She took a photo, hoping to stir some emotions in her ex, perhaps to remind him of what he lost or to spark curiosity. But what she didn’t anticipate was how that moment would lead her down an emotional journey, filled with questions many of us have asked ourselves after a breakup—“Does my ex still think about me, or have they completely moved on?”
Unless someone is dealing with severe memory issues, it’s unlikely they’ve truly forgotten about a relationship that had meaning. If a connection impacted your life, changed how you saw yourself, or played a significant role in shaping your emotional growth, it tends to stay with you. This is especially true for those who are reflective or sentimental. Wondering whether your ex has forgotten you can be incredibly painful, especially when the relationship meant a lot to you. But you’re not alone in that uncertainty. Breakups are rarely easy, and many people continue to ponder their exes long after the relationship ends. It’s common to wonder if the person you once loved still thinks about you, whether occasionally or often. You might have one ex in particular who seems to linger in your thoughts. Maybe it’s someone you haven’t spoken to in years, or perhaps it’s the most recent relationship that left emotional residue. Either way, the question lingers: “Am I still on their mind, or have I become a distant memory?”
Thinking about an ex is more common than most people admit. Remembering someone you cared about isn’t unusual—it’s human. These thoughts often arise during quiet moments or are triggered by something small: a song, a scent, a familiar place. But while it’s okay to reflect, it’s also important not to get trapped in endless loops of “what if.” Constantly focusing on the past can block you from experiencing the present or embracing the future. Sometimes the mind tends to romanticize the past, especially if you’re feeling lonely or stuck. But not all relationships were as perfect as we remember them. Reflecting objectively can help. Ask yourself: was the relationship balanced, or was one of you more invested than the other? Mutual love and effort leave deeper emotional marks. If you both worked through challenges together, achieved something as a team, or supported each other during hard times, those memories are likely still part of your ex’s emotional landscape.
Even something as simple as assembling a bookshelf or navigating a tough moment can leave a lasting impression. Likewise, shared experiences—vacations, late-night talks, or even inside jokes—can remain in someone’s heart long after the relationship ends. If you communicated deeply and often, those texts, calls, or video chats may occasionally pop into their memory.
Just because your ex doesn’t show signs of remembering doesn’t mean you weren’t important. Memory is complex, and what matters to one person may not register the same way for another. Still, a photo, a mutual friend, or a memory trigger can bring those past moments flooding back. If you’re still unsure and find yourself obsessing over whether your ex thinks about you, it’s worth asking whether these thoughts are holding you back from healing. Overanalyzing someone else’s feelings can keep you emotionally stuck. You might miss out on new connections, fulfilling goals, or simply enjoying your own company. This is where therapy can help—especially online therapy, which has made professional support more accessible than ever. You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to benefit from talking to a counselor. Many people seek therapy to cope with breakups, life transitions, or emotional overwhelm. Online therapy offers flexible options, from video sessions to messaging, so you can explore your feelings in a way that fits your schedule. In fact, studies show that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy helps many people rebuild self-esteem and move forward after a breakup. It encourages self-reflection, teaches coping skills, and supports emotional growth. Group therapy options even add a sense of connection and community to the healing process. In the end, you may never know what your ex is thinking, and that’s okay. Life isn’t about who’s thinking of you—it’s about who you’re becoming. Your goals, passions, and peace of mind deserve your full attention. If you’re ready to stop wondering and start focusing on your future, an online therapist can guide you toward clarity, closure, and the next exciting chapter of your life.
