15 Signs Your Ex Still Loves You But Is Scared

Breaking up doesn’t always mean feelings disappear overnight. 

Sometimes, after a relationship ends, you might notice signs that your ex hasn’t completely moved on. 

They might act in ways that make you wonder if there’s still a spark there, but maybe they’re just too scared to admit it.

Figuring out if your ex still has feelings for you can be a bit confusing. They might not come out and say it directly, so you have to pay attention to how they behave around you. 

Their actions, whether they’re reaching out frequently or showing up at places you go, can say a lot about their true feelings.

By the end, you might have a clearer idea of whether your ex is still holding on to their love for you but is just too scared to tell you.

1. They Reach Out Regularly

Your ex might still have feelings for you if they’re often texting or calling you about small things. 

Maybe they’re asking about a book they lent you ages ago or how your aunt is doing after her surgery last month. 

These little reasons to talk might be their way of keeping a connection with you, even if they’re not quite ready to talk about their feelings directly.

On some days, they might even pop up in places you usually hang out, like your favorite coffee shop or the gym you go to. 

It’s not always about big, dramatic gestures; sometimes it’s these casual, “just happened to be here” moments that show they still care and want to be around you.

2. They Share Their Feelings Indirectly

Sometimes, your ex will talk about the good old days you shared, highlighting the fun times or the special moments. 

They’re not just reminiscing but might be trying to remind you of what you had together. 

This kind of conversation can be their way of saying they miss those times without actually stating it outright.

Moreover, they might drop hints about their current life, showing vulnerability or uncertainty about their choices since your breakup. 

By sharing their doubts or struggles, they might be seeking sympathy or understanding from you, hinting that they still value your opinion and miss your support.

[Read: When Do Guys Start to Miss You After a Breakup? 9 Signs]

3. They’re Nervous Around You

Notice how they act when they’re around you. 

A clear sign could be their nervous behavior—they might fidget, laugh a little too loudly, or even avoid eye contact. 

These are signs they’re not indifferent; instead, they feel something strong and are unsure how to deal with it in your presence.

Additionally, they might be overly attentive, remembering small details about your preferences or asking about your plans for the future. 

Such attention to detail shows they’re still invested in your life and care about your happiness, even if they’re scared to admit they want to be part of it again.

4. Your Friends Hear From Them

Your ex might chat with your friends, asking how you’re doing or what’s new in your life. 

They don’t just miss you; they’re probably trying to keep a little window open to your world. 

Sharing thoughts or memories with mutual friends can be a way for them to feel closer to you without direct contact.

Often, they’ll show up at group hangouts where they know you’ll be there. It’s not just about seeing the gang but about grabbing the chance to be near you in a low-pressure setting. 

They’re likely looking for comfort in familiar faces while staying connected to you.

5. They Hold On to Your Stuff

Maybe you’ve noticed that your ex still has that sweatshirt you left at their place or books you loaned them long ago. 

Holding onto your things can be a sign they’re not ready to let go. Each item is a piece of you that they keep around, which might comfort them or give them hope of reconnecting.

Your ex could also be slow to pick up their stuff from your place. This hesitation often means they are not ready to close the chapter entirely. 

Each visit to retrieve something could be another opportunity for them to see you and rekindle the relationship.

6. They Like and Comment on Your Social Media

You post a picture or a status, and there they are—one of the first to like or leave a comment. 

Keeping up with your online life shows they still care about what’s happening with you. 

Each like or comment might be a small way of staying in your orbit, showing support, or just letting you know they’re still there.

You’ll also find that your big news doesn’t go unnoticed. They celebrate your achievements or send well wishes on important days, making sure you know they’re cheering for you from the sidelines.

7. Their Mood Swings Around You

Seeing you might swing your ex’s mood dramatically. 

They could light up with a big smile, seeming genuinely happy just to catch sight of you. 

On the flip side, they might seem unusually quiet or withdrawn, overwhelmed by the emotions of seeing you again.

Listen also for how they talk about the future. An unsure tone about their own plans or a curious interest in your next steps can indicate they’re not just living their life without you; they’re wondering about what a future might look like with you in it again.

[Interesting: 10 Signs Your Ex Is Pretending To Be Happy]

8. They Try to Make You Jealous

Sometimes, an ex will try a different tactic: making you jealous. 

You might hear about new people they’re seeing or extravagant plans through the grapevine. 

While it seems like they’ve moved on, this can actually be a play to gauge your reaction—seeing if you still care enough to get a bit jealous.

Despite the games, they might slip and show signs of not being as over you as they claim. 

Watch for a mix of boasting about the new stuff in their life while also glancing your way to catch your reaction. 

These are telltale signs that their heart isn’t as free as they pretend it to be.

9. Your Ex Gets Touchy-Feely

Sometimes, you might notice your ex finding reasons to touch you, like a gentle pat on the back or brushing hands as you walk together.

 These small touches can be their way of feeling close to you, testing the waters to see how you react. 

Touching is a pretty strong signal that they still feel a connection and might be missing the physical closeness.

Even in a group, they might sit next to you more than what feels usual or necessary. This closeness isn’t just about being friends; it’s about the comfort and familiarity they still find in your presence.

10. They Apologize for Past Mistakes

Out of the blue, your ex might start talking about the breakup, specifically about what went wrong on their part. 

An apology can come long after the fact and might be their way of clearing the air or setting things right. 

By acknowledging their mistakes, they’re showing they care about how things ended between you and possibly hope to rebuild trust.

Sometimes, these apologies come as part of longer messages or during late-night conversations, suggesting they’ve spent a lot of time thinking about you and what they could have done differently.

11. They Avoid Talking About New Relationships

Notice how your ex dodges questions about dating someone else or changes the subject when their romantic life comes up. 

They might be trying to protect your feelings, or perhaps they don’t want to ruin any chance of getting back together. By not talking about new relationships, they keep the door slightly open between you.

Even more telling is their reaction to you talking about dating. You might see discomfort or a quick change in topic, suggesting they’re not quite ready to hear about you moving on.

12. They Remember Special Dates

Birthdays, anniversaries, or even the date you two first met—your ex remembers these special occasions and makes a point of reaching out. 

Sending a message or even a small gift on important dates shows they still hold those memories dear and respect the time you spent together.

Their messages might not just be generic greetings but could include inside jokes or references to private moments, highlighting the personal and meaningful nature of the connection they continue to feel.

13. They’re Open About Missing You

Your ex might just come right out and say they miss you. 

Whether it’s during a deep conversation or a moment of honesty over text, admitting they miss you is a straightforward sign they’re not over you. 

While this can be a moment of vulnerability, it’s also a pretty clear indicator that they still have strong feelings and might be interested in revisiting the relationship.

Hearing “I miss you” doesn’t always mean they’re ready to jump back into a relationship, but it certainly means you’re still very much on their mind.

14. Your Ex Keeps the Communication Lines Open

Even after the breakup, your ex makes sure you two keep talking. 

Maybe they text you often, send you memes that you’d like, or call for advice on things you’re good at. 

Keeping in touch like this is a way for them to maintain a link to you, showing they still value your connection and aren’t ready to cut ties completely.

Sometimes, you’ll get a message from them just when things seem quiet, like a “how’s your day going?” 

This can be their way of dipping back into your life, making sure they stay on your radar and reminding you they’re still around and interested in your well-being.

15. They Show Up at Your Important Events

Your ex makes an effort to attend important events, like your band’s gig at the local café or your family’s annual barbecue that they used to go to with you.

Showing up to support you at events that matter in your life is a big sign they still care. It’s their way of being part of your world, even if the dynamics have changed.

You might notice they always have something positive to say about your achievements or how they make sure to congratulate you in a way that feels genuine and warm. 

These aren’t just polite gestures; they’re heartfelt actions that hint at lingering feelings.