Is your ex reaching out?
One of the biggest signs that your ex still loves you is if they are actively reaching out to you. This could be through texts, phone calls, emails, social media messages or in person. If your ex is making the effort to connect, it likely means they are still thinking about you and the relationship. Some questions to ask:
- Is your ex initiating contact or are you always the one reaching out first?
- What is the tone and content of the messages? Are they quick and meaningless or deep and emotional?
- Does your ex ask to meet up in person or are they avoiding seeing you?
An ex who is still interested will not only reach out, but suggest meeting up. They may bring up meaningful topics like reminiscing on memories, checking in on how you are doing, sending well wishes or even saying “I miss you.” An ex who contacts you out of boredom or guilt is less likely to be motivated by love.
Do they get jealous when you move on?
Jealousy is not the most mature reaction, but it is a strong indicator your ex still has feelings for you. They likely still see you as “their territory” and the thought of you with someone else brings out jealousy. Some signs:
- Your ex feels the need to put down your new dating partners or make snarky comments.
- They bombard you with contacts or demands to meet up when they learn you are dating.
- They stalk your social media to monitor your relationship status.
- They ask probing questions about your love life and new romantic interests.
In a way, your ex is revealing they are not fully over you if they cannot handle you dating someone new. It hits a nerve because they still care on some level.
Your ex reminisces on your relationship
Exes who are over you tend to avoid bringing up the past, especially moments that were particularly romantic or meaningful to the relationship. On the other hand, an ex who talks fondly about your memories together likely still connects those moments to you.
Other positive signs include:
- They recall little details or quirks from the relationship.
- They listen with enthusiasm when you tell stories about your time together.
- They bring up possible trips, activities or experiences you could do in the future.
- They mention keepsakes, gifts or objects that remind them of you.
Viewing the relationship in an idyllic light demonstrates they associate positive emotions with you and the time you shared.
Their friends and family bring you up
After a breakup, exes tend to confide in their closest friends and relatives about the split. If those people are delivering messages your ex wants to get back together, it is likely coming from a place of truth. Some examples:
- His sister reaches out saying she knows her brother regrets how things ended.
- Her best friend invites you to parties with the hope you two will re-connect.
- Their parent tells you they miss having you around the family.
This support system likely wants their loved one to be happy again and can tell you are the missing piece. The ex may be embarrassed or shy about expressing their true desires and are using others to send signals.
Your paths keep crossing
Another sign from the universe your connection with your ex is unresolved is if you keep bumping into each other unexpectedly. Especially if these run-ins occur in unlikely locations or during unlikely times, it can be a cosmic nudge that you are destined to reconnect.
Ask yourself:
- Does your ex go out of their way to come up and talk to you when you randomly see each other?
- Do you run into each other in places that are unlikely given where you both live and spend time?
- Does it tend to happen at moments when you are both already thinking of each other?
These “meant to be” moments are often your subconscious minds drawing you together because the feelings are still there beneath the surface.
Their social media reflects lingering feelings
In today’s digital age, social media is a goldmine of clues into your ex’s inner emotions. Pay attention to their online activity for hints they miss you:
- They post old pictures and memories of time spent together.
- They bring up relationship topics or share love quotes.
- They watch all your Instagram stories or repeatedly like and comment on your photos.
- They drunkenly message you their feelings late at night.
Even if your ex will not say it outright, their social media breadcrumbs betray they are still reminded of you and the good times.
They get emotional when you talk
Even the most stoic and stone-faced exes have a tough time hiding their emotions when you interact in person. Pay attention to their body language, tone of voice and demeanor for clues to their inner thoughts. Signs they still care:
- Their voice cracks talking about the breakup.
- They cry or tear up when they see you.
- They nervously fidget, touch their face or play with their hair.
- They stare intensely into your eyes.
These innate physical reactions betray that seeing you strikes a deeply personal chord in their heart. The feelings bubble up and give them away.
They suggest trying again
Of course, the most straightforward sign your ex wants to rekindle your romance is if they actually verbalize it. Some roundabout ways they may broach giving it another shot:
- “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about us lately.”
- “I really want us to be in each other’s lives again.”
- “We were so good together, it’s hard for me to let that go.”
- “I’m willing to do whatever it takes for a second chance.”
Or they may directly ask if you would consider, a) going on a date, b) couples counseling, or c) trying a relationship again. Regardless of their approach, if your ex expresses wanting to revisit the relationship there is clearly still a spark.
They feel obligated to check in on you
Part of moving on from an ex is no longer feeling responsible for each other’s lives. When your ex feels the need to reach out randomly just to see how you are, they are revealing you are still top of mind.
Some signs of obligation:
- Texting on holidays like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, etc.
- Checking in out of the blue – “Just wanted to say hi.”
- Following up on something you previously told them – “Wanted to see how that job interview went.”
- Reacting worriedly if they heard about some crisis or accident in your life.
The fact you remain such a priority that they need these updates means they still care deeply.
They get defensive if criticized
Our exes can be sensitive topics, especially if breakups were bitter. If your ex gets extra defensive about any criticisms toward them, it betrays they want to preserve your opinions.
Signs of defensiveness:
- They adamantly defend even small flaws you bring up.
- They change details or rewrite history to appear in a better light.
- They downplay any negatives and urge you to focus on the positives.
- They remind you of their good qualities and past thoughtful gestures.
Essentially, your ex cares what you think of them. Preserving your perceptions requires some lingering feelings.
They offer random favors and support
Exes who have moved on typically do not go out of their way to do nice things for you on a regular basis. But an ex who gives frequent favors may be trying to subtly win you over. Notice if they:
- Help you move or fix things around the house.
- Give unwanted advice attempting to steer you in the right direction.
- Send gifts “just because” via mail or delivery.
- Show up at events to lend moral support.
These gestures often betray someone who hopes being helpful could lead to renewed closeness.
You can sense their lingering energy
Beyond all the tangible signs, one of the most telling clues an ex still loves you is an inner knowing. You can often pick up on the invisible energy between you through intuition. Ask yourself:
- Do you feel their lingering stares even from a distance?
- Have you dreamt about them confessing their feelings?
- Do you telepathically know when they are thinking about you?
- Can you sense unspoken tension or emotions in the room when together?
This emotional intuition should not be ignored. It means on an energetic level your spirits are still bonded and seeking resolution. Listen closely.
Conclusion
Knowing if your ex still loves you requires paying close attention to subtle signs, gut instincts and intuitions. Since exes are rarely transparent about disclosing feelings, you have to read between the lines. With patience and an open heart, the truth will reveal itself in due time. Ultimately, give your ex the space to realize on their own whether rekindling your past romance is truly meant to be.