Am I the only one who frequently pictures what life would be like with an ex-partner?

No, many people find themselves imagining alternative futures, especially when reflecting on past significant relationships. It's a common way the mind explores 'what if' scenarios, considering how different choices might have led to different outcomes. This often happens as you reflect on your own life path and the decisions you've made.

Research from the University of Arizona suggests that over 60% of individuals report occasionally thinking about a past romantic relationship and what might have been.

See other perspectives

Does everyone frequently picture life with an ex-partner?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to frequently picture what life would be like with an ex-partner?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to frequently picture what life would be like with an ex-partner?

Is It Weird?

Why do I frequently picture what life would be like with an ex-partner?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

you know how sometimes you find something like totally random and it just hits you in a WAY you didn't expect like a punch to the gut almost so i was cleaning out my grandmas attic this weekend which… …

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I push his stroller sometimes when we go for walks, you know? …

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i feel so dumb posting this but here goes — this is stupid but i was walking past the community garden today just after my microeconomics lecture and it just hit me. …

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Like, a moment of cognitive dissonance, I guess? …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep thinking about an ex and the 'what if' scenarios?▾
These thoughts often arise when you're reflecting on your own life choices and the different directions your life could have taken. It's a way of mentally exploring the road less traveled, not necessarily a sign you want them back.
Is it normal to fantasize about a different life with an old partner?▾
Yes, it's quite normal. Our minds are very good at creating hypothetical situations. Fantasizing about a different life with an old partner can be a way to process past events or to consider how your current life compares to those imagined alternatives.
What does it mean if I still imagine a future with someone from my past?▾
It often means you're reflecting on a significant relationship and the impact it had on your life. It can be a way of understanding your past decisions and appreciating the path you ultimately chose, rather than an indication of wanting to rekindle things.

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