1. He Was a Cheater

That is by far one of the most important reasons to never go back to an ex. But, just in case you need some reinforcement, I’ll give you some more - once a cheater, always a cheater. Chances are he’s already moved onto another girl (or, two) and is cheating on her for all of the same reasons why he cheated on you. A cheating boyfriend will only become a cheating husband.

2. He Called You up and Misses You

Have you dated the ‘come around the bend’ guy? That charming lad who wines and dines you while you fall helplessly in love with him, only for him to leave you for a number of life pressing reasons? His job has become too demanding for a relationship, or he needs to get his life in order before entering a committed relationship with you. Here’s the thing - they’re all excuses. The ‘come around the bend’ guy tricks you so that you’ll go back to him - but only when it’s convenient for him.

3. It’s Familiar

The older we get, the scarier it is to try something or someone new. Going back to the tried and true seems easier than going on a bunch of bad dates and bar hopping. No one likes dating, but it’s how you meet people, just like your ex. Resist the urge to go back to your old guy and try the unknown. Who knows? Maybe your ex will seem like the distant memory by the end of the night.

4. You Can’t Always Get What You Want…

But, you might just get what you need. Sometimes we want something (like an ex) but it’s important to remember all of the reasons why it didn’t work out before your daydream away. Make a list of reasons why it didn’t work out and be honest with yourself. Maybe it’s time to accept that it happened for the best.

5. The Break up Game

Do you love drama? Is The Bachelor your favorite show? Let me remind you, when you’re in a healthy relationship you generally want to stay in a healthy relationship. If you’re breaking up and getting back together every other week, it creates a false sense of passion. What you’re living off of isn’t the connection between you two, but rather the disconnection you like to make. Re-evaluate why you are in your relationship and whether it’s because you really want to be or if you only like the drama of it.

6. Your Friends and Family Don’t Approve

If you’re having a relationship where it’s you against the world, it isn’t romantic, it’s unrealistic. If you plan on spending the rest of your life or even a chunk of it with someone that your friends and family generally don’t like, expect to have a lot of two people parties. If you want to alienate yourself from your life, dating someone your friends and family don’t approve of is a perfect way to do it.

7. You’re Lonely

It’s easy to call up an ex and make it feel like the first time all over again. But, that feeling only lasts for the first time. That rush of adrenaline quickly fades and all of the reasons you didn’t work out the first time will come rushing back to you.

As tempting as it may seem to call up an ex and return to the love nest you once remember, take a long look at the why you broke up in the first place. Like the saying goes, never go back. Do you have a story of why you should never go back? Let me know!