My ex of 5 years reached out last week with ‘I saw a Christmas ornament that reminded me of our first date.’ We ended because he said he never wanted marriage or kids… and now he’s hinting he’s changed. Do people actually change, or is this just holiday loneliness talking?

Sweetheart, five years is a long time to suddenly grow a new personality because the tree lights look pretty. People can change, but real change shows up in March when life is gray, not just when the world smells like gingerbread. One message isn’t a transformation—it’s nostalgia wearing a Santa hat. Reply if you want, but keep your expectations parked in reality, not in a Hallmark movie.