Accepting a LinkedIn invite from an ex-girlfriend who dumped you decades ago in college is entirely up to your personal comfort level and current feelings about the situation. Here are some points to consider when making your decision:
Professional vs. Personal: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and connecting with people from your past, including ex-partners, can be common in a professional context. If you're open to maintaining a professional connection and have no hard feelings about the past, accepting the invitation might be reasonable.
Emotional Impact: Reflect on how accepting the invitation might affect your emotions and mental well-being. If you believe it could stir up old feelings or unresolved issues, it might be best to decline the invitation.
Time Passed: Decades have passed since your college breakup, and people can change significantly over time. If you feel that both you and your ex have moved on and the past is no longer a significant factor in your life, connecting on LinkedIn might not be an issue.
Communication with Ex: If you're uncertain about the ex-girlfriend's intentions or feel uncomfortable, you can try communicating politely to gauge the reason for the invitation. A brief, friendly message can help clarify her intentions.
Privacy Settings: Remember that connecting on LinkedIn provides access to some professional information, so ensure your privacy settings are appropriately adjusted if you decide to connect.
Professional Relevance: Consider whether your ex-girlfriend's professional background or industry has any relevance to your own career. Connecting with people in your field can sometimes lead to mutually beneficial opportunities.
Closure and Healing: If you're still healing from the past relationship or have unresolved feelings, it might be better to focus on your own growth and well-being rather than accepting the invitation.
Ultimately, the decision to accept or decline the LinkedIn invite depends on your own feelings, boundaries, and intentions. If you're uncertain, it's perfectly acceptable to take some time to think it over or politely decline the invitation. Remember that you have the right to choose the connections that align with your current values and goals, both personally and professionally.