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The Real Reason You Can’t Stop Thinking About Your Ex, According to a Relationship Expert

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05.09.2026

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The Real Reason You Can’t Stop Thinking About Your Ex, According to a Relationship Expert

‘Ex-nostalgia’ can make you idealize the best parts of a past relationship while conveniently forgetting the reasons it ended.

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One of the most difficult parts of dating is enduring breakups and finding the strength to move forward after heartbreak. For months, sometimes years, after a breakup, many of us fall into patterns of sulking, ruminating, and looking back on our past partners with an unrealistic view of the situation, painting it as better than it was. In fact, this dating trend even has its own name: ex-nostalgia.

Do you experience ex-nostalgia? Here’s how to finally release your ex and move forward with your life.

What Is Ex-Nostalgia?

Ex-nostalgia is exactly what it sounds like: nostalgia about an ex-partner. This might look like over-romanticizing a past relationship, dwelling on the loss of a significant other (even though the breakup needed to happen for your own good), and simply ruminating about what you miss........

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