Getting a text from an ex after the break-up stirs different emotions. If they broke up with you or if you still have feelings for your ex; it will feel nice to know that they still think of you and maybe miss you. But if you want to forget everything and move on; a text from an ex feels like a setback, and can even be annoying.
The question is why would an ex keep contacting you and texting you several months, even years after the break-up? In my experience there are 20 common reasons why exes keep contacting you and texting you after the break-up.
1) They still have feelings for you
They still have feelings for you and are reaching out to see if you still love them and still care for them; or are interested in getting back together.
2) Guilt
They may be feeling guilty for breaking up with you and worried that you to hate them for it.
3) They want to be friends
They may be trying to be your “friend”; and reaching out to see if you are interested in keeping in touch as friends.
4) Old habit
They may be texting you out of habit. If you have done something routinely for a while, it can sometimes be hard to break that habit.
5) Missing you
They may be contacting you because they miss you; and don’t care if contacting you makes them come across as needy or wanting you. They just miss you.
6) Loneliness
They may be lonely especially if they are not in a relationship or are going out and seeing people but no one is interesting enough to want to pursue a relationship with.
7) They’re drunk
Many exes for some reason text an ex when they are drunk or stoned; and sometimes can not even remember they did it the next day.
8) Booty call
They may be texting you after a break-up for a booty call; especially if the sex was good but the relationship ended for some other reasons.
9) Accidental call
Believe it or not this can happen. Not all exes erase your number after the break-up; and they may be trying to call someone and accidentally called your number or they simply butt-called you.
10) They heard/saw you met someone new
They are reaching out because they feel jealous or are hurting that you are with someone new. Exes will do this whether they are still single or are in a relationship themselves.
11) They’re too shy to tell you they want you back
Some exes text you out of the blue or keep reaching out every now and then thinking that they are giving you the opportunity to try to get them back. They will throw hints that they’re single or somewhat dating but not really. (Translation: I’m still available but it may not be for long).
12) They care about you
If you had a good relationship and cared very much for each other, they may be reaching out just to check on how you are and not necessarily trying to get back together. If you truly cared about someone it is hard to stop caring about their well-being even after the break-up.
13) For closure
Some exes reach out because they still have unanswered questions and unresolved issues from the relationship and break-up and keep texting you for answers and to get closure. Other think reaching out one more time just to see how they feel about you will help them let go and get the closure they need.
14) Anger and resentment
You have heard the saying “hurting people hurt people”. Some exes text you because they are still hurting and say and do things that they think will hurt you just as much as they are hurting. They may be even be texting you because they hate you for the break-up, hate you for moving on or hate you because they still love you.
15) Unfinished business
They may reach out want to return something of yours that they have or ask you to return something of their that you have. They may also reach out for some practical matter if for example you shared bills, a home, a business and need to discuss how to wrap things up. Sometimes its just about the unfinished business, but sometimes exes use this as a way to start conversations and pen up the lines of communication.
16) Emotional support
They may be contacting you because they are going through some things and have no one else to turn to for emotional support.
17) Pressure from friends and family
They may be texting you because a friend or family member has been asking about you, told them something about you, or directly asked them to contact you. Friends and family do this if they think your ex made a mistake breaking up with you or if they don’t like the new man or woman and want the two of you to get back together.
18) Good news
Sometimes exes text you out of the blue to wish you a happy birth day, congratulate you on an achievement, or share with you some good news of their own. This can be out of habit but it may also be genuine happiness for you or genuine desire to share some good news with you.
19) Bad news
Your ex may contact you to inform you of a death or something that happened to someone you both know. Thy may think you have not heard about it or maybe reaching out to connect with you because they know you’re the only person who will feel the same way they feel, understand their grief and be able to empathize,
20) Fear of losing you for ever
Some exes even know you will not get back together but the thought of losing you forever; and not having you in their life makes them reach out. They know nothing will come out of it but they just have to do it.
Some of the reasons have to do with your ex’s attachment style. For example, a fearful avoidant may reach out because they think they are losing you forever but may also be too afraid to get back together because they think they that even if you get back together, you may end up leaving them.
RELATED:
How To Respond To An Ex Trying To Get Your Attention
How A Fearful Avoidant Ex Comes Back – A Detailed Analysis
Yangki, I see that you are against ‘no contact’ , my question to you is, what alternative do you offer? It’s not enough to be against something but offer no alternative.
This site is THE alternative to ‘no contact’ sites out there. I also have an eBook that offers an alternative to ‘no contact’, and I offer coaching for those looking for an alternative to ‘no contact’. Gosh! I am THE alternative to no-contact coach!
If you are indeed looking for an alternative to ‘no contact’, it’d help you to spend a little bit more time reading as many articles as you can.
I broke up with my ex and he went NC for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks I contacted him, we talked and got back together but he broke up with me. I’ve been NC for 2 weeks but he has been texting me every other day asking me how I am doing or for random things. I haven’t responded because I don’t want to break the NC rule. Should I tell him to stop contacting me?
At some point the stupid game playing on both sides has to stop if either of you wants ot have a relationship. If he is trying to contact you, contact him back. That’s how it should be…
Yangki, what about if your ex calls you knowing you would call him back. Then when you call him back he completely ignores you. You text him a couple of times asking if hes okay and he texts back, “I thought I had a blocked missed call from you. Sorry I phoned. Cheers!”
First time he did it, I’d give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s possible he genuinely thought he had a missed blocked call. It’s also possible that he has a good explanation for not calling or texting back.
Remember, he’s your ex, he doesn’t have to call you back or respond to your texts immediately, or even ever.
If he did it again or did something similar, I’d know he’s playing mind games and completely ignore him.
I had a 6 months relationship with a guy I met online and everything was perfect. Then one day he said he just didn’t feel the spark any more. I didn’t beg or anything because he made it very clear that he didn’t love me anymore. After 4 months of being apart I started to date someone new. Shortly after he sent me a very long email basically saying he’s had lots of time to think and figure things out and that he wants to give us another try. I told him I was touched but didn’t think there is any future for us. A couple of days ago he sent me a text to let me know that he is also seeing someone and wanted me to find out from him instead of someone else. I have no idea where his head is at.
You shouldn’t worry about where his head is at, his actions speak volumes. Focus on your new relationship.