My ex and I broke up 8 years ago, the relationship and our connection was so strong - we wanted different things, which led to great tension. I wanted to establish myself in my career and he in his, and we both worked together to achieve our goals (me supporting him moreso), but ultimately I wanted children.
We ended, because it was something he couldn't see himself doing in the future, he wasn't against children, but was more goal orientated to his vocation. We were both heartbroken.
I reconnected with an old friend who dreamt of having his own children and 8 years later we have three children and are married. I changed my career so I could be more 'present' for my children. I got what I wanted! My marriage is positive, consistent and the children are the focus of everything. My DH is fairly dependable, safe and such an amazing and dedicated father, but the romance is dead.
The last time we had sex, I got pregnant with my 5 month old. Yep. We're just too tired and co-sleeping makes any intimacy difficult [side note: we didn't manage a kiss today]...
Now for the last 8 years I can say that I dream about my ex at least weekly, I'm not sure if I ever fully-moved on. I'm not sure he has either as he hasn't been in a long-term relationship since. I often wonder about that.
My ex and I are still friends (innocent interacting on socials) and we have both achieved what we wanted and I'm so proud of him. I would never tell him how I feel, it would cause to much damage, but in my dreams I do.
I don't know where I am going with this, I just want to know if anyone has overcome anything like this?