It’s that familiarity that can be tricky at times.
Imagine minding your business when a familiar face appears in front of you. After months, possibly years, of navigating this wild dating space, you end up in the presence of someone who “got away” or someone you ran away from! Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in nostalgia, and wondering if the universe is playing a cosmic joke on you. Perhaps, you’ve even considered wanting that old thang back!
Pulling the Ex-files and giving them another chance can be exciting, yet risky. It’s also unexpected, slightly confusing, but strangely comforting. Dating someone from your past not only gives you a chance to satisfy that nagging curiosity about what could have been. You’re also in the position to make your wrongs right with the person you expected to be with long-term. All that time apart has given you both the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and time to grow, potentially leading to a more mature and fulfilling relationship. There’s nothing like that already made connection and revisiting the good memories and experiences that you’ve both held on to.
But here’s the downside…
While nostalgia and memories can be a beautiful experience, it could blind you to the reasons why your past relationship didn’t work out. Be prepared to confront any unresolved issues or emotional baggage that may resurface. In that case, it’s important to have effective communication that you may haven’t had in the past. Ever watched a movie sequel or a remake that just couldn’t live up to the original? Rekindling a romance with an ex can sometimes feel like that—trying to recreate a past that no longer exists.
My co-host and I touched on this topic a bit on our latest podcast. Take a listen here when you get a chance. But like I told my sis, I would be open to “spinnin’ da block” if there’s some indication of growth and the willingness to try again on some authentic shit and no games being played.
Dating someone from your past is like rewriting your story—you already know the plot twists, but you’re creating a different ending. Whether it’s a more positive reunion or a cautionary tale of why exes are exes for a reason, one thing’s for sure: love is a journey, not a destination. You’ll know when you’re ready for love and who you’re ready to experience love with. Just remember, love AND respect is a two-way street. You gotta give it to receive it. People change, and sometimes, the timing just wasn’t right the first time around. However, reconnecting with an ex can offer a chance to see how much you’ve both grown and whether you’re now better suited for each other.
So, if you’re considering spinnin’ da block with someone from your past, I’d encourage you to as long as there’s no history of abuse of any kind, or any experiences with this person that you’ve had to go above and beyond to heal from. You’ll never know where the reconnection will lead you. Love has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it.
