During a difficult stretch in my relationship, I gave my partner an eternity ring. When I first wrote about it, she still wore it. To me, the ring expressed how much I wanted to work on our relationship. I also remember giving gold-dipped roses on another occasion and being pleased with the response.

On this page
  1. Find out whether contact is welcome
  2. Name what you can take responsibility for
  3. Give without creating pressure
  4. Let both people decide what comes next

Find out whether contact is welcome

If your former partner has asked for space or no contact, respect that request. If you have both left the door open to a conversation, you can ask once whether they want to talk. Give them room to decline or answer in their own time.

Name what you can take responsibility for

Say what you did, acknowledge the effect and explain what you are doing differently. Keep the apology separate from whether the person decides to return. If you need help changing a pattern, get started without making their reply a condition.

Give without creating pressure

A gift can be meaningful when it is welcome. If it might make someone feel they owe you a conversation, keep your message simple instead. Choose a way to show care that respects what they have already said.

Let both people decide what comes next

Talk about the issue that led to the breakup if you both want to. Agree on a small change you can observe before making bigger plans. If the other person prefers to move on, make room for your own grief and seek support from someone you trust.