13 Indicators You Can't Shake Off Your Ex

It's natural to think about an ex-partner from time to time, but how do you know if your thoughts are becoming an obsession? Here are 13 signs that might suggest you're a little too fixated on your former flame:

1. Constant Social Media Stalking: You find yourself checking their social media profiles multiple times a day, analyzing every post and photo for hidden meanings.
2. Recurrent Conversations: Your ex is the star of most of your conversations, and you're always steering the topic back to them, regardless of the context.
3. Nostalgia Overload: You idealize the past and spend a significant amount of time reminiscing about the 'good old days' with your ex.
4. Physical Mementos: You can't seem to part with their belongings or gifts, keeping them around as treasured keepsakes.
5. Comparing Others: You measure every potential partner against your ex, and unsurprisingly, they never measure up.
6. Refusal to Date: You reject the idea of dating someone new because you're holding out hope that you'll reunite with your ex.
7. Wishful Thinking: You interpret any form of contact from them — a like, a comment, a casual text — as a sign they want to get back together.
8. Anniversary Blues: Dates that were significant to your relationship, such as anniversaries or their birthday, leave you feeling particularly down and preoccupied.
9. Refusing to Accept the Breakup: You're in denial about the end of the relationship, convinced it's just a 'break' or a temporary setback.
10. Emotional Rollercoaster: Your mood swings wildly depending on the current state of your connection with your ex — or lack thereof.
11. Change in Habits: You've adopted new routines or interests in the hopes that they will notice and be impressed by your 'growth'.
12. Unwarranted Hope: You read into their actions and words, believing that they're sending secret messages that they miss you.
13. Reluctance to Move On: Even when presented with clear evidence that the relationship is over, you resist moving forward with your life.

If you recognize several of these signs in your behavior, it may be beneficial to seek the support of friends, family, or a professional. Obsessing over an ex can impede your emotional well-being and growth. Acknowledging the issue is the first step towards healing and eventually finding happiness, whether with someone else or on your own.