The majority of people have been through a break up at one time or another in their life. Most things we go through in life become easier the more we have to go through them, but a break up is never easy no matter how much you have to deal with it.

Many people that go through a break up will desire to get back their ex, especially if they had strong feelings for their partner. If you have been in a relationship in which you had to endure physical, or verbal abuse, then you are much better off to let it end and never look to get involved with that person again. To go back into a situation like that, would be to invite the same type of treatment next time around. Consider yourself lucky to be out of the relationship.

Most relationships seem to follow a predictable pattern. When you meet initially, everything seems to be just wonderful and new. It seems your partner can do no wrong, nor can you in their eyes. Later on a certain amount of comfort settles in and you adjust to each other, then the trouble usually starts. When the newness of the relationship has faded away and the comfort is still there, then things will begin to change. The small things that once didn't bother you now become hard for you to overlook.

You may recall the saying: "Familiarity breeds contempt," More true words could never be spoken for relationships. This is the time that will test the strength of a relationship. It takes a lot of effort to keep a relationship going, but sometimes when things go south, instead of patching things up, the other person wants to just get out of the relationship completely.

If you are involved in a break up situation and you think that you would like to save the relationship, here are 5 steps that can help.

1. Apologize to your partner

Saying that you are sorry is one thing that you can do to start the healing process. If you really have done something wrong then apologize and make it sincere. Don't over apologize to the point of sounding pathetic. If you are at fault for something, then just apologize once and move on.

Sometimes admitting fault can lead to another argument with your ex. Don't let them bait you into another fight. If your ex happens to bring something else up, just keep your cool and try not to get defensive. Keep your emotions in check.

2. Sit down and talk about things

Set aside a time when the both of you can sit down and have a talk. Do not beg or try to use emotions to force your ex into this discussion. If they don't want to do this just move on to the next step. If they do agree, you are going to have to stay cool and not get emotional. Make sure your ex understands that you have no desire to bring blame into this discussion.

3. Give your ex space

This will likely not be easy to do because it is counter intuitive to what your emotions may dictate you to do. It is critical that you allow your partner some space and a brief time away to collect their thoughts. This will give them a chance to start to miss you again. If you are constantly in contact with them they will not have the chance to miss you and appreciate you.

4. Let your ex see that you care about yourself

Don't just sit around home looking and feeling sorry for yourself. Show your ex that the break up is not the end of your life. Keep up your appearance, go out with your friends, go to movies, concerts, or whatever. Do things that demonstrate to your ex that you are not just waiting around for them like a knot on a log. Don't ever give the appearance of being a charity case waiting around for them all the time.

5. Its good for you to be unavailable to your ex

It is a good thing for you to not be always available to your ex at their every whim. If your cell phone rings and you see that it is your ex, don't be so eager to jump on the call. Let it go to your voice mail and get back to them the next day. This may not feel right for you to do, but it is a proven psychological move that works very well. After a while this will make your ex start wondering what you are up to. This can also make you appear more attractive in the eyes of your ex and increase the chances of the both of you getting back together.