I've been so completely wrapped up in the situation with my current ex, that I've forgotten the story of my first ex.
Her and I dated for 2 years at a young age. I broke up with her, but after a week of thinking on it, realized that was not what I wanted. I went to get her back. She wasn't having any of it. So for the next 3 months or so, I begged, pleaded, showed up at work, etc. to get her back. Then I slowly backed off. Then we went to separate universities. About 1.5 years after the initial break (and probably 6 months since going NC [mind you, I didn't know what NC was, I just had to give up and start enjoying my college years]), she started 'poking' me on Facebook (this was back in 2005). That led to Facebook messages, then AIM chats, and eventually us hanging out when we went back to our hometown for Holidays.
The point is, I could have gotten her back if I wanted to. I still loved her. Hell, I think I *still* love her. But it just wasn't the same. The clarity that I had at that point, made me realize that this girl left me, ignored me for 6 months, and that I don't think I could really trust her anymore. Plus, I had realized that there REALLY is a ton of fish in the sea, and I finally saw her through non-rose tinted glasses.
Summary: she came back 1.5 years after breakup, 6 mos. NC.
E.