerous road not even a ' did you arrive alright?' No concern whatever....??? So I am ignoring him ....even if this weekend was his...no concern??

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Laura,

      It's best to do limited contact. Only talk to him if it's about children. You can read more about no contact and how to do it in your situation on this page.

      Reply
  • Wheelerj61

    Hi. I'm looking for some advice. My boyfriend and I broke up about a month ago. Well he did the breaking up but we still live together. He found an apt and will be moving out soon. During the time of living together I stay at my mothers but every now and then go back to get clothes and run into him. Every time I see him I pressure him in to reassuring me that we have a chance in the future. He told me he also thinks I'm the one. He just needs space. I recently called him a bunch of times and he ignored me and told me I'm being too much. Do you think I pushed him away for good?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Kevin

      You can still get him back if you follow the plan. You didn't push him away for good.

      Reply
    • Jennifer

      Thank you Kevin. I definitely didn't push him away. Every time we run into each other he tells me how much he misses me. And he thinks we will be back together. He told me yesterday he is getting cold feet about moving out but I told him he should go, and that it will make us better. He tells me he believes everything will work out between us. The only thing that drives me crazy is how he doesn't text me or communicate with me that often. Sometimes I feel like he is sending mixed signals. We were together for 2.5 years. Thank you

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Jennifer,

      The fact that he doesn't text you can be used to your advantage. It will help you do no contact, focus on yourself and get some perspective.

      Reply
    • Jennifer

      Thank you Kevin. I will try my best to just focus on myself. It's extremely hard but it's getting better. I just feel like he will start to like living on his own and not being with me but I know it's just my mind going all over the place.

      Reply
  • R

    Hi, my ex broke up with me a week ago after being on a month long break. Would the 30 day no contact rule still apply to me? He broke up with me because he was unhappy that we fought too much, since then I have realized I never want to fight with him again. He told me he still loves me and is in love with me.. But is sure he doesn't want to be together "for now".. What does this mean? Also, we work together, how would the 30 day no contact rule work? He also texts me from time to time and I don't know how to initiate the no contact rule. I do love him and I still want to be with him, and I'm freaking out on how to go about doing so. Thank you for your help.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi R,

      You can initiate no contact by telling him you need some space and time to deal with the breakup and you'll appreciate it if he doesn't contact you for a while. As for the work thing, read this article.

      Reply
    • R

      Hello Kevin,

      It's really hard to not have contact at work because he's always touching my hair, throwing me hand written notes, talking to me, etc. I don't know what to do because I do want to be with him but I know it's too soon to get back together.

      Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey,

      Just tell him that you need some space and time and you will appreciate it if he limits contact in office to only professional matters.

      Reply
  • Dhiraj

    Hi ,
    I and my gf broke up now it's 20 days I miss her . It's being hard for me . Her last words were that are I don't feel the same as earlier. I know it was my mistake to fight with her. She is really a very loving and caring person.
    I need your help.

    Reply
  • NaomiKayleigh

    Hi Kevin.
    My ex fiancé of 9 months broke up with my four Days ago. He's 24 and I am 25.
    This could be classed as the third time.. He broke up with me for a month twice and got back with me.. This time it was for four days then left me again.
    As you can tell, I'm a mess. He's been telling other girls he likes them and asking girls out.

    He states he is 100% sure he doesn't want me anymore and all I've done over the last few days is call, text and beg!
    He says he still loves me but simply can't be with me anymore.
    I'd do anything to win him back as he didn't give the second chance any time!

    Please help!!!! What can I do.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Naomi,

      Follow the plan and make sure you do no contact for at least a month. If you have broken up three times, then the relationship is probably broken.

      Reply
  • Kevin

    Hi Alicia,

    Your post must have been approved by now. The first time someone posts on the boards, it needs to be manually approved by me to avoid spam.

    Reply
  • Sophie

    Hi Kevin,

    Me and my (now) ex have known each other for over a year. We first began dating when he was going through a divorce. We mutually decided we needed time away from one another until he figured out his life. Even after this was established, he would continue to often message me and flirt. I decided I needed some space to think about things and that I only wanted to be his friend.

    3 months ago we began dating after he reached out to me. He was so excited about the prospect of a relationship. Unfortunately our timing was strange as my schedule and health issues created stressful times where I wouldn't be in the mood for anything. I wasn't happy with me. He must have picked up on this as he broke up with me last week, saying I wasn't what he wanted because we were so off beat. He said he understands we will never date again because of his decision. He wants to be friends.

    I only called him once to understand what went wrong and since have initiated the no contact rule. He texted me saying hi and asking me how I am doing. I have not responded.

    My plan is to move onto a happier me! But I do want to know if you think there is perchance a way to rekindle the romance and the relationship once I'm in a better place. I'm not expecting, just curious to know.

    Thank you!
    --Sophie

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi Sohpie,

      I can't really say if there's a chance, but if you think he is worth it, then it's definitely worth giving a shot. Just because he said both of you will never date again doesn't necessarily mean he will stick to those words forever. Do no contact and get back in touch with him. Maybe it'll work out this time.

      Reply
  • Sharron

    Kevin you rock man!

    Reply
  • T.K

    Hey Kevin,
    I left a detailed message last night how long does it take for them to be accepted on this forum?

    Reply
  • Diya

    Thanks so very much Kevin Your informations, suggestions...helped me a lot...
    Thanks once again

    Reply
  • All Easy & Q

    So... I was in the No Contact Period and I kinda fucked it up. Last Sunday I got drunk and send her a lot of texts saying how much I loved her and she got upset, what should I do?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Start no contact again and this time focus on your well being and improving yourself. And try to avoid getting drunk this time.

      Reply
  • John W

    My wife and I are going through a divorce. She moved out with my 2 daughters this past Friday. We've been married 13 years, together 15. We recently moved to TN so she could be close to her family. My parents told me moving here she'd probably try to divorce me because she has her family here. Before moving here we were in a state without any family at all.

    Well, 6 months after moving her she filed. I think it was planned like my parents said. She says that I only care about myself and I took her granted and stopped trying. We also had trust issues and some communication issues. She had an affair 9 years ago and while I forgave her, sometimes I still bring it up.

    Since she's moved out this past Friday, I've been over her place to see the kids every night although we did get into an argument last night and I only stayed for about 10 minutes. I came upon this website today and I've broken a couple big rules, I've texted her everyday since she's left and I've begged/bargained with her to tell me what to do to get her back and fix things. She told me today "she doesn't think it can be fixed". I have no friends or family here. I'm not used to being alone. I know I have somethings to work on. I think she has a lot resentment built up against me. I don't know how to fix this or where to begin? Any advice or help?

    My biggest fear is she'll try to get back with me simply because she can't afford to live on here own. I want her to want to come back because she loves me, not because of money.

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hi John,

      I am sorry you are going through this hard time. I think you should start with giving her space and taking some space for yourself. Meanwhile, contact a lawyer and be prepared for the worst. Secondly, start doing things that make you feel better and will make you get back in touch with yourself. If it's a new place, you can go on websites like Meetup to find activities that interest you. You can also work on whatever issues you had during the relationship that lead to the breakup. You can learn and improve on whatever issues you may have had.

      I wish you best, and if you want to check out a program that focuses on all the things I mentioned above (except the lawyer bit and being prepared for divorce stuff), please visit our products page.

      Reply
  • Pj

    Hi,

    I have been broke up for 4 weeks now.. he finished with me, it was kind of a shock as we are best friends and so in love, just had a few ordinary arguments about daily life.(this is were we struggled to make up as we are both stubborn) . we moved in a bit too quick and I think it all got on top of him, and that he maybe had a commitment issue, he says he loves me he just doesn't want the fighting, obviously there's more too it, cause you fight through the hard times?? I have been that needy texter and asking for closure.. do you think there is any hope if I start the no contact now??

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Yes, there is definitely hope. Just follow the plan. And meanwhile, work on your communication skills and learn how to fight (argue) effectively in a relationship. I highly recommend the book Non-Violent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg.

      Reply
  • Mary 95

    So my ex told a mutual friend he's almost lost all feelings now and it's been 2 weeks into the no contact time. He said he doesn't want to be back with me because he doesn't feel like we are meant for each other even though we both have been changing for the better. And out mutual fiends just tell both of us to move on..do you think I still have a chance?

    Reply
    • Kevin

      Hey Mary,

      People go through a lot of phases during no contact. Even though he may feel like that he doesn't want to be with the "old you" anymore, his views might change when he sees the new you. I suggest following the plan and give it one last try before calling it quits.

      Reply
    • Mary 95

      I don't know how to show him I changed though we don't have much mutual friend just a few and it's trough business only. I just wanna talk to him and tell him to give me a chance to show him I changed but I'm waiting for the no contact period to be over and I hope it all goes over naturally not like well let's talk now haha and thank you!!

      Reply
    • Kevin

      It'll be best to not obsess over how you will contact him just now. For now, concentrate on yourself. When the time comes, you will figure it out. Good luck!!

      Reply
  • Marie

    My boyfriend gave me the silent treatment for almost a week, he just texted me this morning with sexual excitement moment we have in our lives . I DID TEXT him back and said Yeah it was amazing but not everything i loved is good for me. He hasn't respond yet. how can i approach him what should i said when he text me again .

    Reply
  • Garrett D Maitiq

    Hey wassup ?so me and this girl I loved so freaking much broke up and after reading your advice and tips. I've gotten a little bit sad. Mostly when I was reading the "what not to do" list.... bc I realized I did everything I could possibly do wrong after we broke up ? and some how she is still texting me... I think your 30 day thing is crazy bc it seems long asf but imma try it bc ur the only advice I got left. So thx and I hope this works....?

    Reply
  • TravelBug

    Hi Kevin, I was very active in the boards when Dave first broke up with me. It was a year and half ago. I moved on, he moved on, and we both dated other people and tried to be happy.

    I messaged him out of the blue one day because I missed him (not necessarily to get back with him, but to see if he missed me). We had been texting since March, catching up, flirting a lot. He asked me to visit a couple of times, so one day, I spontaneously visited him (he lives in LA and I live in SFO, and I am a flight attendant, so easy for me to travel). When we met, it was like nothing had changed. We were laughing, having fun. Anyway, I think I fucked up because we ended up sleeping together (I didn't mean to, but I also wanted to know if our spark was there and it was).

    But anyway, even before I met him, he told me that even though he dated other people (had a one year relationship, where he realized he wasn't as into her), that he wasn't ready for marriage or moving-in with anyone. He is still dealing with his divorce where he felt he was emotionally abused and he was with her for ten years. So his scars are deep.

    But my question is, do I still have a chance or is he just tagging me along just because he can? He tells me he loves me, but he's still not ready to make space in his heart for just me. He says he still needs time to heal. We have talked about being friends, but I feel like I keep falling for him.

    Please tell me whether or not I have a chance? The last time wev texted, I told him that I needed to draw a line of friendship because he would talk about sex and other intimate things about us from this time we met and from before.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Jessy

    Thanks to your advice and relationship rewind, I got my ex-back FOR GOOD! The no contact period is as crucial as Kevin says. You'll know when it's the right time to contact him, don't hurry...

    Invest in yourself, become a better person, don't hate (well maybe a bit is ok at first) just grow. And remember, if something doesn't come back to you, it was never really yours in the first place.

    Reply
  • Jaici

    Oh boy, do I need help.
    Quick back story: I was with my ex for just over a year (let's call him Darrin). He worshipped the ground I walked on. He treated me so well he was perfect to me. And I fudged up.
    About a month into our relationship an ex asked me to see him and I spent the weekend with him (let's call him Michael) and hid it from Darrin. Bad move. I never told him I did so and I kept it from him our entire relationship, I felt horrible but he would always say if I ever cheated he would leave so I was scared to say something.
    About six months into our relationship he told me he cheated on me with his neighbors ex (let's call her Lauren) and I was so upset I asked him to never talk to her again and he abided. I thought about telling him then that I had cheated but decided against it as I thought it would make things worse.
    Everything was good from there on out.
    I spent the night at Darrin's Friday and it was just like any other night, we joked and has a good time it was our typical weekend ritual.
    Saturday morning he dropped the bomb on me that during my exam week (2 weeks ago) he hung out with an ex and they were on substances and they ended up doing stuff ( not sleeping together but related things). I was so pissed off I ended up spilling the beans about Michael and what happened over a year ago. Darrin lost it, he was freaking out and once he calmed down he said we both messed up, want to just not tell anyone and move forward from here ? I agreed.
    Well apparently he decided to tell all his friends and they must have put a ton of input into our relationship because that night he broke up with me saying it was probably best if we just ended it.
    I have been a mess ever since.
    I went last night to go pick up my stuff and he already had it packed and was being very very cold to me, not the sweet loving boy that I knew him to be.
    Of course, I acted needy and tried to beg for him to work it out with me
    But his only focus was how angry he was that I lied and I "held Lauren over his head" which I don't think is true, I didn't talk about it much after it happened.
    I was in a crazy state, I asked him if I could stay on his couch until i calmed down because i didnt feel safe to drive ( he lives about 40 mins away) and I was having anxiety attacks and he said no I can sleep in my car. He just wasn't being himself. Very distant. He said he wants to be my friend and he will always be here for me if I need him and he still loves me and this was painful for him but our relationship isn't healthy and we can't keep hurting each other. I agree with this statement, but I feel like we can start a clean slate and try again.
    Is there a chance if I follow your steps or is it hopeless ?

    Reply
  • mimi.s

    Sneaky Sign No. 3: Push/Pull Behavior
    He is exactly in this stage
    I was the one who left him but i want him back i love him and i see that he is the only person i left him 2 years ago and i went in an another relation ,he as well and after i have finished and he as well by months we started talking and texting and going out together but he is always saying that i am a sister then few days he says that he loves me then a sister :( but never stop going out caring seeing my mum and when i stop talking he calls and asks why i didnt
    We r both 24

    Reply
  • confused_soul

    Hi Kevin,
    I first read your article 3 years ago(2013). That was when the break up happened. And your article helped me a lot back then! Thanks for that :)

    I WILL TRY TO MAKE THIS AS SHORT AS I CAN.

    I know it's tiring for you to read these lengthy sad comments.. But it's a good thing that you're doing here..people benefit from this.

    2013-14 events :

    So,back to me.I followed the no contact rule..SIX months.I think I did everything as you said, but instead of texting her, I just 'bumped' into her to surprise her. That didn't turn out well. (Dec 2013)

    Later on a series of events happened which weren't really positive but also weren't that negative either.
    She called me the next day after I bumped into her and asked me politely not to call her at her landline again or not to come see her near her house because people who knew her would see. ( our community is a bit conservative when it comes to this) but I think the real reason is, it's not easy to face each other in public after all that happened between us. The positive from this was she was pretty nice to me while on phone whereas a few months before that she barely gave a crap about me (acted like she didnt care at all).
    Nothing happened for a few months after this..we dint contact each other..the main reason being she blocked me from social media right after we broke up. I was the one who blocked her first because I hated her then for breaking my heart..later on she copied my idea.When I unblocked her,.. She blocked me.. Been 3 years and I'm still blocked lol.

    NOV 2014: Nearly almost 1.5 years (no contact during that time) after I 'bumped' into her, she texts me asking me to call her. I ignored her text. She texts me the next day also. finally, she calls me. She asks me whether I have any of the pictures of us with me, If so I should delete them. But I think she just said that as a reason for her to talk to me. I said okay,I will delete. Then she tells me she's with someone now and I said okay. She asks me about my status and I said Im still single. She hangs up the phone. Calls me again after 5 mins. Tells me that she lied, she is still single. And this repeated for another 3-4 times. Then I thought maybe she wants to get back together.. Even I wanted to, so I told her..we can be friends if you want to and she said no! We should stay "blocked" I was like WtF! That is the moment when I lost all my will. I was moving on from her..she calls me again and comes into my life again.not really.
    I tried to forget about all this and moved on with my life.

    DEC 2014: HER BIRTHDAY MONTH.
    I decided to wish her.. What could possible go wrong right? And I wished her.
    Her dad calls me in return. I think I wished her in old mobile number which her dad was using then. I didn't knew that! She didn't tell me about that either.
    He calls me and scolds me about how good a student she is,do not disturb her etc. I was like wtf. All I did was wish her happy birthday.
    A few minutes later she calls me (crying) and tells me that how she was a minor when we had sex for the first time and how she could sue me or something like that. I was dumbfounded. Even I was a minor when we had sex. We were two horny teenagers who were in love. Although what She said about going to the cops and all was ridiculous,I don't blame her.. Emotions got the better of her..I know her..her parents probably verbally abused her that day..poor thing. It was her birthday and I ruined it for her even though all I did was wish her happy birthday. Life is weird.

    It's her dad. He made her hate me more. I know it! I probably lost the love of my life cause of him.

    2015: Nothing. No contact. No haunting memories. I really believed that I moved on.

    2016 Jan: I got drunk and you know what happens when you're drunk and you talk about love. I drunk texted her. Didn't turn out well. She askes me to mind my life and let her be. I said I was drunk and I hate myself for being still miserable and thinking about her.
    Seriously. I would have never done this.. But a stupid friend of mine kinda dared me..and when you're intoxicated,shit happens. Anyways deep inside, I think I knew that there was nothing more to be done..she is not coming back..I may as well drunk text her. What's the harm right!

    Mar 2016: and here I am..almost 3 years after the break up with the only love of my life