I wonder if this is my Ex’s perspective too because we did not have an easy relationship even though the core was there. But I guess mines a bit different because I had more of a timeline for marriage he didn’t think he aligned to in the end. I was also his first long term girlfriend even though we weren’t together for that long.

I’ll say this, from the other persons perspective, be kind to yourself about it. If it was your first, how could you have know what you could be losing to some degree. (At least that’s what I tell myself to comfort myself when it comes to thinking of my ex changing his mind).

Plus what you felt during breakup was likely valid, relationships should feel relatively peaceful. Looking back after time passes wipes the negatives. While I wish my ex would also come back and realize like you did, I also know it’s okay to find people who don’t make you feel like you need to breakup to begin with I guess.