How Can I Win My Girlfriend's Heart Back?

Dear eNotAlone: I am a 74-year-old man who recently broke up with my longtime girlfriend of 35 years due to circumstances out of anyone's control. I've come to the heartbreaking realization that I still love her, and now I want her back. Despite wanting to reconcile, I'm unsure how to go about it. How can I win my girlfriend's heart back after we have been separated for so long?

* * *

Breaking up with someone is never easy, especially when your relationship has been going for 35 years. It can be soul-crushing if you realize that you still love each other after the breakup. Coming to terms with the decision to get back together can be difficult because there are so many things at stake. You may have feelings of sadness and confusion and ask yourself how you will make it work a second time around. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help you win back your lost love and make your reconciliation successful.

First of all, remember that you owe it to yourself and your partner to be honest. If both of you have made mistakes in the past, acknowledge them openly and apologize. Admitting your faults and saying sorry can clear the air and propel you both forward, leaving the door open for forgiveness and a much-needed chance at starting anew.

When attempting to win someone's heart back, communication is key. Talk with your partner about what led to your split in the first place, and also share your ideas for rebuilding the relationship if you decide to give it a second chance. Do not use this as an opportunity to lay blame on each other or create animosity. The shared goal should be to move forward and reconnect in a mutually satisfactory way. Through such frank conversations, you will be able to assess whether it makes sense to get back together and start rebuilding the relationship.

It is also important to reminisce about the good moments and recall why you were attracted to one another in the first place. Recall your sweet memories and tap into your emotions. Use these memories and your connection to discuss your hopes and dreams for the future and how you want to approach your reunion. Taking the time to consider the most exciting ways of reigniting your relationship will help you begin to recapture the spark that you once had in a healthy and beneficial way.

You may also need to make some compromises in order to bridge the gap between your two independent lives. Show your partner that you are willing to take a few steps back and meet him or her halfway. He or she will likely appreciate the gesture and will be more likely to consider reuniting if they see that you are serious about making the relationship work. Keep in mind that reconciling with someone can be a lengthy process, as it takes time to rebuild trust and strengthen the bond.

Look for ways to show your other half that you are truly interested and committed to making things work again. You may do this by sending ‘just because' messages expressing your love or taking time from your day to have thoughtful conversations. You may also opt for activities that bring you closer together and help you reconnect on a deeper, more meaningful level. Going on romantic dates, planning fun experiences, and simply spending time together in a supportive environment can all aid in creating a strong and lasting relationship.

Navigating life after a lengthy break-up can be difficult, but with the right attitude and approach, you can win your girlfriend's heart back. Follow the aforementioned tips and remain open and honest throughout the process, and you stand a great chance of having another beautiful and fulfilling relationship with your long-term partner.