8 Signs You Should Not, Under Any Circumstances, Get Back Together With An Ex

Some things are meant to end and stay that way.

By Brit Brogaard
Last updated on Oct 29, 2023

Photo: Africa images | Canva / KatarzynaBialasiewicz | Getty Images

You were shocked and devastated when your ex broke up with you. It came out of nowhere, it seemed. You did your share of pleading, attempting to make him or her reconsider. But after a while, you realized that it wasn't going to happen.

Despite all that, the two of you maintain contact and continue seeing each other as acquaintances or as part of a common social circle. And then, at some point, your ex suddenly indicates — perhaps somewhat vaguely — that he or she might want to get back together.

But are they really seriously considering this? Or do they merely regard you as a backup, someone to have on the sidelines if nothing else works out?

Here are some signs you shouldn't get back together and that your ex isn't truly considering reuniting but is just stringing you along.

Here are 8 signs you should not, under any circumstance, get back together with an ex:

1. Even if your ex indicates that he or she is considering getting back together, they are not especially forthcoming about the details

And the plans seem rather indefinite.

2. Your ex is still on dating apps or sites like Tinder, Bumble, or OkCupid

Or he is still going out alone or with the guys to places where hookups are possible or even likely?

3. Despite indicating in words or actions that he or she is considering reuniting, you learn that they are sleeping with others

And not just having meaningless intimacy but very intimate exchanges with other romantic interests. They are seeing certain parties on more than one occasion in intimate ways.

4. When your ex contacts you, the content of the messages is typically the type you would send to a friend

They are also few and far between, just frequent enough to string you along but not frequent enough to really mean anything more.

5. If you make plans to do something together, he or she frequently cancels or changes plans on you

If you suggest doing something together, their typical reply is that they'd prefer to play it by ear (likely so they can see whether better options come along).

6. When you finally are in touch with your ex in person, via phone or social media, he or she doesn't take a real interest in your life

They don't ask a lot of genuine questions about how you or your family are doing or what you have been up to because they don't really care. What they care about is keeping you on the sidelines.

7. Should your ex agree to a get-together, the event will be on their terms

They will not make any serious sacrifices to see you. They are more likely to tell you that you are welcome to come along to an event they have already decided they are going to.

8. Even if you have been intimate when you've met up, they don't act especially affectionate, seductive, or flirtatious toward you

In fact, the affection they direct toward you is rather sparse (or non-existent) compared to the affection they show others they are seeing or are interested in. From the outside, it might look like you are just old pals.