The one who got away: Navigating regret, longing, and the soulmate myth

The one who got away: Navigating regret, longing, and the soulmate myth (Photo: iStock)

In the song Do You, Ne-Yo expresses how he couldn't bear it when his former lover walked away. In this classic ballad, he poetically articulates the deep pain of lost love, wearing his heart on his sleeve. In a heartfelt letter, he confesses that even though she has moved on, he yearns for one final conversation to learn whether she ever thinks of him.

The sorrow and regret of a love that slipped away is a common, yet often under-discussed, part of our human experience. Many of us fondly recall the good times we once shared, lament the choices that ended the relationship, and cling to lingering feelings, secretly hoping for a chance to win that love back. Sometimes, our love slips away due to mistakes, unfortunate timing, or simply insurmountable circumstances.