9 Signs Your Ex is Pretending to Be Over You

Breakups are tough, and moving on can take time. Sometimes, even when someone says they’re over a relationship, their actions tell a different story. 

It’s not always easy to spot, but there are signs that an ex might be pretending to have moved on, even though they haven’t.

People often hide their true feelings to protect themselves or to avoid looking vulnerable. 

They might act like they’re happy and living their best life, but deep down, there could be lingering emotions. 

Watching for certain behaviors can reveal a lot about what’s really going on in their mind.

In this article, we’ll go through some clear signs that your ex might be pretending to be over you. 

These are clues that could help you understand their true feelings, even if they’re not saying it out loud.

1. They Keep Bringing You Up in Conversations

Ever noticed how your name seems to slip into conversations with your ex, even though the two of you are supposed to be over? It’s a subtle sign. 

When someone is really over a person, they don’t feel the need to talk about them constantly. 

But when your ex is still stuck on you, it’s like they can’t help but mention your name. Maybe it’s in a joking way or during a random story, but it’s clear they’re still thinking about you.

Sure, they may act like it’s no big deal, but when your name keeps popping up, it shows you’re still living rent-free in their mind. 

Sometimes, it’s not even direct — they might ask mutual friends about you or make a comment on something you’re doing. 

It’s their way of staying connected without actually admitting that you’re still on their mind.

2. Over-the-Top Social Media Posts

Exes pretending to be over you often use social media as a way to “prove” how great they’re doing. 

Suddenly, their feeds are filled with posts about new adventures, parties, or pictures with friends they barely used to hang out with. It feels like they’re trying a bit too hard to show off this “new life” without you.

But here’s the thing: someone who is genuinely over a breakup isn’t worried about proving anything. 

They move on quietly, without needing to broadcast every single moment of happiness. 

So, if your ex’s social media presence has turned into a highlight reel, it could be their way of masking their true feelings.

3. They Still Get Emotional Around You

Strong reactions can be a big clue that someone isn’t as over the breakup as they say. 

Maybe your ex gets upset or flustered when you run into each other. Or, maybe they start acting weirdly jealous when they see you with someone else. 

Even little things like a change in their tone or body language around you can reveal more than words ever could.

When someone is genuinely over you, they’re more likely to be neutral or calm when you cross paths. 

Emotional outbursts, on the other hand, often show there are unresolved feelings beneath the surface. 

Whether it’s anger, sadness, or frustration, strong emotions are a sign they’re still not quite ready to let go.

4. They Keep Finding Reasons to Stay in Contact

An ex who’s moved on doesn’t usually have a reason to keep messaging or calling, except maybe for something truly important. 

But when an ex keeps reaching out for seemingly trivial reasons, it could be a sign they’re not really over you. 

Maybe they’re texting you about things they could easily handle themselves or sending you memes just to get a reaction.

These small attempts at communication are often a way to keep you in their life without fully acknowledging that they still have feelings. 

It might seem harmless, but it’s usually their way of testing the waters, seeing how you react, and keeping the connection alive even after the breakup.

5. Acting Super Indifferent

One clear sign an ex might be pretending to move on is when they start acting overly indifferent. 

Suddenly, everything about you and the relationship seems like it never mattered to them at all. 

They may shrug off conversations about the breakup or act like they’re totally unbothered by anything that’s happening in your life. But, acting too uninterested can actually mean the opposite.

It’s not typical for someone who shared a lot of memories to become so detached out of nowhere. 

The indifference could be a defense mechanism to hide how they really feel. It’s almost like they’re trying to convince themselves that they don’t care when, deep down, they actually do.

6. Reaching Out to Your Friends or Family

Another sign to look out for is when your ex starts contacting your friends or family more than usual. 

Maybe they’re suddenly texting your best friend, asking how you’re doing, or randomly bumping into your family members. This can be their way of staying in your circle without directly talking to you.

Even though they might pretend it’s casual or friendly, constantly checking in with people close to you signals that they’re still curious about your life. 

They might not be over you and use these connections to stay updated on what’s going on with you without making it obvious.

7. Trying to Make You Jealous

Suddenly, your ex seems to be going out of their way to flaunt a new relationship or post about dating on social media. 

It’s not a coincidence when they seem to “accidentally” let you know they’re seeing someone new or that their love life is suddenly thriving. This could be a tactic to get a reaction from you and make you feel jealous.

Someone who has truly moved on won’t feel the need to show off their romantic life in front of their ex. 

Trying to spark jealousy is often a sign that they’re still hung up on you and need to see if you still care. It’s their way of getting attention, hoping it will stir up some emotions.

8. Overcompensating with Happiness

An ex who constantly brags about being happier than ever could be putting on an act. 

Talking non-stop about how amazing life has been post-breakup might seem like a positive thing, but it’s often a way to cover up unresolved feelings. 

Genuinely content people don’t need to broadcast their happiness in every conversation.

Focusing too much on proving that everything is perfect can be a sign they’re still struggling to fully move on.

9. Showing Up in Places You Go

Suddenly, your ex is popping up in places where you usually hang out. 

Whether it’s your favorite café or a party you’re attending, they seem to be around more often than before. 

Coincidences happen, but when it starts feeling like they’re always around, it might be a way of keeping tabs on you or staying close to your life.

It’s often a subtle move, not meant to be direct, but it shows a lingering attachment. 

Showing up unexpectedly can give them a sense of connection without having to reach out to you directly.