Dear Meredith,

I broke up with my boyfriend of three years a few weeks ago. We’re both college students in Boston and we met at the end of high school. We were great together – and I wish there was a way for me to write this that didn’t sound like every other letter I’m sure you receive, but he is an amazing man. He truly felt like my other half, my partner. So why did I break up with him? Well, despite the fact that I could see myself living my entire life with this man, it never quite felt right — namely because I would find myself having thoughts about an ex from many years ago. This “ex” and I barely dated – we only went out a handful of times. He was in college and I was in high school and we met during the summer. He was not a good fit for me, and I know logically we would never be good together. Still, he’s been on my mind since we broke up – until two weeks ago.

Now, all I can think about is my new ex-boyfriend. I’ve cried myself to sleep almost every night since. I miss my best friend. I want him back. My fear, Meredith, is that I am doomed to always want who I can’t have. I know I’m young, but I think it’s safe to say that I always tend to fall for forbidden or unrequited loves. I broke up with my new ex because I was having doubts – and those doubts were about the fact that I kept looking back at previous relationships, so I figured I wasn’t sincerely happy. I also felt a lot of pressure to break up with him from peers. It’s not easy being in a relationship you started in high school. I was constantly reminded that while my guy was great, the odds were against us, and I shouldn’t let myself miss out on being single in college. I’m scared I’m letting a really great guy go. I don’t know how I could ever make it up to him. Do you think I should try?

– Collegiate and Confused