The desire to rekindle an old flame is pretty normal, in fact, statistics show that about 50% of couples reunite after a breakup. Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine and model Behati Prinsloo were exes before eventually getting married. They are now completely in love and have two beautiful kids.

Hey, if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have taught us anything it’s that an old flame can be rekindled. (Seriously, 18 years later!)

Reconciliation can work, but remember that each couple is unique, and love is not a probability game. So if you’re a tad weary of how it might go, read on.

Let’s face it: Indulging in the idea of a more successful round two is just easier than spending hours swiping through dating sites and going on a series of craptastic dates. One of the joys of getting back together with an ex is the comfort or familiarity. The upside is that you already know what the perpetual differences are going to be.

With technology, exes often remain in touch. Most people are just a Facebook message or Instagram like away from staying on someone’s radar, making going back so much easier. However, if you’ve kicked the relationship to the curb because you weren’t feeling happy, loved or fulfilled, that’s not something to brush aside just because you can’t find anyone better on a dating site.

It really comes down to the reasons why you broke up in the first place. Do you both agree on what your past differences were and also, what would make round two any different? If the situation has changed it might be worth a revisit. For example, if the relationship ended due to distance, or if the breakup was due to a hectic work schedule and that is a thing of the past, it might be good to try again.

However, beyond the butterflies in your stomach or how much you’ve missed him/her after a long day at work, there’s a lot to consider before making the decision to pursue a former flame. It’s far too easy to idealize the relationship once you start missing your significant other. Things like infidelity, betrayal, or a lack of trust are all pretty good reasons to keep your ex firmly in the past, no matter how hot, funny, or good in bed they are.

If you do decide to go for round two, you need to take it slow. Reuniting at full speed is a quick way to break up again. Sure, it’s all very exciting. The texts! The dates! The sex! But you need to keep it real. Don’t be afraid to tell him/her what you need to be happy this time around.

If you’re stuck in the vicious circle of making up and breaking up over and over again, it might be a sign that you’re not compatible and that it’s time to let go. You did leave them for a reason after all.

Remember settling is settling, even if it is someone you’ve loved before.

Source: bbc.com, womenshealthmag.com, cosmopolitan.com, yourtango.com, hellorelish.com, oprahdaily.com, health.com, verywellmind.com, today.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.