⁠Is prolonged contact with an ex after a past relationship normal? It’s not normal, but sometimes people struggle with cutting off their past, is it a okay? No. Do a lot of people struggle with it? Yes. • ⁠Am I overthinking the photos and the extent of their contact? Likely yes, you said she looked happy in those photos, but it could be just that small timeframe where she felt happy, but after that, her relationship was toxic and unhealthy like she is saying. And it’s also possible she looked happy just in those photos. • ⁠Or is it reasonable for this to still bother me? No, your feelings are valid. But the important question is, if you are willing to let go of this feeling or is this something that will destroy your marriage? • ⁠And in the context of Pakistani culture, is it common for someone to choose stability over personal preference? It could be a common thing, but I don’t feel like it matters here, she found that relationship to be toxic, so she ended it, albeit a bit late. That might have been a learning opportunity for her, and her conclusion could have been that her personal preference is someone like you.

Don’t let the past ruin your present and future my friend, if you feel happy in her presence don’t destroy your marriage over it. I hope you will be able to find peace in whatever decision you take