You can check to see if you’ve been blocked by calling or texting your ex. When someone blocks a number, neither type of communication can get through to their phone. Try sending a simple, polite text first. It’ll say “Delivered” or “Read” below the message if you’re not blocked. If you are, there will just be a blank space below the text.
If your ex isn’t doing well with the breakup, a friend might say they’re just “okay,” or “doing fine” rather than saying they’re doing great. On social media, any gloomy posts about your ex feeling lonely could be a subtle signal that they’re not over you.
Your ex might even send you DMs on social media. A private message is a sure sign that you’re on their mind, even if it’s just a funny video they thought you might like.
Your ex might also leave up old photos and videos of you on their social media. Purging a social media account of an ex is like getting rid of old stuff, so if your ex is keeping those photos, they’re still thinking of you.
If you have mutual friends, it might be hard to tell whether your ex is hanging out with them just for fun or because of you. Check with friends that only know your ex through you, if possible. If your ex’s friends and family (particularly their parents) still occasionally reach out to you for a friendly check-in, that’s also a positive sign that your ex isn’t over you.
An ex who wants you back is likelier to open up to you. Do they confide in you or ask your advice? That could mean you’re not just a friend in their eyes—you’re someone they really care about! If they miss you, your ex will respond promptly (and enthusiastically) when you reach out to them. Test the waters after they contact you; send a quick “How are you?” text and see how quickly they respond.
For example, your ex might text you out of the blue with a photo of you two and write, “This just popped up in my Facebook memories! Wasn’t it such a fun day? 😊” Your ex might even come right out and tell you that they miss you (and the relationship) plainly. If they do, it’s a surefire sign they want to mend the relationship.
For example, if your ex starts appearing at the coffee shop you visit on your lunch break most days, they might be doing it because they remember your schedule and are going out of their way to see you.
Working up to spending time together post-breakup can take time, and that’s a good thing! If your ex didn’t talk to you immediately after the breakup and has gradually gotten closer, it means they’ve taken time to process the breakup and honestly want to repair the relationship.
For example, your ex might say, “I can really tell how much you’ve changed since we dated. " They might point out something new to compliment you. “That haircut looks amazing! I’ve never seen it like that before, but I love it,” or, “Wow, you’ve gotten promoted since I last saw you? You’re so talented. "
A genuine apology is more than saying “I’m sorry. " Your ex should recognize what happened, why it was hurtful, how it made you feel, and how they plan to fix the problem.
If your ex repeatedly second-guesses the breakup and lets you know they have regrets, that’s a strong signal that they want you back too. However, you might consider whether such a turbulent relationship is what you really want. If your ex is open to addressing past issues and going steady, go for it! If not, it might be time to find a healthier relationship.
Rebound relationships tend to be short because the person rebounding is usually more focused on their ex and feeling good in the wake of the breakup than the person they’re dating.
If you got too emotional at the time of the breakup, you could even tell your ex so. “I was upset, but after some reflection, I’d like to discuss the issue with you, if possible. "
For example, you might have broken up because of long distance or clashing work schedules. One of you might have been stressed or depressed and needed time to work on yourself. Amicable breakups don’t mean you don’t love each other; just that the circumstances weren’t right. Therefore, if you get a chance to be together again, you might find your ex comes back to you eagerly. But to be honest moving on is the best thing to do.
