From Exes to Forever

Breaking up with someone can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially if you're the one being dumped. While it's natural to feel heartbroken and to wonder if you and your ex are meant to be, it's important to keep in mind that reconciliation can't be forced. If you're a dumpee, it's especially important to follow the indefinite no contact rule and give your ex space to come to you on their own.

But what are some signs that you and your ex are meant to be? Here are ten signs to look out for:

1. You broke up amicably.

If you and your ex were able to part ways peacefully and without any major conflicts, it could be a sign that you're both open to the possibility of reconciliation. This means that you were able to communicate effectively and resolve any issues or conflicts without resorting to insults or angry outbursts.

For example, let's say that you and your ex broke up because you wanted different things in life and decided that it was best to go your separate ways. If you were able to have a calm and respectful conversation about your differences and were able to part ways without any major drama or hard feelings, it could be a sign that you're both open to the possibility of reconciliation.

2. You still have feelings for each other.

It's not uncommon for feelings to linger after a breakup, and if you still have strong feelings for your ex, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This could mean that you still love your ex and miss them, or that you have unresolved feelings of attraction or affection towards them.

For example, let's say that you've been thinking a lot about your ex since the breakup and find yourself reminiscing about the good times you had together. You may even find yourself still feeling attracted to your ex and wondering if there's a chance for the two of you to get back together. If this is the case, it could be a sign that you still have strong feelings for each other and may be meant to be.

3. Your ex is still in contact with you.

If your ex reaches out to you after the breakup, it could be a sign that they're still interested in you and want to keep the door open for a potential reconciliation. This could mean that your ex is texting or calling you, or even just liking your posts on social media.

For example, let's say that you've been following the indefinite no contact rule since the breakup and have not reached out to your ex. However, you notice that your ex has been liking your Instagram posts or sending you occasional texts to check in on you. This could be a sign that your ex is still interested in you and is trying to keep the lines of communication open.

It's important to keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and every situation is different. It's always a good idea to have an honest and open conversation with your ex about your feelings and to see if there's a possibility for reconciliation.

4. You have a shared history.

If you and your ex have a long history together and have shared a lot of experiences, it could be a sign that you have a strong connection that's worth trying to rebuild. This means that you have a deep understanding of each other and have shared a lot of memories and experiences that have helped to shape who you are.

For example, let's say that you and your ex have been together for several years and have traveled the world together, shared holidays and birthdays, and have supported each other through various ups and downs. If you have a shared history like this, it could be a sign that you have a strong connection that's worth trying to rebuild.

5. You have mutual respect for each other.

Respect is an important foundation for any relationship, and if you and your ex still have respect for each other, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you treat each other with kindness, consideration, and understanding, and that you value each other's opinions and feelings.

For example, let's say that you and your ex had a disagreement during the breakup but were able to communicate effectively and come to a resolution without resorting to insults or hurtful words. If you were able to do this, it could be a sign that you have mutual respect for each other and are able to communicate effectively. This is an important foundation for any healthy relationship and could be a sign that you're meant to be.

6. You have a strong emotional connection.

Emotional connections are often what keep people together, and if you and your ex have a strong emotional connection, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you have a deep understanding of each other and are able to communicate your feelings and emotions effectively.

For example, let's say that you and your ex have always been able to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and have a deep understanding of each other's emotional needs. If this is the case, it could be a sign that you have a strong emotional connection that's worth trying to rebuild.

7. You have similar values and goals.

Having similar values and goals is an important factor in any relationship, and it's especially important in the context of a reconciliation. If you and your ex share similar values and goals, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you have a strong foundation to build upon and that you're more likely to be compatible in the long term.

Here are some examples of values and goals that you and your ex might share:

• A desire to start a family
• A commitment to a healthy lifestyle and exercise
• A shared passion for travel or adventure
• A desire to pursue a certain career path or educational goal
• A commitment to philanthropy or community service
• A desire to build a strong, supportive partnership

It's important to keep in mind that having similar values and goals doesn't mean that you and your ex have to agree on everything. It's normal for couples to have different perspectives and to have some disagreements, but if you're able to respect each other's values and goals and find common ground, it could be a sign that you're meant to be.

8. You have good communication skills.

Communication is key to any healthy relationship, and if you and your ex have strong communication skills, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you're able to talk openly and honestly with each other and are able to effectively resolve conflicts and misunderstandings.

For example, let's say that you and your ex have always been able to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and have never had any major communication breakdowns. If this is the case, it could be a sign that you have good communication skills and are able to effectively navigate challenges and conflicts. This is an important foundation for any healthy relationship and could be a sign that you're meant to be.

9. You're willing to put in the work.

Reconciling with an ex is not easy, and it requires a lot of hard work and effort. If you're both willing to put in the work to rebuild the relationship, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you're both committed to making the relationship work and are willing to put in the time and effort to overcome any challenges or obstacles that come your way.

For example, let's say that you and your ex have had some difficult conversations and have worked through some of the issues that led to the breakup. If you're both willing to continue putting in the work to rebuild the relationship and are committed to making it work, it could be a sign that you're meant to be.

It's important to keep in mind that reconciliation requires a lot of hard work and effort, and it's not something that should be taken lightly. It's important to be honest with yourself and with your ex about your feelings and to be prepared to put in the work to make the relationship work. If you're both willing to do this, it could be a sign that you're meant to be.

10. You broke up because of external factors

Sometimes, couples break up because of external factors that are beyond their control, such as a job relocation or family issues. If this was the case for you and your ex, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that the issues that led to the breakup were not related to your feelings for each other or your compatibility, and that there was a possibility for the relationship to continue if not for these external factors.

For example, let's say that you and your ex broke up because one of you had to move away for a job opportunity. If you still had strong feelings for each other and were able to communicate effectively and support each other during the breakup, it could be a sign that you're meant to be.

11. Your ex is depressed

If your ex is going through a difficult time and is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, it's important to be supportive and understanding. If you're able to do this and still have feelings for your ex, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. This means that you're able to support each other through the tough times and that your feelings for each other are strong enough to withstand challenges.

For example, let's say that your ex has been struggling with depression since the breakup and has been reaching out to you for support. If you're able to be there for your ex and offer them the support and understanding they need, it could be a sign that you're meant to be. It's important to keep in mind that it's also important to prioritize your own mental health and well-being in these situations, and to seek out professional help if needed.

BONUS: You have a strong support system.

Having a strong support system can be an important factor in navigating a breakup and moving on, but it isn't necessarily a sign that you and your ex are meant to be together. However, research has shown that couples with lots of intersecting friends and a shared friend circle are more likely to stay together.

Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family can also help you get through the tough times and make it easier to move on from the breakup. This means that you have a network of people who are there for you and who are willing to listen and offer guidance as you navigate the breakup.

Additional Things to Consider When Trying to Determine if You and Your Ex are Meant to Be

If you're considering whether or not you and your ex are meant to be, it's important to be honest with yourself about your feelings and to take the time to process the breakup before making any decisions. Here are a few additional things to consider when trying to determine if you and your ex are meant to be:

1. Have you addressed the issues that led to the breakup? If you're thinking about reconciling with your ex, it's important to make sure that you've addressed the issues that led to the breakup. This means being honest with yourself and with your ex about what went wrong and working together to come up with a plan to prevent the same issues from arising in the future.

2. Are you both ready to commit to the relationship? Reconciling with an ex requires a lot of hard work and dedication, and it's important to make sure that both of you are ready to fully commit to the relationship. This means being open and honest with each other and being willing to put in the time and effort to rebuild the relationship.

3. Have you moved on from the breakup? It's important to make sure that you've fully processed the breakup and have moved on from it before considering reconciliation. This means dealing with your emotions and letting go of any resentment or negative feelings towards your ex.

Ultimately, only you and your ex can decide if you're meant to be. It's important to be honest with yourself and with your ex about your feelings and to be willing to put in the work to rebuild the relationship. If you both feel that the relationship is worth fighting for and are committed to making it work, it may be worth giving it another shot. However, if you're not both fully ready and committed to the relationship, it may be best to accept that it's over and move on.