Dear Coleen,

I recently ended my long-term relationship with my partner. Despite my decision being difficult, I had reached a point where I couldn’t tolerate various issues anymore. Following our split, he pleaded for me to stay and then bombarded me with affection in an attempt to reconcile.

After a period of silence, he has reappeared, stating that he is now in a new relationship but wishes to remain “friends.” He even went as far as showing me a photo of his younger girlfriend, who is ten years his junior at 36.

Surprisingly, seeing this photo stirred feelings of jealousy in me, making me question the possibility of rekindling our relationship. Despite his mistreatment towards me during the last two years of our time together, his new romance is causing some emotional turmoil within me, prompting me to seek a rational perspective.

In response, Coleen suggests that my ego may be influencing my thoughts, tempting me with the idea that I could still have him back, especially since he is already involved with a younger woman. She believes he is playing mind games to incite jealousy in me.

Coleen advises me to remember the reasons for ending the relationship and to question whether anything would truly change if we were to reunite. She warns that he likely has not changed and that returning to him would lead me back to square one.

She also highlights that it is premature to consider friendship at this stage, emphasizing the importance of allowing both parties time to move on independently. She mentions that being friends is not obligatory, particularly since we do not share children, indicating that maintaining a friendship may not be the right decision.

Coleen speculates that his new girlfriend is unaware of our communication and would not approve of his actions to draw me back in. She recommends cutting off contact, ignoring his messages, and potentially blocking his number to maintain strength and continue progressing forward.

Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. Stay strong and keep moving forward.

Best regards,

[Your Name]