Everyone on here is saying the whole point of NC is to heal and live for yourself, etc. I believe that is true and it helps healing, but if you were the one dumped, I think NC is also the only way to see if this relationship is real. Your ex is never going to know how life is without you (what he/she thinks he/she wants) unless you cut him off. I don't think it's all about false hope but it's pretty much the ONLY thing you can do if you want them back.