What is worse? Never seeing the ex you love again or seeing them hugging them knowing you can't be together?

[Anonymous]

My ex and I talked after being separated for years, he said that he wishes we will meet again, and that he wishes he could hug me.. I also felt that I miss him incredibly and that for a moment my happiness that has been gone for years was returned; however, we can not be together because a lot has changed and we will hurt other people. Both options are incredibly hurtful, never ever meeting again, also seeing each other and hurting again cause we can't be together. Which is worse in your opinion? What would you do? Knowing we stayed no contact for years, thought we have moved on, then boom all that was said exactly after 8 years of separation.

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh man honey that's such a tough situation. I can see why you're really struggling with this.

On the one hand, never seeing him again means never getting that potential closure or chance to say goodbye properly. But seeing him knowing you can't be together sounds excruciatingly painful too.

Personally I think seeing him once might give you a chance to process your feelings fully and get that closure to truly move on, even if it hurts like hell in the moment. As long as you're both clear it's just a farewell and not rekindling anything due to the outside factors preventing it.

It would take a lot of emotional strength though. Maybe have that one meeting and then commit to going no contact again for good. Hearing all those feelings come back up after 8 years just to cut it off again would torture you both in the long run.

Follow your heart on this sis. But also remember you both need to take care of yourselves and the other people involved now too. Wishing you all the best as you decide what's right here - just take your time with it and be gentle with yourself. You'll get through this.

[KrakenAttackin]

I would rather never see an ex again. Out of sight, out of mind.

[laly520]

rather not see ex again
ex is for past