A guy who dumped me got in touch about a year later, when his two best mates had gotten into relationships and he felt he was ready to get into a relationship too.
(Also after long enough single following his first ltr. I had come along after it and he'd told me he wasn't in a rush to get into another relationship, something I didn't realise he was so fixed in).
He said "you'll always be the one that got away" ...which I found extremely irritating as I didn't get away - he threw me away.
When he contacted me, I'd gotten back with an ex and was not available. If I had been available, I might have - but it would've been against all pride and better judgement.
A. He was a clone/sheep with his mates
B. I had also realised he and I were a poor match - religious, traditional, parochial guy with agnostic, non traditional, widely travelled woman ... No.
C He was also very high strung and self absorbed. I mean we're all a bit self absorbed but this was next level.
D I don't think anyone truly respects you if you get back with them after they've dumped you.
(He's married now with kids ... We are FB friends who never bothered deleting each other; his wife has stalked my FB (randomly popping up in ppl you may know) and is the sort who posts gushing "My Wonderful Man!" posts. Which I always thought smack of territory marking and desperation. No need, as he's the least likely person to ever cheat that I can think of, one of his few good points).
I think, in most cases, by the time they get back to you; you've moved on and wouldn't go back with them or at the very least have big reservations. You've fallen out of love, the feelings have lessened a lot and you just think Mmm. You can see the downsides to them and the relationship.
Also, if you're wide, you suspect they'll do it again.
I remembered what it was like and just thought "as if I'm going to put myself at your mercy again".