If you say, "I want my ex back," you may be fantasizing about restoring the relationship you had when things were good between you.
It can't happen unless you or your ex make changes in your attitudes, habits, expectations and actions.
Whatever it is that broke you up will break you up again if it isn't resolved here and now.
Trying to change your partner didn't work.
The person you can change is you.
You need to know what broke you up.
If it was something YOU can change about you, you'll have to take serious steps to fix it.
Your ex would be a fool to take you back without you mending yourself first.
Depending on what was wrong, this could take a lot of work on your own or with the help of someone expert in relationships.
Relationships with others are what help each of us grow as a person.
A partner gives you feedback on what you bring to the team.
If, for instance, your partner often said you don't listen, you can't dismiss that as being something of no consequence.
Unless you're willing to accept there's truth in the statement and do the very hard work of learning to listen well, you'll be no good to your ex or to any future partner.
Perhaps differences in how the two of you handle money caused stress.
Was one of you too much a spendthrift and the other too much a tightwad? If you can't change your attitudes and money habits, you can't expect to get back with your ex with any success.
Your money sense was formed when you were a child and throughout your maturing.
You may have unconscious attitudes that are a real block to responsible and fulfilling usage of your financial resources.
You can discover what some of these unhelpful tendencies are with the aid of some excellent books.
Take action on your new insights as proof of your changes before you ever attempt to get back with your ex.
Do you take proper care of your health? If not, consider the stress this causes someone who loves you and sees you going downhill, shortening your life, frightening them when they consider a future fraught with medical bills or you no longer here on earth.
Health, wealth and love are basic cornerstones to a happy life.
Are you doing all you can in these three areas to be the best partner you can be? If not, find out why not and do something about it.
You may well be a different person when you've learned better.
When you manage your life basics well, you increase your appeal and bring more value to any partnership.
You may be more aware of the flaws in your partner than any flaws in yourself, but it's YOU you can work on.
Changing yourself will change your interactions and bring healing to your relationship.
Having changed yourself, do you still say, "I want my ex back"? If so, now you need to reconnect in a way that proves you've changed.
Maybe things can be better than they ever were between you.
Good luck!