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23 Subtle Signs Your Ex Still Loves You Even If They Act Like They Don’t Care

Sometimes when a relationship ends, we feel it wasn’t the best decision. So, are there signs your ex still loves you?

signs your ex still loves you

So you want to know the signs your ex still loves you?

There could be lots of reasons why you might want to know. It could be an ego boost, or you want to know because you want to give the relationship another chance. Knowing how your ex feels can help you approach the situation.

Talking about this with your ex isn’t going to be easy, but if you see them exhibiting these signs, then it’ll be easier for you to have this conversation.

Just remember, even if they show these signs, you may not get the answer you want. There’s always a chance they’re going to say no. It’s something you need to accept beforehand. [Read: How to protect your heart and get back together with an ex]

The subtle but clear signs your ex still loves you

Breakups suck. Whether you wanted to end the relationship or not, there’s always a small part of you that thinks about the “what if.”

In some relationships, couples break up even if they didn’t want to. Maybe their families got involved, or someone moved for work. These things happen and break a loving couple up even though they want to be together. So, what are the signs that your ex still loves you? [Read: 34 signs your ex wants you back and misses you but won’t admit it]

1. They keep photos of you on social media

When most people go through a breakup, they remove any images of their past relationship. They don’t want them around as a reminder.

But your ex hasn’t deleted anything. They still have photos of you up on their social media, and it doesn’t look like they’re taking them down any time soon. [Read: The psychology behind deleting photos of your ex on social media]

2. Your ex keeps in contact with you

Your ex isn’t afraid to give you a call and see how you’re doing. Usually, when someone is over the relationship, they avoid their ex completely, including texting them. But if your ex is still checking in with you, well, it is one of those clear signs your ex still loves you.

3. They try to patch things up

If your ex is telling you they miss you and want another chance, it doesn’t get clearer than that. They obviously still have feelings for you.

However, if they’re cheating on you or abusing you, these words are going to be used to win you back. They may not mean it. Look at the relationship and see if they’re genuine when they tell you this. [Read: Here’s why your ex still texts you and keeps in touch]

4. They’re still close with your friends and family

Your friends and family are still in contact with your ex. It may seem a little odd, but if they’re still keeping in contact with your family and friends, they’re trying to keep one foot in the door. They still have feelings for you and are hoping things will work out.

5. They rush into a new relationship

This may sound like a weird sign, but if you just broke up and they’re already seeing someone else, maybe they’re not over you.

This is an obvious rebound, and a clear sign they still love you. They just don’t want to handle the breakup process and think rebounding will help them get over you.

However, if they stay with that person for a while, it might mean they have genuinely moved on. [Read: Rebound relationship – 42 signs, rules and why people get into one]

6. Your ex becomes angry at you

When two people break up, there are a lot of emotions floating around. Though you may think anger is the opposite of love, it’s not.

The opposite of love is indifference. If your ex is still showing emotions such as anger, they probably still have feelings for you. They simply don’t know how to express how they feel.

7. Your ex’s friends want you to get back together

If your ex’s friends reach out to you to patch things up, it’s a clear sign that they are still in love with you. Why would they do that if they didn’t care about your ex, and want them to be happy with you?

8. You always bump into each other

It’s one thing if you both work in the same building, for example. But if you are bumping into each other in places you usually hang out in, the odds are they’re trying to get a chance to see you again. [Read: 19 things to keep in mind when you bump into your ex]

9. Your ex is still single after a long time

If your ex is still single after a long time, it could be because they are having a hard time getting over you. This is especially true if they date someone right after you break up, dump them and remain single. [Read: 16 signs you’re the rebound girl he’s using to get over his ex]

10. They block and unblock you from social media

One day, you’re their friend on Facebook or following each other on Instagram. The next day, you’ve been blocked. Though it may seem like confusing behavior in your eyes, your ex is struggling with the breakup. When they block you, they’re trying to avoid contacting you.

11. They drunk text you

Drunken minds speak sober thoughts. If they drunk text you, it’s probably because they still love you and think about you all the time.

12. They ask your friends about you

Well, if your friends are getting texts and calls from your ex, asking them about you, that’s one of the clear signs your ex still loves you and misses you.

It’s either that or they’re unable to move on and are becoming obsessive. Keep an eye on this sign, especially if they’re showing “stalkerish” behavior. [Read: How to break up with someone who loves you]

13. They flaunt their improvements to you

When you see your ex, do they talk a lot about how they have improved since you broke up? Maybe they got a new job, a new workout routine, or they might even brag about how well they are doing or whom they’re dating.

Not only is this behavior gross, it’s an obvious sign your ex still loves you. They are trying to show off because they love you and want you to see them as accomplished.

14. They don’t want to give you your things back

Maybe you left some things over at their place. Usually, after a breakup, you’d pick up your things, and that would be the end of it.

But your ex isn’t rushing to give you your things back. Once they give you your things, they know it’ll be the last time they see you. [Read: 23 revealing questions to know if you should even be talking to your ex]

15. When they see you, they reminisce about your love

When you two bump into each other or meet up for a coffee, your ex enjoys talking about the good times in your relationship. They probably miss you and are subtly trying to remind you of the good moments you shared, hoping you’ll give the relationship a second chance.

16. Your ex is very lovey with you

When you see them, your ex has their hands all over you. Whether it’s holding your hand, hugging you, or touching your face. Your ex is very touchy.

Well, they’re trying to stay close to you, and are either trying to get into your pants or want to be with you again. [Read: When someone touches you – The different body parts and what they mean]

17. They insult your new partner

You’ve moved on and started to date someone else, which is completely fine. Your ex has found out about your new relationship, and they’re anything but supportive.

Instead, they’re jealous and insult your new partner. Well, this just shows they’re not over you and want you to see your new partner isn’t anything in comparison to them.

18. They start dating someone similar to you

Usually, your ex dating someone else is a sign that they’ve moved on. But if the person they choose to date is basically your clone, it’s a sign your ex might still be in love with you.

19. They contact you during the no-contact period

You decided not to contact each other for thirty days. That way, you both have time to cool down and slowly move on.

But your ex is really struggling with the no-contact rule, and they’re breaking it every moment they get. [Read: How to help your ex move on from you for good and find peace]

20. They tell you they love you

Well, this is a clear sign your ex still loves you. If they’re telling you to your face they love you, it can’t get any clearer than that.

Though, this doesn’t mean you should get back together. Yes, they love you, but love doesn’t equate to a relationship.

What to do if your ex still loves you

So, your ex still loves you. What are you going to do? There are really only two options:

Option One: You want your ex back too

If you want your ex back, and they are still in love with you, then congrats! Now you two can work on patching up your relationship. Just be sure to work on the things that caused you to break up in the first place.

Option Two: You don’t want to get back together

If you don’t want to get back together, it is best to let your ex down firmly but gently. Remember, what goes around comes around, and no one likes a jerk. [Read: How to let someone down easy in person or over text – The full guide]

Tips for an ex who doesn’t love you anymore

You’ve read all of our signs, and your ex doesn’t fit any of them? They probably do not love you anymore. This may sting, especially if you still love them. Here are a few tips for moving on:

1. Give them space

You need to give your ex space, both for them and for yourself. This is especially true if you are still in love with your ex. You need to be unavailable to them to grow and heal.

2. Spend time with loved ones

Whether it be family or friends, spend some time with people who love you. This can help you see the support network around you, and fixate less on your ex.

3. Regain your inner peace

A breakup can leave you all over the place. You need to set time aside for self-care and reflection in order to regain your inner peace.

How to get your ex back

If you’re not sure about your ex’s feelings for you or if you want to get back with an ex, there might be hope. Read our article here on how to get your ex back and convince them it’s the right thing to do.

What is a no-contact rule, and should you use it for your ex?

If you still love your ex and there is zero chance of you two getting back together, consider a no-contact rule.

This technique may seem harsh, but it is the only way to deal with an ex that broke your heart. To learn more about a no-contact rule, read our feature about no-contact, what it is, and why it works for well to get over someone.

[Read: What are the signs your ex has moved on from your relationship?]

Some relationships are hard to move on from. If you’re wondering about the signs your ex still loves you, hopefully, you should now have your answer.

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Preeti Tewari Serai
Preeti Serai
Preeti, the founder of LovePanky, is an eternal optimist and believer in the beauty of love and life. With an exhaustive experience in love, relationships, and ...