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When you leave a relationship, you make an earnest effort to move on. But moving on may not be easy as you might still have feelings for your ex-partner, or they might be missing you. Either way, you would want to know if your ex has moved on or read the signs your ex wants you back. But can you ask them about it directly? Before you attempt anything, it is important to navigate your emotions and make informed decisions about your next steps. These indicators may suggest your ex wants to reconnect—interpret them carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
19+ Signs Your Ex Wants You Back
While they may not explicitly express it to you, certain behaviors can reveal their desire to reconnect with you. These acts suggest that your ex might want you back in their life.
1. Finds channels to communicate
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Your ex likes your photos on social media, endorses your skills on an employment website, or even recommends your name for a reputed online course. These can all come as a surprise, but such subtle moves can be among the first signs that your ex misses you and wants you back.
2. Shares nostalgic social media posts
They may upload romantic and nostalgic posts that subtly refer to your relationship and all the moments you spent together. If you look closely, you may even spot a reference to some special moment in your lives. It is quite a weighty indicator that your ex still follows you and wishes to have you back in their life.
3. Moves to your neighborhood
If you get the news that your ex has moved into your neighborhood or if he/she is courteous enough to tell you about it, then it is likely to be more than a real estate-related decision. Taking a place in your vicinity makes for an excellent opportunity to see you often.
4. Finds excuses to call you
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It rained more than usual; your ex decides to call you. There is a discount sale at your local mall; your ex intimates you promptly. There could be a list of excuses to call you. While calling you for strong and grave reasons makes sense, if you sense your ex calls you at the drop of a hat, then chances are they want you back.
Peter W, a blogger, shares how his ex-girlfriend started reaching out to him right after he moved on. He says, “After the breakup, I was doing very well. It all felt so easy without constant drama… Then, in the fall, I met a girl with whom I got along very well. We were on the same wavelength, and she was very pretty. We met again and again, and finally, she was my girlfriend. In the meantime, I had little contact with my ex-girlfriend. But once I had a new girlfriend, that changed suddenly. Apparently, I was seen by one of her friends with my new girlfriend. From then on, my ex kept contacting me, mostly with some stupid excuse. ‘I can’t find my shoes right now. I thought maybe they were still at your place;’ or something like that. But I quickly realized that it was actually about something completely different. Because the conversation always quickly turned to me and my new girlfriend (i).”
5. Talks about moments together
No matter where the conversation starts, your ex soon drifts towards your life together. He/she will speak of all your memories and moments of intimacy and how you both would have dealt with a situation. Your ex maintains softness in their voice and a deepness in their words while getting all nostalgic.
6. Shares about his/her current life
Your ex shares about their present, what they have been to, places they visited, career changes, and more. If your ex makes a point to update you on every change in their life, then it might be a sign they want you back.
7. Still has your presents
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He/she drinks coffee from the mug you gifted on your anniversary. They wear the cardigan you knit. You get to see the items you have gifted, in their pictures or whenever you bump into them. Your ex still holds on to the things you left behind or gifted. These are clear signs that your ex still has feelings for you.
8. Shows off changes
If the bone of contention in your past relationship was your ex’s bad habits, then be prepared to hear a lot of details about how he/she has dealt with it. Your ex may go to great lengths to share with you about changing themselves and how they turned over a new leaf.
9. Takes your advice
Your ex might have been so used to taking your advice that they continue doing it even after the breakup. They would ask and listen to your advice or suggestions on every matter that is important for them. Don’t be surprised if they seek your advice even for trivial things like whether they should watch that new web series.
10. Shows more maturity than before
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It is not just about taking advice but also showcasing that you can count on them. The ex who wants you back will likely display more maturity, responsibility, understanding, trustworthiness, and a caring attitude than you may have seen in the past.
11. Mentions future plans
If your ex discusses future plans, even casually, it may indicate they’re interested in rekindling the relationship and considering you as part of their life again. These plans could range from discussing future vacations to mentioning lifestyle changes that would impact you both.
12. Asks about your relationship status
No matter how hard you avoid talking about it, your ex will eventually pop the question about your current relationship status. He/she will be curious about whom you are dating (potentially displaying signs of jealousy), what that person does, and how you met your present love interest. It is a good way for your ex to gauge how far you have drifted away from them and how much ground they need to cover to win you back.
Point to consider13. Often shares about his/her single status
One of the significant signs that your ex wants you back is that they are single or not in a committed relationship. What makes it affirmative is their constant and explicit mention of their single status during your conversations and texts. Your ex wants to make it clear that there is no one more perfect for him/her than you and wants to reunite with you.
14. Shares the good news
Did he/she buy a new car? You are the first one to know. Did he/she get a promotion at work? Then you get the first text about it. If your ex shares all the positive occurrences in their life with you first, then it outright indicates that you never left their life.
15. Ready to share
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He/she would be eager to share things with you. Whether you need his/her car for an emergency trip, or you need a backup phone, they are ready to offer theirs. What’s theirs is yours. It is your ex’s way to express warmth and make you feel like a couple once again.
16. Tightens all loose ends
If there was some mistake for which he/she never sought an apology or a mistake that he/she never made right, then your ex may do so now. Your ex will resolve all your complaints or requests that you once made when you were a couple.
17. Asks for a date
If your ex ticks all the right boxes and you seem to be liking the status quo, then there is the likelihood that you will be receiving invitations for a coffee or dinner date. It takes a lot of confidence and courage to ask an ex out for a date again. Therefore, if your ex asks you out, then it means they have put a lot of effort into it. It is one of the surest signs that your ex will eventually come back.
18. Spends a lot of time with you
There does not seem to be a time limit to how much time your ex can spend with you. If you agree for a date once, then you are likely to meet him/her. It will always seem that your ex seeks your constant attention and wants limitless time with you even if they never admit they want you back in their life.
19. Compliments you
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When an ex regularly compliments you, it can mean they want you back. This behavior often indicates their continued admiration and attraction towards you. They may try to remind you of the good times you shared and rekindle a connection by highlighting your positive qualities.
20. Keeps bringing up your memories together
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“Does my ex miss me?” This can often linger in the minds of those who’ve experienced a breakup, reflecting the emotional ties that may still exist despite the separation. Constantly bringing up old memories can be a sign your ex wants to reconcile with you. It suggests they are still not moved from the relationship and keep your memories fondly. This behavior often indicates a desire to reconnect emotionally and an effort to reignite feelings of nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you know if your ex is taking you for granted?
If you feel a lack of zeal or effort from the other side or that you are not being treated in a way that makes you feel wanted, it may mean two things. Your ex may not be interested in rebuilding your relationship, or they may take you for granted.
2. How do I know if my ex has moved on?
Signs that may indicate your ex has moved on are:
- Dwindling communication
- They avoid visiting places where you might meet
- They encourage you to move on
- They are not actively reacting to your social media posts or have severed all virtual contacts
- They seem to be involved with someone else without being remorseful or regretful
3. What makes an ex come back?
Exes may come back for many reasons, such as unresolved emotions, feelings of loneliness, changes in their life circumstances, acknowledging their past mistakes, and recognizing the value of the relationship. Personal growth, improved communication skills, and a sincere desire to reconcile can also play a role in their decision to return.
4. What should I avoid doing if my ex wants me back?
If you think your ex wants you back, try to understand their motives better. Relying on guesses can lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Take the time to openly discuss your feelings and expectations and decide if reconnecting is genuinely the right choice.
5. Is it possible that my ex is just being friendly, or are they actually interested in getting back together?
Differentiating between sincere friendliness and potential interest in reigniting a romantic relationship with an ex can be challenging. It requires careful observation of their behavior, communication patterns, and consistency over time. Engaging in open and honest conversations may provide clarity in understanding their true motives.
6. How long should I wait before assuming that my ex wants me back?
There is no fixed timeframe to assume that your ex wants to reconcile with you. It varies based on the circumstances and the progress of both individuals. Patience and open communication can help you gain clarity on their intentions. Prioritizing your own healing and personal development is crucial before considering getting back together.
If you come across the signs that your ex wants you back in their life, you may consider giving them another chance. However, you need to be aware of their intentions as you may not want to get your heart broken again. Be sure about your feelings and determine whether you want them in your life. If they show these above signs and their efforts are honest, you might as well give them a chance. But if you have already moved on from your past relationship, let your ex know about it.
Infographic: What To Do If Your Ex Reaches Out To Patch Up
If you have noticed the above signs in your ex, they may not be over you yet and want to return. So what do you do when they finally reach out asking to patch up? Here are tips to help you stay prepared and think rationally without making a hasty decision. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Nostalgic social media posts, reacting to your pictures or posts on social media or finding excuses to call you may indicate that your ex wants you back in their life.
- Seeking your advice, telling about their current situation and changes can also signal their interest to reconnect with you.
- Sharing the good news, saying that they are single, and asking about your relationship status can also indicate that your ex wants to be with you.
Illustration: Clear Signs Your Ex Wants You Back In Their Life
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Is your ex showing renewed interest in your life? Discover if it’s a sign they want you back in this video!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My ex wanted me back once I got a new girlfriend;https://medium.com/@whitep/my-ex-wanted-me-back-once-i-got-a-new-girlfriend-3530deddf67f
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