12 SIGNS YOUR EX WANTS YOU TO CHASE HIM AFTER A BREAKUP

Breakups are hard. That part’s obvious.

But what happens when your ex doesn’t really act like it’s over?

He broke up with you or maybe you broke up with him, but now he’s being weird.

One minute he’s texting you all night. Next minute? Radio silence.

You’re sitting there thinking, what is going on? Is he over me? Or is he lowkey trying to get me to run after him?

If you’ve been going in circles trying to figure out what your ex is really up to, you’re not alone.

The truth is, some guys don’t want to come out and say they want you back. So instead, they drop hints. They act in confusing ways. It’s like they want you to do the chasing now.

So let’s break this down.

Here are some real signs that your ex might actually be waiting for you to make the move.

1. He Shows Up Then Disappears Again

Let’s start with this weird move. One day he pops up. A message here. A call there. Maybe he even shows up at your favorite coffee spot “by coincidence.”

And just when you think you two are reconnecting, boom. He disappears again.

No texts. No calls. Nothing.

This back-and-forth behavior is often a tactic. He wants to see if you’ll reach out after he pulls back.

It’s his way of getting your attention without actually saying, “I miss you.”

If this keeps happening, yeah. He probably wants you to chase him.

2. He Acts Hot And Cold

Some days, he’s warm. Friendly. Maybe even flirty.

Other days? Cold as ice.

One moment he’s watching all your stories and replying with inside jokes. The next, he’s ignoring your texts completely.

You’re left scratching your head thinking, is he still into me or just messing around?

Here’s the deal. He might be hoping his mixed signals will make you curious enough to go after him. It’s like emotional bait.

3. He Tries To Make You Jealous

Let’s talk about the classic jealousy card.

He’s suddenly posting more with female friends. Maybe he even makes sure mutual friends know he’s “talking to someone.”

Or worse, he tells you directly about this new girl like it’s no big deal.

Trust me, if he’s trying to flaunt other women around you, it’s not always because he’s moved on. Sometimes it’s just to stir up your emotions.

He wants a reaction. He wants you to want him again. He’s testing you.

4. He Goes Quiet On Purpose

Complete silence can actually be loud.

When your ex suddenly goes MIA after being somewhat present, it might be strategic.

He knows that silence can make people wonder. Worry. Miss.

He might be thinking, if I stop reaching out, she’ll realize she still wants me and make the first move.

It’s kind of like emotional reverse psychology. He wants to be chased, but without having to say a word.

5. He Tells You He Misses You… Then Backs Off

This one really messes with your mind.

He opens up one day. Says he misses you. Admits he still has feelings. Maybe he even talks about your memories together.

And just when you think something might be happening again… he pulls back.

No plans to meet up. No follow-through.

He drops a bomb like “I still love you” then ghosts.

This is often a sign he wants you to pick up the ball and run with it.

He’s hoping you’ll say something like, “I miss you too, let’s talk.”

6. He Starts Looking His Best Again

Suddenly, your ex is dressing better. Hitting the gym. Posting selfies.

He’s looking good and he knows it.

But what’s more suspicious? He’s making sure you see it.

He posts those thirst-trap photos when he never used to. Or he randomly tags himself at spots you both used to go.

He wants to remind you what you’re missing.

Let’s be real. If he didn’t care what you thought, he wouldn’t be showing off like this.

7. He Brings Up Old Memories

Nostalgia is powerful. And your ex knows it.

He starts bringing up things like, “Remember that weekend we went to the lake?” or “I heard our song the other day.”

He’s not just reminiscing. He’s trying to stir those old feelings again.

Why? Because he wants you to feel what you used to feel. And maybe, just maybe, come running back.

It’s a soft way of re-igniting that old connection.

8. He’s All Up In Your Business

Your ex is suddenly super interested in your life again.

Asking your friends about you. Texting you to ask what you’re doing. Who you’re seeing.

He wants to know if you’ve moved on. He wants to know if he still has a chance.

Sometimes it’s not because he cares deeply. Sometimes it’s his ego needing reassurance.

Either way, it means he’s not over you.

And he might be waiting for you to take the hint and chase him.

9. He Acts Jealous When You Move On

This one’s a biggie.

You post a photo with another guy. Or you go on a date and he somehow finds out.

Suddenly, he’s texting weird things. Maybe even throwing shade at the guy.

He might not admit it, but that jealousy means something.

He’s not ready to see you with someone else.

And deep down, he wants to be the one you come back to.

10. He Replies But Never Initiates

Here’s a sneaky one.

He always responds when you text. He’s polite. Sometimes even flirty. But he never texts first.

Why?

Because he wants to keep that door open… without having to do the work.

He’s hoping you’ll keep making the moves.

This way, he gets attention from you without risking rejection.

It’s his way of being chased without actually doing anything.

11. He Keeps Your Stuff

If your ex still has your things and doesn’t try to return them, it’s not always because he’s lazy.

Sometimes, it’s a reason to stay connected.

That hoodie, those books, your charger. He knows you’ll have to reach out eventually.

And he’s hoping that small contact will lead to something more.

He’s leaving the door cracked open.

12. He Says He Wants To Be “Friends”

Ah yes. The classic “let’s be friends” line.

It sounds mature. It sounds reasonable.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes it’s not about friendship at all.

Sometimes it’s his way of staying close. Keeping tabs. Making sure you don’t fully move on.

It’s a sneaky way of holding on while making it look like he’s letting go.

He’s hoping that being in your life as a friend will slowly lead to more.

So… Should You Chase Him?

Okay, now that you’ve seen the signs, let’s talk about what really matters.

Should you chase him?

Here’s the truth. It depends.

If your relationship ended over misunderstandings or mistakes and there’s still real love there… then maybe. Sometimes, taking a chance to reconnect isn’t a bad thing.

But if your ex is playing mind games, being hot and cold, or just boosting his ego with your attention…

Girl, don’t waste your time.

You deserve someone who’s clear. Who wants to be with you and actually shows it.

You shouldn’t have to chase someone who already knows your worth.

The right person won’t make you guess.

They’ll show up. Stay. And choose you.

Every single time.