It's natural to wonder about the intentions behind unexpected interactions like this. While I can't say for sure what your ex-girlfriend's motives are, here are some possible explanations:
Curiosity or Closure: She might be curious about your life and how you're doing after all these years. It's not uncommon for people to want to reconnect or seek closure from past relationships.
Nostalgia: Perhaps she stumbled upon your profile and felt nostalgic, prompting her to reach out and reminisce about the past.
Networking: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and some people use it primarily for connecting with former colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances. Her intentions might be purely professional.
Apology or Amends: Sending a message after such a long time could be a way to apologize for past actions or to make amends if she feels there was unresolved conflict between you.
Genuine Interest: It's possible she genuinely wants to reconnect and re-establish a friendship, especially if you were on good terms after the breakup.
Loneliness or Relationship Status Change: She might be going through a difficult time in her life or have experienced a change in her relationship status, leading her to reach out to familiar people from her past.
The best way to find out her intentions is by responding politely and casually to her message. If you're open to reconnecting, keep the conversation light and see where it leads. If you're not comfortable with the idea, you can keep the conversation brief and courteous or ignore the message altogether.
Remember that people change over time, and motivations can be complex. If you decide to engage in a conversation, approach it with an open mind and take things at your own pace.