Woh...that's a record. 4.5 years?!?!?!?
My first relationship lasted around a year, broke up just before the one-year anniversary. Now, why did it end...that's a good question.
It ended because I got too insecure and jealous, I had made the first move, so it seemed like an achievement to me and it was precious, you know, I held on really tightly. After the initial sweet honeymoon period of 3 months, I'd jump and analyse every little thing he said and did. I'd even got suspicious of his feelings when he didn't say "I love you" first. Furthermore, I'd brought my hot, blonde best-friend at the time into the scene. I'd go on the phone with him and get angry at him for being too friendly with her.
He also felt bad about the fact that it was going too fast physically - we were approaching 3rd base in less than 10 months. Yet, it was the lack of communication and trust which stabbed the relationship to death, in the end it was all physical, it was addictive.
Do I regret any of it?! I don't regret the fact that the relationship happend, but I do regret not being logical enough. It could've continued beautifully, if only I hadn't squeezed the sand out of my closed fist.
Regarding that last question, my answer is no, the feelings will always be there. Still, it doesn't count for the fact that people change, so the love may just be frozen in time, holding onto what she was like at this point in time.