Experiencing sudden thoughts or memories of an ex after a long period of not thinking about them is a relatively common phenomenon. There could be several reasons why this is happening:
Triggers or Reminders: Certain events, places, objects, or even smells can act as triggers that bring back memories of the past. Something in your current environment might have reminded you of your ex, even if it was on a subconscious level.
Emotional Resonance: If something in your present life resonates with an emotion you experienced during your past relationship, it can unconsciously bring back memories of that time.
Anniversary Effect: Sometimes, certain dates or anniversaries related to your past relationship can evoke memories and emotions, even if you're not consciously aware of the significance of the date.
Emotional Processing: Our minds tend to reevaluate past experiences from time to time. You might be going through a phase of emotional processing where you reflect on past relationships to gain closure or understanding.
Change in Current Relationship Status: If your relationship status has recently changed (e.g., entering a new relationship or becoming single again), it can trigger thoughts about past relationships.
Stress or Emotionally Challenging Times: During stressful or emotionally challenging periods in our lives, our minds may seek comfort or familiarity from the past, leading to thoughts about previous relationships.
Unresolved Feelings: You might have some unresolved feelings or emotions related to your ex that are resurfacing now. These feelings could be positive or negative.
Dreams or Subconscious Processing: Sometimes, thoughts of an ex can be triggered by dreams or subconscious processing during sleep.
Regardless of the reason, it's essential to acknowledge these thoughts and emotions without judgment. Processing these feelings can help you gain closure and move forward. If you find that thoughts of your ex are interfering with your current life or relationships, consider talking to a trusted friend or a professional therapist who can offer support and guidance. Remember that it's entirely normal to think about past relationships, and with time and emotional processing, these thoughts usually become less frequent and less intense.