Have you recently gone through a breakup that you regret? If so, you’re not alone.
Reconciling with an ex may require patience, effort, and a willingness to work on the relationship. It could be a long and winding road, but with the right approach and mindset, it might be possible to build a more robust and healthier relationship. Below, we’ll explore reconciliation and discuss some strategies for trying to win your ex back.
Understanding the breakup
Before making the decision to try to win your ex back, it may be helpful to consider a few questions about your relationship to understand why it ended. You may want to try to figure out the root cause of the breakup and what part of the main concerns may have been under your control. Looking at the relationship objectively may help you understand how to move forward. You might ask yourself the following questions before reconciling:
- Was the breakup due to a particular event or a gradual decline in communication and trust?
- Were there underlying problems that were never addressed?
- Are there patterns that may continue if you reconcile?
Taking time to heal
Before starting the reconciliation process, it may be beneficial to take some time to heal and focus on self-care. Research shows that self-care can decrease anxiety and increase self-confidence and happiness. Self-care can look different to each person, but it typically involves caring for both mind and body. For example, you might focus on getting proper rest, eating healthy food, and caring for your mind through practices such as deep breathing and meditation.
Another part of self-care following a breakup may involve caring for your social needs by spending time with friends and family. This may reinforce your support network and help keep you from reaching out to your ex too soon if you decide to try to win them back.
Re-establishing communication
Once you’ve taken sufficient time to reflect, you might consider re-establishing communication with your ex. You can begin by reaching out and initiating a conversation while being mindful of their feelings and boundaries. It may be helpful to keep the conversation light and neutral, avoiding heavy or emotionally charged topics. This approach may help you both to rebuild trust as you resume communication.
Showing personal growth
One factor that may help you win your ex back is demonstrating personal growth and a willingness to work on the relationship. This could involve working on growth areas and being open and honest about your intentions. During this process, it may help to show that you are listening intently to your ex's perspective and are willing to compromise to build a stronger relationship. Showing you are committed to growth and improvement may go a long way in demonstrating your love and dedication to the relationship.
Making amends
If any specific events led to the breakup, it may be necessary to apologize and make amends for any hurtful actions or words. This could be a complex and vulnerable process, but it may demonstrate to your ex that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and take concrete steps toward change.
Building a strong foundation
The reconciliation process may not just be about winning your ex back but about building a solid and healthy relationship. This typically involves open and honest communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to growth and improvement. This process may also involve setting boundaries and establishing trust, as well as working through any lingering concerns from the past. This may allow you to focus on the present and build a solid foundation for the future.
Common mistakes to avoid
If you decide to try to win your ex back, it may be helpful to avoid common mistakes that could hinder progress. Below are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Being too pushy or demanding. If you send your ex numerous text messages or call them often, they may feel pressured and be less likely to want to reconcile.
- Bringing up old arguments or hurtful events from the past. Focusing on the present and building a solid foundation may be much more fruitful in your attempt to reconcile.
- Being overly emotional or aggressive. Instead of diving into deep emotions, it may help to keep conversations neutral and calm.
- Not being willing to make changes or compromise. Relationships are typically built on mutual respect and a willingness to work together, and winning your ex back may require a commitment to growth and improvement. This may involve actively working on areas that you’d like to improve to demonstrate your commitment to personal growth.
Embark on your journey toward reconciliation and personal growth
Seeking professional help
If the reconciliation process becomes overwhelming or confusing, you may benefit from talking to a counselor who has experience helping people navigating this process. If you don’t feel comfortable with traditional in-office counseling after a breakup, you might consider trying online therapy, which research shows to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
With an online therapist, you can discuss your relationship and the reconciliation process from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection. You can communicate with your therapist in a way that’s most comfortable for you, whether by phone, videoconferencing, live chat, or a combination of these methods. You can also reach out to your therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This may be useful if you have questions about reconciliation in between therapy sessions.
Below are some reviews of BetterHelp counselors from people experiencing relationship challenges.
Counselor reviews
"He's not only provided me support but insight and encouragement to let me know I'm on a good path to self improvement and discovery. Furthermore, Mark has provided me valuable insight on my romantic relationship, specifically with learning more about the relationship dynamics and how to build a stronger, healthier relationship."
"A year ago I was experiencing difficulties in my relationship, which highly affected my psychological state and interfered with my work. At one point, I decided to try BetterHelp.com. My counselor Dr. Brewer helped me to see some things I couldn't on my own and encouraged me to prioritize myself. It was a huge help for me at that point, which led to the decisions I am happy about."