Getting back together with an ex is a touchy subject to say the least. Ask someone their opinion on the topic and odds are, your responses are going to be pretty split. Some people don't see a problem with it, they believe time apart can make the relationship stronger and they don't see anything wrong with a second chance. Others roll their eyes at an on again/off again type of love and say that an ex is an ex for a reason.
I decided to put this question to the test and see just how everyone felt about getting back with an ex. Here is what they had to say.
Yes, time apart can make you better.
"I believe that people change, and in many cases, can change for the better. Sometimes a few months or years away from someone can allow you both to become better people in general and better for each other—making the relationship work. I don't think getting back with your ex is something that should be just jumped into without any thought, in fact, I think you should put a lot of thought into it. But if the situation is better and you can see something good coming out of it, I don't see anything wrong with getting back with your ex." - Female, 21
No, not everyone fits together perfectly.
"People don't change, unless they're really doing it for themselves. In my experience, getting back together will last a few months and the old problem will come back to haunt you. They may love you, but sometimes it just doesn't work out—not all people match like puzzle pieces." - Female, 19
No, not at this age.
"At this age, no. If I left someone for a reason then it was obviously for a good reason. I don't want to get back together with someone who will continue to treat me the same way or act the same way as if nothing has changed. People come and go and change a lot between the ages of like 18 to 22, so it all depends on who stays true to themselves." - Female, 20
No, it's simple.
"Everything ends for a reason!" - Female, 22
No, you're already over it.
"You've already mentally checked out of the relationship. You've been willing to walk away which sets the two of you back up for failure in the future: you're more likely to just walk away again when it gets hard." - Female, 19
Yes, there's nothing wrong with stepping back in.
"Sometimes people need to grow apart before they can grow together and that's okay. Sometimes you realize it in the midst of a relationship and have to take a step back but I think it's okay to step back into that relationship if you know you love the other person and you know you're ready to be committed to them again." - Female, 19
Yes, look at our favorite sitcom couple!
"I would never go back to someone who cheated on me or hurt me. But, maybe you broke up because it wasn't the right time. Look at Rachel and Ross! They got back together and it worked out. Some love is worth a second chance. An ex is an ex for a reason, but that reason doesn't have to be heartbreaking." - Female, 20
Yes, sometimes I'd encourage it.
"If there was something innately wrong or flawed with the relationship that caused it to come to an end, then no, don't get back. In other circumstances however, it may be okay, and in fact I may encourage it. For example, a few friends and family members of mine have gone through situations where they have agreed on a mutual breakup with their significant other before leaving for college, because both parties don't want each other to feel tied down or like they are unable to have the full "college experience" due to the nature of their relationship. I've also seen the same couples come back a month or two into college and decide that they were much happier being with each other than being a part of the partying scene and taking part in hookup culture, in which case they have gotten back together." - Male, 20
Yes, why not?
"If you've both grown and are willing to make things work, what's stopping you?" - Male, 20
Yes, we're human.
"Only if it is ONE TIME and ONE TIME only and that the reason for breaking up the first time is justifiable. In my honest opinion, we are human. We're imperfect specimen who have different thoughts and come from many different backgrounds. Anyone going into a relationship expecting perfection is simply not ready for one. People can end a relationship due to lack of time, interest, or (unfortunately) cheating. Whether or not someone would want to get back with an ex or not honestly depends on the situation. I personally believe in second chances. I've gotten back together with an ex but I don't do third or fourth chances. There's no need for a third chance knowing that mistakes have become errors. At the end of the day, it'll be up to the individual." - Male, 21
No, there are better fish out in the sea.
"You broke up with them for a reason the first time, if the relationship went to shit the first time it's probably going to do the same the second time around. Usually we get back together with an ex when we feel there is no one else out there, but there is and I promise the next one will be better." - Female, 21
Yes, and we all know why.
"Sometimes it's not because they aren't the right person; it just wasn't the right time." - Female, 21
No, take it from experience.
"I did and regretted every single fucking second as soon as I took him back." - Female, 20
No, time will prove itself.
"There is a reason you broke up; therefore, there will be another reason to break up." - Female, 19
Yes, time may make them new.
"If a substantial amount of time has passed, neither one of you are the same person that you were when you were together, so it's kind of like dating a new person when you let time and experience mature you." - Female, 20
No, the past has passed.
"There was obviously a reason why you broke up. If it was bad timing or a shitty situation then it was for a reason, still. Let go of the past because you aren't going that way." - Female, 21
No, people change, but...
"There's a reason that they're your ex. If it didn't work out the first time, why would it work the second? People can change, but not as much and as quickly as getting back with an ex would call for." - Female, 19
Note: responses may have been edited for clarity & length.
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