After a breakup, unless the relationship was completely terrible, most people desire to get their ex back. In fact, sometimes, even if the relationship was unhealthy, they still desire to get their ex back. You really shouldn’t try to get back with your ex if they ever used physical violence or words to hurt you. That is not a healthy relationship. If you were in a relationship like that and your ex broke up with you, then consider yourself lucky.

Otherwise, most relationships follow a pretty predictable pattern. When you first meet someone everything is wonderful and new. They can do no wrong and you can do no wrong in their eyes. After a short while comfort sets in. You adjust to each other. When the newness is gone and the comfort is there, things in the relationship change. The little quirks you were willing to overlook before actually bother you now.

There is an expression: “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Truer words couldn’t be spoken for relationships. After a couple get comfortable and familiar with each other, trouble usually starts. This is exactly what tests the strength of the relationship. It takes work and effort to maintain a relationship. Sometimes, when things break, instead of getting repaired, the other person wants out of the relationship completely

Do you believe, despite it being over, your relationship is worth salvaging, even if the other person made it clear, it’s over? You need some answers on how to get your ex back. Here are four steps you can take.

1. Apologize

Saying you are sorry is one of the best methods to get your ex back. Even if it doesn’t get your ex back, it’s usually the best first step. Be sure that you say sorry for the right reasons. After a breakup it can be easy to blame yourself for everything. Remember, it takes two people to have a successful relationship. Knowing what exactly to apologize for is critical.

Whatever you do, when you apologize don’t let your ex bait you into an argument. The biggest irony of saying sorry to an ex is that it can easily lead to another fight. If you say you’re sorry, and your ex brings something else up, don’t get defensive. Stay calm, keep your emotions, your ego, and your pride in check.

2. Sit down and talk things out

If your ex is up to it, set a time where both of you can sit down and talk. Whatever you do, don’t beg, plead, cry, or force your ex into this. If they don’t want to, then just go to the next step. If they do agree, you’re going to have to keep your emotions in check. This isn’t the time to get into a fight again. Make it clear to your ex that you have no desire to bring blame into the discussion.

You want to talk about the issues objectively. If you talk strictly about the issues without assigning blame, you’ll get better results. It is best if you can get a therapist or an expert in the field of relationships involved with this, if at all possible.

3. Give some space

This may seem counter-intuitive in trying to get your ex back. You have to remember, just because you want to talk to them or see them, doesn’t mean they want to talk or see you. Not to be harsh, but this is crucial. You must allow the other person some space. A brief time away from each other, before you try to win them back, will give you both time to cool down and a chance for them to miss you. If you’re in touch with them all the time, they won’t be able to miss you.

4. Show them you care about yourself