8 New Rainbow Products You’ll Want to Rock for Pride Month

On Wednesday, Gabby appeared on The View to share a mysterious update about her dating life. “I have been seeing someone for a couple months,” she said. “And I’ve been keeping it a little private because it is a bigger story and a bigger conversation. Because I’m dating a girl.” She continued, explaining to the speechless (and rather stiff) hosts that her queerness “was always a whisper in me that just got louder and louder” and she “had to navigate through the shame” she’d internalized before coming out. “I don’t want to live and not be living my full truth,” she commented.

Following her announcement, Gabby shared a series of pictures to Instagram with her big news, featuring her girlfriend Robby. “Told you I’m a girls girl!!” she humorously captioned the post. She went on to share an adorable video of her running up to Robby and kissing her post-The View, and it’s safe to say we’re ecstatic for her.

Robby also shared her own pictures of Gabby to Instagram, tagging her in the comments.

Gabby was a finalist on Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor in 2022. She proceeded to co-star in her own season of The Bachelorette alongside Rachel Recchia, getting engaged to Erich Schwer last May after meeting him on her season. Gabby and Erich called off their engagement last November, and she seems to have started seeing Robby a few months later.

We should note that Gabby isn’t the first Bachelor Nation contestant to come out as queer, either. Becca Tilley, who was casted in Seasons 19 and 20 of The Bachelor has been dating pop singer Hayley Kiyoko for five years, sharing her sexuality with the world in 2022. Colton Underwood, another lead in the franchise, also came out as gay in 2021, not to the surprise of comedian and actor Billy Eichner (IYKYK).

Take pride in your identity, allyship, or general love for sweets with Coolhaus.

This pride season, the LGBTQIA+-founded ice cream company is launching a limited-edition 'Love Out Loud' ice cream sammie, and in celebration, is donating $25,000 towards GLAAD's mission of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Baggu x House Wine

Bag brand, Baggu, and canned wine creators, House Wine, released a collaborative Pride Pack for this year's pride season.

House Wine has proudly supported the Human Rights Campaign throughout their tenure as a business, and continue to do so with this pack built with a reusable bag, House Wine Rainbow Cans, and assorted stickers.

For every Pride Pack purchased, House Wine will donate $2 to HRC, further advocating for their mission of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The North Face is embracing finding connection in nature for the queer community, and their extensive pride collection features colorful shirts, shorts, hoodies, tanks, shoes, and more outdoorsy accessories.

"Each one of us is a reflection of the glittery, messy, beautiful diversity that is Mother Earth," their site reads. "This pride, we celebrate the transformational power of finding our runway in the outdoors together."

What's even better about their collection is it isn't relegated to June only. The North Face supports queer-serving organizations like Brave Trails and YouthSeen year-round.

Each sock and underwear purchase from Bombas' pride collection gives back to organizations supporting people facing homelessness, *especially* those part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to True Colors United, young queer people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers – and 40% of homeless youth belong to the community.

Bombas is reaching their fifth year in partnership with the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, which offers homeless, LGBTQIA+ young people a safe, accepting space – and this year's "Let Everyone Know" pride sock and underwear collection was designed in collaboration with the center to give back.

Beloved noodle chain, Noodles & Company, is bringing back the ultra-tasty Pride Crispy – a rainbow-laden, fan-favorite rice crispy treat that satisfies sweet cravings, but *also* gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the third year in a row, Noodles & Co. is pledging 100% of proceeds from Pride Crispy sales (up to $30K) to Out & Equal, who advocates exclusively for LGBTQIA+ workplace equality.

The Crispy will be available to pair with your favorite noodle bowl through the month of June!

Widely considered a boot for the community, Dr. Martens is bringing a pride-inspired design to you in collaboration with Japanese artist, illustrator, and zine creator, Fuyuki Kanai. The pride boot is adorned in illustrations that recall "inclusivity, community and queer relationships."

Though the retailer released this boot for the month of June, Dr. Martens maintains a year-round partnership with The Trevor Project, he world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. This year, they're pledging $200,000 to the org.

Adidas believes that sports can change lives, but love can make an even *greater* impact.

The company designed their 2023 pride collection in collaboration with South African designer, Rich Mnisi to further promote the message that love unites.

Inspired by a childhood poem of Mnisi's called "Let Love Be Your Legacy," the sportswear collection "embodies a shared ambition to encourage allyship and expression without bias, in all spaces across sport and culture."

The brand also tapped Adidas partners, Tom Daley, Jari Jones, and organization Athlete Ally to publish passionate love letters to sports as a whole, in effort to uplift all LGBTQIA+ members involved with sports.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Regardless of the sales they make this year, longstanding fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitchis committing $400,000 to The Trevor Project. Their most recent pride collectionsurrounds a "proud year-round" statement, which is a sentiment we can get behind.

The ready-to-wear pieces in the collection include everything from polo tees, matching sets, activewear, swimsuits, skirts, and more.

This season's pride collection from Converse celebrates "those who are proud to be living in the power and joy of being themselves." The footwear company teamed up with a handful of members from the queer community to design five different (super cute!) pride-infused sneaker designs available for purchase.

Converse is proud to have pledged close to $2.5M to local, national, and international organizations since their first Pride campaign in 2015. It Gets Better Project, The Ali Forney Center, BAGLY, and The Theater Offensive are all community partners working for the LGBTQIA+ community

According to NYX Cosmetics, 64% of LGBTQIA+ gamers have been harassed online at disproportionately higher rates than all other identity groups.

NYX's 2023 pride collection hones in on LGBTQIA+ people in the online gaming space – saying "game over" to the haters, and instead, embracing queer gamers of all identities for who they are. The company teamed up with 5 LGBTQIA+ gamers to amplify their stories in effort to "create awareness for safer spaces in gaming." Each player represents a makeup item for next-level looks!

Furthering their advocacy, NYX's pride campaign surrounds their year-round partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, aiming to amplify queer voices, train allies, and provide donations – over $500,000 has been given globally to support youth support and services.

Lovers of cozy comfort, Barefoot Dreams, has teamed up with (RED), whose mission is to fight global health emergencies and support equitable access to testing and treatment. We’re here for it! The retailer will give 15% of every purchase of the ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams + (RED) throw blanket ($180) to (RED)’s Global Fund, up to a $100,000 donation in order to help strengthen healthcare systems and support equitable access for everyone.

MiliMili makes comfortable, yet stylish wearables for you and your little ones. This year, their Modern Rainbow collection is standing up for pride. Made in collaboration with Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and with a custom print by artist Katie Kaapcke, 100% of the profits from collection sales (which covers everything art prints and crib sheets, to pillowcases and swaddles) go to PRONOUN, Justin and Jesse’s non-profit organization, in support of equality for all.

Mars Wright is a Trans artist and activist spreading Trans joy through art. Their pride collection features clothing, prints, and accessories that all advocate for everyone finding that joy, plus a portion of the proceeds from each purchase goes *directly* to the Black Trans community through the Unique Women’s Coalition. There, the UWC dedicates their work to being a collective voice centering around the narratives and needs of Black Trans culture.

Bluebella x girli

This month, Bluebella, a lingerie, underwear, and nightwear brand, launched their Pride campaign and collection in collaboration with queer British artist, girli. The collection features Bluebella’s top-selling sets – but reimagined in the colors of the rainbow. Each piece is designed to help everyone, no matter their gender expression, feel empowered while celebrating Pride.

10% of the profits from the collaborative collection’s sales will be donated to OutRight International, a human rights organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

“Future-focused companies understand the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to supporting human rights for LGBTQ people – one that benefits employees, consumers, and communities alike. That is why Outright International is partnering with Bluebella for a second consecutive year,” said Elise Colomer-Cheadle, Director of Development at Outright International. “By leveraging its platform and brand, Bluebella continues to elevate Outright’s work [of] advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. Through our collaboration, Bluebella extends the reach of Outright’s mission, giving a voice to the voiceless by amplifying the issues impacting LGBTQ people globally. At a time where anti-LGBTIQ movements are mobilizing, we remain deeply grateful to call Bluebella our ally and partner."

Danessa Myricks Beauty Bi-Pride Chrome Flake Eyeshadow

Danessa Myricks Beauty launched the Bi-Pride Infinite Chrome Flake eyeshadow in honor of the bisexual community. For every purchase of the pinky-purpley blue shiny shade made, Danessa Myricks Beauty will donate 10% of sales to the Audre Lorde Project. The Audre Lorde Project is an NYC-based, member-led community organizing center for queer and Trans people of color. ALP organizes with, for, and in community to build a more just and liberated world.

This Pride, American Eagle is bringing together a limited-edition Pride collection designed in collaboration with Olivia Ponton. You’ll find rainbow-adorned statement tees, denim shorts, a cap, and tote bag in this collection that gives back. In lieu of this exclusive drop, AE is continuing its charitable partnership with the It Gets Better Project. As the organization’s largest donor in history, AE continues its work by donating $100,000 this year, while also giving customers the opportunity to support the cause through donations during the month of June – online and in-stores.

"I hope that this collection reminds people that they are part of a community that loves and supports who they are," Ponton said.

Hair-care brandOUAI believes everyone is the best version of themselves when living life your OUAI – embracing the core of who you are, and staying true to yourself, despite outside expectations. In honor of Pride 2023, OUAI has pledged a $200,000 donation throughout the month of June to multiple LBGTQIA+ organizations. Each week of June, OUAI will spotlight these various orgs by donating to them directly, and encouraging customers to donate in their own way at checkout.

On June 1-8, OUAI will support The Trevor Project, whose mission is to end suicide among the queer community.

On June 9-15, they’ll spotlight the Ali Forney Center, which helps LGBTQIA+ individuals out of homelessness and promotes independence.

On June 16-22, OUAI will look toward the Los Angeles LGBT Center, working toward total equality.

Finally, during the last week of June, the company will spotlight Strands For Trans, a non-profit on a mission to create more Trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons.

With an increase in hate speech and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in the U.S., Linktree is proud to support queer creators and small businesses this Pride. To advocate for the community, the linking platform is leveraging their Tip Jar feature so anyone can virtually tip their favorite Drag performers.

Tipping is already so encouraged in the Drag community, and RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Peppermint knows this. Peppermint is partnering with Linktree this Pride to share their authentic experience as a Drag performer amid the fight for LGBTQIA+ representation and equality.

“As a trans woman and Drag performer, defending our rights from the recent legislative attacks on our community and maintaining the visibility and progress we’ve gained is at the top of that list,” Peppermint said. “Linktree’s work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging tipping to my fellow Drag performers is a tangible example of their impact. I’m so excited that it’s now easier than ever to support performers outside of live events. We have to work together to keep our essential art form alive and thriving.”

Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latin singles, continues to support the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride with an all-new virtual sticker collection that users on the platform can utilize in order to show their solidarity and acceptance of the queer community. The profile stickers include an Ally sticker, as well as Trans, Queer, and Non Binary ones.

This addition comes at a time where it’s important to break the stigma behind Latinx sexuality and dating. According to a survey by Chispa, over 60% of Latinx singles reported that they never talked about being LGBTQIA+ while growing up. With this year’s Pride initiative, the platform hopes to continue the conversation surrounding Latinx and queer discrimination.

In addition to the symbolic stickers on the app, Chispa is also contributing a monetary donation to the Latino Equality Alliance. There, the LEA advocates for equity, safety, and wellness of the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community.

YITTY – Lizzo’s inclusive shapewear brand – is continuing their commitment to theLos Angeles LGBT Center this Pride through their “Every Body’s Gay” campaign. This year’s initiative comes to light with the help of drag entertainers Blackberri, Strawberry Corncakes and Vidalia Anne Gentry, and influencers Chiara Rose, Logan Grayson, Davesha Sowell, and Kristany Jackson.

As they tell their stories to us about what Pride means to them, YITTY has dedicated itself to supporting both the Los Angeles LGBT Center through giving financial contributions *and* sponsoring Trans Pride LA! The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides more LGBTQIA+ services than any other organization in the world, which is why we’re excited to show you this comfy-cozy Pride collection. Shop super soft bra tops, short-shorts, and Pride pins to feel the love all year long.

Krewe

New Orleans-based opticals brand, Krewe, is connecting with CDFA this June to honor Pride month and support the TransLatin@Coalition through a limited-edition eyewear collection. Being from NOLA, Krewe drew inspiration for the collection knowing that New Orleanians are nothing if not prideful, colorful, loving, and vibrant – this sentiment is reflected in the two specs designs that give back to TransLatin@Coalition, who advocates for the needs of Trans, Gender non-conforming and Intersex individuals.

waterdrop x Conchita Wurst

Hydration brand, waterdrop, came together for Pride with Conchita Wurst, a LGBTQIA+ advocate and Austrian artist, for a colorful, celebratory collaboration that *also* gives back. 10% of net sales from the collaborative Pride collection will be donated to international LGBTQIA+ organizations Queer Base and Outright International, as waterdrop continues to stand against all forms of discrimination.

Beloved underwear and loungewear powerhouse, Parade, came out with a new limited-edition Pride collection in collaboration with Trans digital artist, Theodoor ggggrimes that’s full of Y2K-inspired pieces and prints. Each sustainable style furthers the brand’s commitment to Pride and aims to highlight the joy-filled freedom that queer people deserve.

“I started Parade to create an alternative to the one-note idea of sexiness that had defined the underwear industry for too long,” said Parade’s CEO, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Cami Téllez. “Theodoor’s work, centering queer and trans people of color in limitless self-expression, love and sexuality is exactly the kind of artistic work the world needs to see more of. We’re so excited to bring our love of color and visions of ultimate freedom to the world through this collection.”

Year-round, Parade gives customers the option to donate 1% of their purchase back to support important causes such as LGBTQIA+ law and policy. In 2023, Parade helped fund 200+ hours of response to legal help inquiries from across the country, including those from incarcerated community members via the Transgender Law Center.

Your fave colorful candy is moving past the rainbow for Pride this year. Skittles knows that amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices is more important (and challenged) now more than ever, thus their initiative in partnership with Audible was born.

Until the end of July, anyone with a pack of Skittles can listen to *free* collections of queer storytelling on Audible. With a quick QR code scan of the brand’s Pride Packs, fans can access categories like Queer Fiction, Real People, Real Voices, and Audible Theater Originals.

Aside from the listenables, keep an eye out for Skittles Pride Packs on shelves near you – for every pack sold, the candy company will donate $1 to GLAAD (up to a $100,000 amount) in support of their ongoing efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Made By Mary’s Pride Collection features a sleek rendition of the Pride flag in jewelry form: a ring and hoop earrings set in gold vermeil or sterling silver boast rainbow-studded inlays that stun with just about any summer look.

For the month of June, 10% of net proceeds from their Pride Collection will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Mavi Jeans "Love Without Rules" Tote Bag

In partnership with the largest non-profit organization in the country dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, sustainable fashion brand, Mavi Jeans, will be donating 100% of net proceeds from their adorable “Love Without Rules” tote bag to the Ali Forney Center. The brand is “deeply rooted in diversity, individuality, and inclusivity,” and this latest Pride initiative exemplifies that.

"The Ali Forney Center is grateful to again partner with Mavi Jeans and appreciate their commitment to supporting the homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and the programming and services we provide," said Paul Clark, Director of Corporate Engagement at AFC. "The funds raised from Mavi’s Pride tote bags will help us continue our mission of providing resources and support to LGBTQIA+ youth."

LIVELY’s curated Pride Capsule features cute undergarments in *all* the colors to help celebrate this year. Because it all starts at the first layer, the brand is highlighting their most loved bras, undies, and loungewear not only in the Pride collection, but also their latest Neon Mesh edit. 10% of proceeds from the comfy Neon Mesh collection will be donated to The Trevor Project throughout the month of June.

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

• Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
• Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

• Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
• Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
• Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.