Think I've missed my chance...

[Mistymychance]

I went out with an amazing man six years ago for two years. The we broke up for a year, went out for another year and broke up again. The only reason for both break ups was because I couldn't juggle children and a relationship.

I'm in a better place now, both DS grown up and I desperately want to try again. He is so nice I would be amazed if he's not been snapped up.

I want to text and ask, but is it better to let it stay in the past it give it a try? I would be gutted if I got turned down and will always regret losing him, but I know deep down I didn't have a choice at the time.

[Luvjubs]

Get in touch but don't invest too many feelings at this stage, as you say, he has probably been snapped up. Also he may be wary of history repeating itself.
Have you had any contact within the last 6 years?

[Mistymychance]

Just the odd text conversation on birthdays/Christmas. I feel so sad thinking that I let him go.

[Mistymychance]

I was thinking about this:

Hello. Obviously I don't know your situation, so forgive me if you're all loved up. I've just been thinking about what we had together a lot over the last few days and thought I had nothing to lose by asking if you wanted to go out for a drink together sometime. I wouldn't blame you at all for running a mile after what happened before, but things are different now so I wanted to ask x

[HolyshitIfuckedupbigtime]

To be harsh he's most likely to have got over it and and under it by now. Men seem to move on much quicker.

[Mistymychance]

Do you think I should leave it in the past holy?

[tallwivglasses]

I don't understand how you messed things up and where the dc fitted in with that. What happened? You'll always be a package. And grown up kids have a habit of still needing their mums.

[OutragedofLondon]

Can you not just ask him if he fancies catching up? Seems a bit too intense otherwise.

[Whoooodat]

I would just test the water first with a friendly non-committal message just asking how he is doing.

[Helmetbymidnight]

I would just text a 'hey how are you doing?'
If he responds suggest a drink...
If not, you have your answer.
No need for an essay

[TokenGinger]

That message is far too intense. I'd run a million miles.

Just send a message and say something like, "Hey, how are you? You popped in to my mind the other day so I thought I'd drop you a message to see how you're keeping." And let the conversation naturally progress in to asking if he'd like a drink.

[whatamessifindmyselfin]

Ask how he is doing, don't go full on too quickly. Let him remember the feelings on his own rather than you reminding him.

[WhisperingLoudly]

Way waaaay to intense.

Just send a text saying hi and asking how he is

[HolyshitIfuckedupbigtime]

What Whooodat said.

[Luvjubs]

If you've had odd contact Christmas/birthdays etc then I agree with others, a light 'hi how are you keeping' text and play it by ear.

[TheNaze73]

Send a casual message, the message you were thinking about was way too full on

[PotatoBread]

Agree with others - your suggested text is way too full on and intense. Text him but do so with no expectations and just keep it as a cheery hello asking if he fancies a catch up some time

Splitting up twice already doesn't really bode well for the future though. Surely there must've been other issues/reasons other than being too busy for a relationship?

[Mistymychance]

No potato, we lived too far apart for it to be practical with 2 young teen DS...that's all it was.

Thanks for the advice, kept it light and friendly. After a few texts he mentioned a pub we used to go to and he wondered if a certain table was still there. I said let me know if you want to go for a drink sometime to find out and he said yes

[Dieu]

Fab! You'd always have wondered 'what if', if you hadn't made a move. Hope it works out.

[Mistymychance]

Thanks dieu, you're so right.

[Mistymychance]

Just an update - and a chance for people to say I told you so - after some lovely texts this weekend I've now had some blistering texts telling me he's happy in a relationship and never wants to see me again. Apparently he was only being nice to me because he didn't want to hurt me, me breaking up with him was the best thing that ever happened.

Wow, not surprised he is in a relationship, it was only a hopeful dream after all, but completely shocked he could behave like this.

[PotatoBread]

Sorry to hear that . No need for him to say of the things he did - hopefully him acting like a nasty rude twat will make it easier for you to move on and leave him in the past

[TokenGinger]

What a wanker.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if those messages have been sent from his DP. Seems bizarre to change his attitude so quickly. Maybe she found his phone and thought being cruel would push you away.

[Mistymychance]

I think that as well token, the abbreviations were not ones he has ever used before and it just didn't sound like him at all.

The complete about turn is staggering.

[EverReadyEddy]

Oh, try not to be too down/hearted. His OH was probably the MNer with the partner leaving poo crumbs in the bed. Or the one who's DH wanking in to his socks.

He's probably picking his nose and flicking it around right now.

[EverReadyEddy]

Or... in case it wasn't him writing, txt tomorrow when he's likely at work saying something like "OK, understood. But no need to be rude".