10 Signs You Haven’t Moved On From Your Ex – Explained

Hey there, lovebirds (or should I say, love-was-birds?). Wondering if you’ve truly flown the coop from your past relationship?

It’s like trying to untangle fairy lights: sometimes you think you’re free, but then BLAM! You’re stuck again.

Don’t fret, even the smoothest breakups can leave some emotional cobwebs. So, let’s check if you’re truly ready to strut your single self-down the runway of life, or if your ex is still secretly chilling in your emotional baggage claim.

Checking Their Social Media

Admit it; you’ve peeked at their profile more times than you’ve brushed your teeth this week. Newsflash: their vacation pictures and cryptic quotes won’t give you closure, they’ll just leave you craving emotional junk food. Put down the phone and resist the urge to be a social media sleuth.

Hearing Their Name Makes You Angry, Sad And Jealous

Casual mentions of your ex send you on an emotional rollercoaster. Anger? Check. Sadness? Double check. Jealousy? Oh, honey, you’re triple-dipping. It’s okay to feel, but intense reactions might mean you haven’t processed things fully. Take a deep breath and remember, you’re a magnificent being, not a yo-yo tied to their mood swings.

You Haven’t Made Peace with The Breakup

You replay the “why” over and over like a broken record. Look, dwelling on the “what-ifs” won’t change the past. While understanding is important, sometimes you just gotta accept things and move on, even if it feels messy. Remember, closure often comes from within, not from some grand explanation from your ex.

You Still Have Photos / Mementos From The Relationship

Photo albums overflowing with ex-filled adventures? Love letters gathering dust like emotional tumbleweeds? Holding onto these mementos might be holding you back. If you’re not ready to say goodbye, pack them away for later. But remember, sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward.

Remember, moving on is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or even a therapist. You’ve got this!

Moving on after a breakup can be tough, but you’re definitely not alone.

Comparing Your New Date to Your Ex

Imagine meeting someone awesome, but all you can think about is how they don’t like spicy food (unlike your ex who loved fiery salsa!). If you keep comparing new people to your ex, it might be time to take a break from dating and focus on yourself for a bit.

Holding Onto the “Maybe We’ll Get Back Together” Dream

While anything is possible, don’t let the hope of reuniting hold you back from exploring new experiences and meeting different people. Live in the present and see where life takes you, but don’t put your life on hold just in case.

You’re Checking On Them Through Friends Or Family

Casually asking about your ex through others is like peeking at a movie through your fingers. It’s not really moving on. If you find yourself needing updates on their life, it’s a sign you’re still attached.

Urge Still Want To Call/Text Them With “News”

Sharing every little detail with your ex was cute when you were together, but now it’s time to find new confidantes! Reaching out with every update shows you’re not quite over them.

You Worry About Seeing Them Or Avoid Places They May Go To

Avoiding places your ex might be is like living life in a self-made invisibility cloak. It’s okay to be cautious, but don’t let the fear of seeing them limit your experiences.

You’re Avoiding a New Relationship or Staying “Stuck”

Taking time to heal is important, but if weeks turn into months and you’re actively avoiding new connections, it might be a sign you’re stuck. Remember, moving on doesn’t mean forgetting, it’s about creating new chapters in your life.

Remember, moving on is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, and if you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist. You’ve got this!

More Obvious Signs You Haven’t Moved On From Your Ex — Are You Stuck?

Breakups hurt. Whether it was a toxic relationship or one filled with beautiful moments, letting go of someone you once loved is never easy. But sometimes, even long after the relationship has ended, you’re still emotionally tied to your ex in ways that may not be obvious at first. So how do you know if you’re truly over them — or just pretending you are?

Here are some obvious signs that you haven’t really moved on — and that, emotionally, you might still be stuck.

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1. You Still Stalk Them Online

Let’s be honest: if you’re checking their Instagram stories, scrolling through old Facebook pictures, or keeping tabs on who they’re dating now, your heart is still connected to them. Even if you say you’re just “curious,” constantly checking their online presence keeps you emotionally tethered.

Example: You haven’t posted anything personal in months, but you know exactly who liked their latest selfie. That silent digital obsession is a clear sign: you haven’t let go.

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2. You Compare Everyone even acquittances to Them

When you meet someone new, you automatically measure them against your ex. “He’s not as funny.” “She doesn’t hug me the same way.” Comparison steals your chance to form a fresh, honest connection. It also shows that your ex still occupies emotional real estate in your heart.

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3. You Replay Old Memories Constantly

Whether you’re daydreaming about good times or revisiting how the breakup happened, if your mind often drifts back to your ex, you’re still emotionally engaged. Nostalgia can be addictive — especially when you only remember the highlights.

Note: Selective memory is powerful. We often romanticize the past when the present feels empty or uncertain.

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4. You’re Still Hoping for a Reunion

Even if you tell others it’s over, deep down you fantasize about running into them and things magically falling back into place. You play out “what-if” scenarios: what if they apologize, change, realize your worth? Hope, while beautiful, can become toxic when it keeps you stuck in a relationship that no longer exists.

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5. You Talk About Them Constantly

If their name comes up in every conversation — even if it’s negative — you’re not over them. Anger, bitterness, or even sarcastic jokes about your ex keep the emotional connection alive. Indifference is real closure; obsession disguised as humor is not.

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6. You Avoid Certain Places, Songs, or People

If hearing a song or walking into a restaurant you once visited together triggers sadness or longing, your healing may still be incomplete. Avoidance is a form of emotional paralysis — a sign that the wound is still raw.

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7. You Haven’t Forgiven Yourself

Many people stay emotionally stuck not because they miss their ex, but because they’re angry at themselves. Maybe you stayed too long. Maybe you ignored red flags. Until you forgive yourself for the role you played (or didn’t play), you’ll stay stuck in a loop of regret and self-blame.

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Are You Stuck?

If you see yourself in these signs, don’t beat yourself up. Healing isn’t linear. Sometimes, we convince ourselves we’ve moved on because we’re tired of feeling sad. But healing isn’t about speed — it’s about depth.

Moving on means reclaiming your emotional energy, your future, and your sense of self. It’s not about forgetting your ex — it’s about remembering yourself.

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Still feel emotionally tied to someone from your past?
Visit MyOnlineRelationshipTherapy.com for compassionate support, breakup recovery sessions, and tools designed to help you process, release, and rediscover your wholeness — with or without them.