No-one can tell you just how long it's going to take for you to succeed in getting your ex back, but what I can say, quite confidently, is that whoever long it takes, it's the perfect thing to do to heal inside after the trauma of a break up, for you and your ex.
Just remember, the kind of stress you're going through right now is no different to the stress of say, the office.
If you come home after a really stressful day at work, don't you feel the need to be on your own for a while? Even if you are surrounded with people you normally like being with, you need time to get over the stress that you're feeling.
Now, this is just what you and your ex need right now, to get over the stress you're feeling after the break up.
Just as you don't want to talk to anyone after a stressful day at the office, this is what should happen now, as well.
Leave each other alone to get over the stress on your own, and without interruption.
It's very necessary to be on your own at a time like this, to think things over, and figure out just what you want to do.
It's impossible to do this if there is someone hanging around crying and arguing with you - you won't be getting your ex back this way, at all.
Another thing, by staying away from your ex for a while, with no contact at all, you are letting your ex know that you are quite capable of getting on with your life on your own.
It is not a good idea to let your ex think that you are totally dependent on him/her in order to function properly.
Also, you are actually showing each other a lot of respect by allowing one another the time to get over the pain and heartache you're both feeling right now.
Time is really a great healer.
Take all the time you need to get over the break up and sooner or later, you'll be getting your ex back into your life again.