Breaking up is hard to do - but getting back together can be downright torture.

Just when you think it's over, your ex starts showing you some interest again. Just when you think you'll never see them again, they start coming around. Wait a minute - are they flirting with you?

These are all good signs of course, and, assuming you want THEM back, reason to be hopeful. But don't get carried away too fast.

These types of behavior are absolutely common signs that your ex wants to get back together. But don't run back into his or her arms too quickly. There was some reason your relationship fell apart in the first place. So take your time.

Playing a little "hard to get" (not enough to be cruel, but enough to establish some distance) is probably your best approach - and the one your ex will more than likely respond to. In fact, you may have already been playing hard to get, either consciously or unconsciously - and that just might be the reason for all this renewed attention.

Whenever two people break up - especially after a long-term relationship - it's only natural they will miss each other. Both will usually have thoughts about getting back together and wonder if things could be good again, they way they used to be. It's also natural to have other, less positive feelings: regrets, anger, disappointment.

Remember this: if you're wondering whether your ex wants you back, there's a good chance your ex is wondering the same thing about you.

Unfortunately, there is another possibility. All-too-often when an ex suddenly starts showing a lot of interest, it could simply be a way of getting attention. If they sense that you still care about them and want them, they may just enjoy using you to feel good. This is especially true if they have no other prospects at the moment.

Even worse, if your ex feels that you somehow betrayed them or hurt them badly, they could be looking for revenge - a chance to give you back some of the pain you dealt them.

The point is, be careful, take your time, and make sure your ex genuinely wants to spend time with you and explore rebuilding your relationship.

It's best to look before you leap. Your ex might be just as anxious as you - or even more - to get back together. Just take your time, play a little hard to get, and be certain it's the real thing, for you AND your ex. That way, no one gets hurt the second time around.

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