This. My girlfriend and I met ten years ago in college. She was 20 and I was 23. We initially hit it off and had chemistry but it was tough for awhile. We'd date for a few months but before it got serious she'd get cold feet and break it off. This happened on and off for years even when we were working and living in different cities. In all honesty, I was always a bit more into her but then again she always found a way back to me.

After our last break up, I (28) was devastated and told her (25) we couldn't be friends or talk. We didn't live in the same city which made things simpler. Sure, I'd see her once a year because of mutual friends but it was tolerable. It was also good for us to have distance so we could grow as people.

Fast forward to last May. We (M31 F28) saw each other at a friend's birthday party. Beers were flowing. We talked and flirted. Eventually, she came home with me at the end of the night. The passion and compatibility were still there. It was back on.

At first, we were both cautious about seeing each other again. It was smart because we still lived in different cities. We weren't exclusive but we kept talking and see each other when possible.

Eventually, I found myself burnt out with my life and career in the city I lived. I moved back to my hometown last December to reassess my life and considered teaching abroad. But that never happened because she lives here. There was too much between us not to see it through. I decided to roll the dice and find a job here. (Oddly, we grew up in the same hometown but met in a different city in college.)

Overall, our relationship is awesome. We're both more mature and communicate well. Sure, we've had our struggles. I have had my insecurities about the past. She's had to get out of her comfort zone emotionally. But we're patient with each other and work at the relationship. As a result, we're happy. Will it last this time? It's looking really good right now. But even if it doesn't I won't regret my decision. We're different people today than when we met. The past was tough but its done. We bounced back and have made it work.