How can breakups rip the heart out of you but can still leave you begging for your ex-lover's affection years after the split?

It always begins and ends with her/him even though you broke up during the time you two were together you developed strong feelings for each other. Many teens and adults still cry when they remember their ex. Remember that you are not alone on this.

Memories....memories are the reason I believe! :) No matter what happened, we will always be remembering the good old days we spent with them, and somewhere inside, we feel that though whatever happened, our love and affection was true and there was a time they meant everything for us. *NOSTALGIA*

Break-ups are scientifically proven to cause depression-like episodes following the event, with symptoms strengthening for longer relationships. Being desired in a relationship is always a positive attribute. Maybe it was certain positive moments within the relationship that makes you miss them? I speak from being in a past abusive relationship, that was over 5 years ago since the break-up. In my personal experience, I found that it was most definitely not the person that I had missed but it was the positive moments that I did. I think those moments are very normal to experience every now and again though - it definitely does leave you with the sense of "what if?". Does that make sense?

This happens because you still search for those memories you made, and that long lost love they got.

You can really be affected by a breakup with a lover. They are usually your closest friend with many intimate feelings. The separation can be upsetting for years as you try to fill that void. It's human nature to try and keep those feelings/relations in tact.

well , love is a powerfull emotion and can affect us very much . But once you broke up , you have to understand that he is - just not the one. If it was you would be together right now. You have to move on and understand that you two were just not meant to be :) you will meet someone that will be right for you

Well because at first it hurts and then you realize what your missing and want them back it is natural

If you have lost your heart to someone you'd obviously want it back or else you'd feel like you're half of what you came with carrying the same weight.

As that's the person you've learnt to grow onto and the person who had become apart of your daily life

It's because of nostalgia. Most of the times, when someone looks back at their old relationships, they recall all the good times. Thus, leaving the person with a feeling of wanting those good times back.