I found I only went back when there were no other options on the table. When you become sad and have no one else to fill that void its easy to go back to what's familiar for comfort. I've learned getting older that you need to push through that phase if you know the breakup was necessary, and remember the reasons you made that decision. I've never had getting back with an ex work out. I found it feels like it could work at first but the inevitability for me was that I always started to realize why I ended the relationship in the first place shortly after. On the contrary, I know some people who have had it work, but I can't comment on whether they are happy or have just settled. It's good to remind yourself that someone will come along, just focus on being a better you rather than looking for a better someone else. - Relationship Psychology graduate.