Breakups are tough. When a relationship ends, it becomes a struggle to tackle a whirlwind of emotions — sadness, confusion, and, at times, a glimmer of hope that your former partner would still think about you. If you’re looking for signs your ex misses you, you’re not alone. This is a question that half the world is asking after a breakup. Being aware of those signs can be clarifying as to whether you want to try to reconnect or move on by finding closure.

Here, we cover the most common signs your ex misses you, according to behaviors and patterns demonstrated by people who still harbor feelings for their former flames. We’ll consider what these signs mean and how you can respond, helping you to make decisions that put your well-being first.

Table of Contents

Initial Points to Consider

Regular Reach: Ex is in contact for no reason – They miss you.
Social Media Engagement: Liking and viewing your posts may be a sign they’re monitoring you.
Emotional Cues: Nostalgia or solo raids can display how the feelings have not changed.
Context Matters: Missing you doesn’t always mean they want to reconcile.
Focus On You: Put yourself first and focus on your healing and growth, independent of them.

Why We Care: Why Our Ex Misses Us?

After a breakup, it’s natural to wonder whether your ex secretly wants you back. This inquisitiveness typically arises due to the need for validation or the wish for reconciliation. According to Psychology Today, missing an ex is associated with brain patterns that resemble feelings of withdrawal and longing for the substance we’re addicted to. Knowing whether or not your ex misses you can help you understand your feelings and determine your next steps.

Common Signs to Look For

The following signs are based on information from experts and post-breakup experiences. No one sign can be a clear indicator that your ex is missing you. However, a combination of them suggests they are still emotionally connected.

What Should You Do Next?

The presence of these signs can be comforting, but can also be confusing. Missing someone is not always a sign that they want you back. Consider your motive — is this about reconciliation, or is it time to move on? Practicing no contact, taking care of yourself, and getting support can help you get through it.

Importance of Understanding the Signs Your Ex Misses You

Breakups are universally one of the most challenging times in life. When a relationship comes to an end, it’s normal to feel a flood of emotions — sadness, confusion, anger, along with the inevitable urge to know whether or not your ex has completely shattered your heart (or at least wants to get back in your pants). If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What are the signs your ex misses you?” you’re not alone. It’s a common question that many people wonder after a breakup. Reading these signs can help you find closure and figure out what to do next, like biding your time or ending the romance.

Understanding the Signs That They Miss You

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal 16 telltale signs that your ex misses you. These symptoms are based on the usual attitudes and behaviors of people still emotionally attached to their ex. We’ll also talk about what those signs mean, why they happen, and how you can respond in a manner that considers your emotional well-being. Whether you are holding out hope for reconciliation or are dealing with the situation as it stands, this guide will help you learn how to love a broken man.

Why Do We Wonder If Our Ex Misses Us?

Feeling curious about how your ex is doing post-breakup? This is a common reaction, often driven by the need for validation, closure, or a gut feeling that the relationship is not over. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this; it doesn’t make you weak. So why do we miss an ex at all? “Missing is a natural part of the grieving process,” explains Psychology Today, “which we will likely feel every time we experience a loss. These chemicals, including dopamine, can leave you feeling like you’re on a withdrawal, hence why you might fixate on whether your ex is feeling the same. Understanding these emotions is a key part of the healing process, empowering you to navigate your feelings and move forward.

Additionally, knowing if your ex misses you might allow you to analyze what you should be doing and how you should move on your timeline of when and how to react. For instance, if they call or text a lot, that might suggest lingering feelings, but it also might mean they’re having a hard time letting go while not wanting to get back together. When you know what to look for, you can see where they are emotionally and decide where to go instead of being thrown and whipped around by their irrationality.

Signs Your Ex Misses You

Let’s look at the most common signs that your ex might miss you. Each sign is explained with examples, psychological insights, and what it might mean for your situation. These common signs are extracted from expert sources and real-world observations, and they will ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding.

Signs	Descriptions	Why It Happens?	Examples
They Contact You Out of the Blue	Your ex reaches out via text, call, or message without a clear reason.	They’re thinking about you and miss your presence, often testing the waters.	A random “Hey, how’s it going?” text after weeks of silence.
They Engage with Your Social Media	They like, comment, or view your posts/stories frequently.	Social media is a low-risk way to stay connected and monitor your life.	They’re the first to view your Instagram story every time you post.
They Keep Your Photos on Their Profile	Photos of you remain on their social media, especially prominently.	They’re not ready to erase memories and may cherish the past.	Your couple photo is still their profile picture months later.
You Bump Into Each Other “Accidentally”	You run into them at places you frequent more often than seems random.	They may be seeking opportunities to see you, missing your company.	They show up at your favorite café “by chance.”
They Stay in Touch with Your Friends/Family	They ask about you through mutual connections or maintain contact.	They want to stay linked to your life indirectly, hoping for updates.	They call your best friend to “catch up” but ask about you.
They Respond Quickly to Your Messages	They reply to your texts or calls almost immediately.	They’re eager to reconnect and value your communication.	You text, and they respond within minutes, even late at night.
They Reminisce About the Good Times	They bring up fond memories from your relationship.	They miss the happiness and connection you shared.	They mention “that time we went hiking” to mutual friends.
They Make Changes You Suggested	They improve habits you once criticized.	They want to show they’ve listened, possibly to win you back.	You complained about their messiness, and now they’re organized.
Late-Night Drunk Texts or Calls	They reach out when intoxicated, often late at night.	Alcohol lowers inhibitions, revealing true feelings of missing you.	A 2 a.m. text saying, “I miss you.”
They Want to Be Friends with Benefits	They suggest a casual, physical relationship without commitment.	They miss your closeness but may not want a full relationship.	They propose “hanging out” without labeling it.
They Try to Make You Jealous	They post about new partners or exciting lives to get your attention.	They want you to notice them and possibly miss them too.	They share photos with a new date on social media.

They Reach Out to You for No Reason

When your ex gets in touch for no particular reason, it’s one of the most apparent signs your ex misses you. That might be a casual text, a phone call, or a message on social media. If they’re reaching out after a long silence, take it as a sign that they’re also thinking about you and missing you on some level.

For example, they may text, ”I just thought of something that I think you’d like.” This is often a way of testing whether you’re receptive to conversation. Regular, non-essential contact is a sure sign that someone is thinking of you, as it shows that they don’t want to disengage, even for the no-contact rule that some people keep after a breakup.

They’re Active on Your Social Profiles

If suddenly your ex is liking comments, viewing stories, and even commenting on your posts, then they’re keeping tabs on you. Social media is a passive form of contact touted by the internet, a space for people to lurk without getting back to their ex.

Pay attention to patterns. Suppose these individuals are consistently the first to watch your Instagram or Snapchat stories. In that case, they’re excited to see what you’re doing. Ex Back Permanently says that if you suddenly get your story viewed or liked after months of radio silence, it’s a good sign the person misses you.

They Use Your Photos on Their Profile

Suppose your former flame hasn’t deleted images of you from their social media, especially if said images are still front and center. In that case, they might not be ready to let you go. By leaving these photos up, they continue to cherish the memories and long for you in their lifetime.

Your Ex Uses Your Picture On Their Social Profile

Pick one of them as the portrait on whatever platform you use most often, and they might not be over you.” For another, if your couple’s photo is still their profile picture seven months after the split, it’s a subtle attachment. wikiHow notes this as a sign that they miss being with you, as one of their steps in moving on is deleting photos.

You ”Accidentally” Meet Each Other

Bumping into your ex one too many times to be entirely coincidental might not be a coincidence. They could be hanging out in places they think you’ll be, hoping for a lucky run-in. And it tells us they miss your body and are hoping to catch a glimpse of you, if only for a second.

For example, they’re likely doing it on purpose if they just so happen to be near your go-to coffee shop or a mutual friend’s event. Max Jancar writes that some of these “accidental” encounters are set up by an ex who misses you.

They Keep Up With Your Friends and Family

If your ex calls your friends or family, inquires about you, or keeps in touch, they want you back. Maybe they’re trying to remain tethered to your life from a distance, hoping to get news of you and keep a connection. For instance, they might call your brother to “catch up” but inquire about how you are. According to Ex Back Permanently, they have feelings for you. Still, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want to get back together.

They are too Quick to Reply to Your Messages.

You got in touch, and did they respond fairly quickly? Fast replies to texts or calls show they’re eager for your presence and miss the communication you once shared.

For example, if you send them a relaxed text and they respond almost immediately, even when they are having a busy day, it demonstrates that they value you. As an excited and emotionally involved person would, wikiHow says that quick reactions show you’re excited.

They Reminisce About the Good Times

If your ex often reminisces about what you guys used to do while you were in a relationship—whether with your ex right to your face or to mutual friends—it means he or she misses those moments and hopes to return to them.

They might reminisce, saying, “You know, when we went to that festival,” or send old photos to friends. Max Jancar posits that nostalgia-inspired longing is a powerful impetus for reminiscence.

They Make Changes You Previously Suggested

Did you ever bitch to your ex about some of his habits while you were together? At the stroke of midnight, they work on getting better in those areas after a breakup; it’s because they want to prove they’ve listened to what you want and are taking steps to become the person you wanted to be in a relationship with or to get you back.

Changing in Themselves Can be a Good Sign That Your Ex Still Misses You — Changes in Themselves Can Be a Good Sign That Your Ex Still Misses You

For instance, if you used to bemoan their lack of punctuality, and now they’re on time everywhere, it probably is for your sake. wikiHow describes this as a symptom of the bargaining stage, in which they try to correct their mistakes.

Late-Night Drunk Texts or Calls

Alcohol, I don’t care what they say; being in the morning or the evening lowers inhibitions, so you show your real feelings. If your ex is sending drunk texts or calls in the middle of the night, they probably miss you, and their inhibitions are lowered. Trust me, this is one of the most authentic signs your ex misses you.

A 2 a.m. text that reads, “I miss you,” is a classic case. According to wikiHow, drunk texts are more honest because when one is intoxicated, they lose the ability to mask their feelings.

They Want to Be FWB

Suppose your ex offers a casual, purely physical relationship with no commitments. In that case, they want to keep you around but don’t want the responsibilities that come with a full-blown relationship.

They could say, “You know, we can still hang out now and then.” (According to Max Jancar, this is often a sign that they miss your proximity, not necessarily that they want the two of you to patch things up completely, so tread carefully.)

They Try to Make You Jealous

Exes sometimes post about a new partner, great travels, or a “perfect” life to get your attention. It’s a way to get you to miss them, implying that they miss you, too. For instance, they may post photos with a new date or brag about a wild night out. Your ex pretending not to care, wikiHow observes, is another trick that gains your attention.

How Long Does It Take For Your Ex To Start Missing You?

How Long Does It Take For An Ex To Miss You (With 7 Other Possible Factors)? The amount of time before someone wishes they had you back is a reasonable estimate of how long it will take them to miss you after you are gone. This time range is here for a reason. Different scenarios affect different people at different rates and with varying time schedules. On average:

1-2 weeks: Some hangover follows, often texting or social media responding (Max Jancar).
1-3 months: People stop missing their ex-partner after a few months of no contact, but this can change. The human heart is resilient and capable of healing (ExBackPermanently).
2-6 months: Average time spent considering a reconciliation, according to a 2024 survey (Max Jancar).
After 6 months: The likelihood of reconciling drops dramatically (Ex Back Permanently).

Factors such as a bitter breakup or new relationships may slow or change this timeline. It’s important to remember that each relationship is unique, and these factors can significantly impact. For example, men may have a longer delay resulting from initial denial, and anxious attachment styles could give rise to more immediate longing.

When You Spot The Signs Your Ex Misses You, What Should You Do?

The fact that your ex is missing you might be stressing you, but the thought of it is hitting you with hundreds of emotions. And it has to be approached with clarity and self-awareness. Here’s a list of things you might want to consider:

Reflect on Your Feelings

Ask yourself what you want before you act. Do you miss them, too? Are you willing to keep trying to the end, or do you feel it’s time to cut your losses? Journaling or speaking to a confidant might help you sort through your feelings.

Practice No Contact

Consider the no-contact rule if you’re in doubt or need time to heal. This means no communication (except for shared responsibilities) for at least 30 days. Remember, this can create the space you need to move on while potentially making your ex miss you. It’s a step towards a brighter future.

Focus on Self-Improvement

It’s time to work on yourself. Take up hobbies, workouts, businesses, and new ventures. This not only skyrockets your confidence but also makes you more attractive if he thinks of getting back together. According to Psychology Today, self-care is the foundation of healing after a breakup.

Communicate Openly

If you choose to be back with him, just let them know how you feel and what your intentions are. For instance, if they text, you could say, “I am getting a lot of texts from you. What’s on your mind?” Open communication avoids misinterpretations and leads to open discussions.

Seek Professional Support

If you’re finding it hard to process your emotions, remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. A therapist can assist you in sorting out complicated feelings and determining the following steps to support your goals. Recovery: Psychology Today suggests seeing a therapist to heal from a breakup.

Signs Your Ex Might Not Miss You

While it’s helpful to know the signs they miss you, it’s equally important to recognize when they don’t. According to Max Jancar, signs your ex isn’t missing you include:

No contact during the no-contact period.
Telling you to move on, directly or indirectly.
Giving you the cold shoulder or seeming uninterested.
No engagement with your social media.
Returning your belongings or gifts.

If you notice these signs, it might be time to focus on your healing and let go of hope for reconciliation.

Conclusion

Identifying the signs your ex is missing you can provide valuable insight into what your ex may be feeling and how you can best handle it when taking action. From random texts to social media stalking, these are the signs your ex is still thinking about you. It’s important to remember that it’s normal to miss someone, especially post-breakup. But it is crucial to remember that missing someone is not always a sign that they are pining for a reunion. Then, take this information and decide whether to try to get back with him or find closure and move on. Take care of No. 1 first, taking the steps to heal and grow to make your life fulfilling, no matter how your ex feels.

FAQs

How long does it take for an ex to miss you?

It varies, but most of the time it seems to hit the conscience of the dumper sooner rather than later, generally within 1-3 months of no contact. Symptoms begin around 1-2 weeks after no contact (Max Jancar).

Does my ex miss me if they’re dating someone new?

Possibly. A rebound relationship can be seen as a band-aid to medicate the symptoms of a breakup, and genuine confidence in the new relationship may mean they are over you (Ex Back Permanently).

What should I do if my ex misses me but doesn’t want to get back together?

The boundaries are theirs to follow and make sure you are taking care of yourself. Focus on self-care, and look to the future (Psychology Today).

Can I make my ex miss me more?

Yes, by leading a life of personal development and personal impact. The path around manipulation and toward genuine self-development (Max Jancar).

Is it normal to miss my ex even if I ended the relationship?

Psychotherapist and author of It’s Not You, It’s the Dishes Paula Hall agrees, saying “Missing someone is entirely predictable for those grieving any kind of loss, whether they chose to initiate the split or not” (Psychology Today).

How can I tell if my ex is just being friendly or misses me?

Seek out repeated, deliberate actions, such as keeping the lines of communication open or dwelling on a shared past. More common friendly gestures are generally less often and less emotionally (wikiHow).

What if my ex shows some signs but not others?

People feel things in different ways. If she comes up short, see if you can have an open conversation about what she intends to have happen ( Ex Back Permanently).

Should I reach out if I think my ex misses me?

It depends on your goals. If you’re to reconnect, make a clear overture. On the other hand, if you’re healing, have no (Max Jancar) contact.

Can therapy help with a breakup?

Absolutely. Therapy can provide a place to process emotions and to move toward healthy decisions (Psychology Today).

Is it possible to be friends with an ex?

Yes, but with strong boundaries and respect. Friendship can be complicated by unresolved emotions (wikiHow).

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Leslie May

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I am Leslie B. May. I am a relationship expert with several years of experience. I run this blog to support people with different types of relationship problems and issues. In addition, I help people to get rid of psychological problems with simple but descriptive guides. Moreover, I love to write about tips and suggestions about relationships and help people decide wisely.