My first love keep reappearing in my dreams

I am perplexed, I lost my virginity to the one and only boy I ever loved. We dated seriously for nearly 5 yrs and had to end things because we had differing personalities along with him being more conservative and not willing to be open minded. It was truly sad because we were still in love when we broke up but love is not what could keep us together unfortunately. Since, I had dated around found myself again and actually felt free. As time goes by he seems to creep back into my dreams and I wake up feeling confused, saddened and wonder if things could have worked out despite all odds against us. I don't know how to heal my soul after a first love and was curious if anyone had any similar experiences and how they were able to reconcile their heart and learn to love again…