Is it normal to miss an ex after 2 years?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 15, 2026
Even though time has gone by, it's completely normal to miss someone that you were with romantically. It doesn't matter that it's two years later; the history is still there, and you're bound to think about them. You have many memories with this person, so of course, you'll miss certain things about them.
Why do I still have feelings for my ex after 2 years?
Sometimes, people are still thinking about their Ex for months, or even years after the relationship ended because of lingering insecurities or comparisons they're making — even subconsciously. This is often true when your Ex has moved on before you have.
Is it normal to miss your ex after a long time?
It's perfectly normal, especially if it was a recent breakup. They go from being your best friend and lover to becoming a distant memory of the past and that's hard to deal with. It takes time for you to get in control of your emotions again and missing your ex is part of the process.
Is it possible to get back ex after two years?
You can still get them back but you have to look at it as a new beginning instead of rekindling an old relationship. Since it's already been a long time after the breakup, you don't have to worry about your ex moving on. In fact, you can use the fact that you both have moved on to your advantage.
Is it normal to still think about your ex after 3 years?
Thinking about an ex is normal, and it doesn't mean you need to break up with the person you're dating. “It is natural for an emotion to bring up other experiences with similar emotions," she said. "The feelings might match, and in fact, we might realize that our first relationship led to this relationship."
29 related questions foundCan you still love your ex after years?
“In many instances, people feel those love-like feelings for quite some time after a breakup. This can vary widely depending on the person, their circumstances and personal history. Some people may just need days or weeks whereas others may take months or years to move on from an ex.”
Can you love your ex forever?
Sometimes we fall in love, but it doesn't last forever. After a breakup, it is normal to have feelings for an ex still. Most likely, you've shared many intimate moments and memories. It's completely normal to love an ex still, especially if it is true love.
Do couples reunite after years apart?
Nearly half of all separated couples give it another go. Science has an explanation—and with the right mindset, reuniting may not be such a bad idea, after all. We all know that one couple with the classic on-again-off-again relationship. Sometimes you just want to send them a guide to a smarter breakup.
Do relationships with exes ever work?
The results showed just 15% of people actually won their ex back, while 14% got back together just to break up again, and 70% never reconnected at all. But although it sounds like a small number, a few success stories showed how it is possible to work things out if you put the time and effort in.
What are the signs that my ex will come back?
13 Good Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back To You
- You've caught them stalking you on social media. ...
- Your breakup was on amicable terms. ...
- They are already with a new partner. ...
- They prefer being single. ...
- They haven't returned your belongings. ...
- They call / text you when drunk. ...
- They keep meeting your friends.
Why do I still miss my ex years later?
It's a huge transition that is often accompanied by longing and even regret," Baratz says. "People's experiences after the end of a long-term relationship are often more intense because of the cultural misinformation and judgment that is out there about relationships.
What to do when you miss your ex after years?
20 Things to Do When You Miss Your Ex
- Think about the reasons ending the relationship was for the best.
- Don't hold your feelings inside.
- Take up journaling.
- Stay busy.
- Do not give in to the urge to call or text.
- Go out with friends.
- Focus on self-improvement.
- Consider whether you miss your ex.
How do I stop thinking about my ex after years?
- Distract yourself so you're literally too busy to even think about them. ...
- Establish some boundaries with yourself. ...
- Give yourself some time to feel sad, or mad, or angry, or literally whatever. ...
- Understand that you may still have lingering feelings for this person, and that's okay. ...
- Indulge in alllll the self care.
Can an ex fall back in love with you?
According to experts, it's totally possible, and it happens more than you might think. In most cases, it's totally possible to fall back in love with someone you used to date. It's hard to move on from an ex, and because they were such a big part of your life, it's totally normal to fall back in love, Trombetti says.
Should you tell an ex you miss them?
You might miss your ex so much it hurts, but you can't immediately launch into how empty and sad you've been feeling. In fact, you shouldn't even start by telling your ex you miss them. If you come on so strong, you'll scare them away. Instead, start out the conversation on a less-serious note.
How do I know if I still love my ex?
According to relationships researcher Samantha Joel, “the main telltale sign that someone is still attached to their ex is how readily their ex enters their mind when they are anxious or upset.” In other words, if after a bad day at work, all you want to do is call your ex and vent (even though your mom and your BFF ...
Why do exes come back after years?
A good reason exes return after a breakup is that they seek validation and attention from the partners they left. They mostly show up when you start moving. If you stay where they left you, it might take time before they come around. Try to work on yourself to be a new person entirely.
Should I contact my ex after a year?
The rule of thumb is to wait 30 days before you speak to your ex once again. If you were together for a very long time and you break up, you may need to extend this to six weeks. At the most, 2-2.5 months is how long the no-contact phase should go.
Why you shouldn't take an ex back?
It can get emotionally abusive
Imagine you're back with your ex. Now what? It could result in your partner taking you for granted and putting you through the same emotional distress knowing fully well that you will come back to them. This is clearly a form of emotional abuse that you need to cut out of your life.
Why do couples break up after 3 years?
Insecurity, jealousy and lack of trust: Couples break up because one partner feels unworthy of being loved. This insecurity can lead to possessiveness and dependence, which isn't healthy for either partner in the love relationship. Eventually, lack of trust and other negative feelings may deteriorate the relation.
Can you still be in love after 20 years?
Yes, it is possible for two people to remain monogamous for twenty years. It can be done — of course it can — but there are lots of people out there who think they've done it but are mistaken.
Why can't I get over my ex?
Put simply, one of the main reasons you're not letting go of a past relationship is because you're lonely right now, said Erika Ettin, a relationship coach and founder of A Little Nudge. "Rather than pining over someone who wasn't right for you, focus on yourself," she said.
Can it take years to get over someone?
The results of the poll suggest it takes an average of about 3.5 months to heal, while recovering after divorce might take closer to 1.5 years, if not longer.
Why am I not over my ex after a year?
If You're Still Not Over Your Ex After A Year, Experts Say To Do This. It's time to embrace the healing process. The same way every person is different, every breakup is different, and so is the healing process that comes after.
Why do I still dream of my ex after 10 years?
There can be a significant meaning here. "If you dream about an ex from a long time ago or your abusive ex, and they're wanting you back in your dream, that's just your subconscious giving you a heads up that you might be becoming weak to a current situation that is similar," Loewenberg says.