Hey everyone I hope you’re doing well. I want insight if applicable. Has anyone here ever had a break up with someone you’ve been with for a very long time? Would you say over time you were okay? Do you still think of them? Do you have any regrets?

I wouldn’t say 2 years is a very long time, but that was the longest relationship I’ve been in so far. From that experience, I would say everything gets better. I definitely still think about him, and I still talk to him from time to time. I feel that everything happens for a reason, and he and I breaking up was definitely for the better for that time. I can see now (as I’ve grown up) that I had a lot of changes I could’ve made to make him happier, but I can also see now (as he grows up) the person I wouldn’t want to be with that he is now.

I was with my ex for 7 years and it was definitely difficult but us breaking up was honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. I was super sad for about 10 months after our breakup. I didn’t go out, didn’t drink, didn’t see friends. I just stayed home and watched tv. I didn’t tell anyone we had broken up for about a month. But then I started going out, hanging out with friends, going to dinners. I’ve traveled to 10 new cities, went on my dream vacation to Tokyo, have been to countless concerts, a music festival, hooked up with many new people, started therapy, moved into my own house, got a new job, got 6 tattoos, learned what I wanted and needed in a relationship, and learned to love myself. Now I’m in a relationship with someone who treats me with so much love and respect. With the love and respect I didn’t realize I didn’t have in my previous relationship because I was so desperate to hang onto that relationship due to fear. Sometimes getting a new life and a fresh start means shedding your old life and going through the pain.

My ex-partner broke up with me after 5,5 years last year and even though I was devastated at the time I’m happy he did it. I am much happier now and noticed I was allowing him to disrespect me in small ways. Small ways add up. It’s honestly better to be single, find yourself, love yourself and then stumble into someone who treats you better than remain in a relationship just because you’ve been together for X amount of time.

I broke up with my ex after a relationship of 5 years. I had outgrown the relationship and it was definitely the right decision. I very much relate to what @maeve_ said and honestly being single for a year after that break up, prioritizing my personal growth, learning how to meet my emotional needs myself, exploring being with new people, and regaining my independence was probably the best year of my life. I have no regrets about my decision and I don't think of my ex often, and if I do it's honestly just with fondness and best wishes for whatever they're up to.