My ex still sends memes and old pictures

Q.

Five years ago, the man I thought I would marry some day broke up with me out of the blue. For context, I am in my 50s and divorced; this wasn’t a schoolgirl crush – I felt like I had finally met my person. I did not see the breakup coming at all, I thought we were Hallmark Channel-movie happy. At least I was. I was devastated. 

Our breakup coincided with the pandemic. It was a dark time; I became depressed. Fast forward to now, after lots of therapy and yes, meds, I am in a new relationship. We are happy enough, and I try not to think about my ex. When I think I am finally over all of it, he has a habit of reaching out to me with a text or a message on social media. 

At first I am thrilled to hear from him, but it sends me into a spiral. The messages are anything from notes saying happy birthday, to pictures of us when we were together, to internet memes. It starts a brief conversation, and I am reminded of all of the reasons why I loved this man so much, but then months will go by before I hear from him again. I am having a hard time moving on for good when these messages make me think of all of the possible what-ifs. (He has been relationship with the same woman since we broke up.) Part of me wants to respond that I thought this door was closed for good, but these messages keep sending a signal that says the opposite. 

Can you help me sort this all out, Meredith? 

– Anonymous

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A.

You can be honest with him about how these messages make you feel. You can also set a boundary. 

As in, “Listen, whenever you reach out, it’s confusing for me. It feels like you’re trying to get back together – but I assume that’s not the case. I have no interest in friendship at this point, so I need to ask you to stop all contact. No more memes and messages. It makes it too hard for me to continue to move on.” 

You can add an “I wish you the best,” if you want.

I assume he does miss you, and that when he sees a meme that reminds him of your time together, he’s desperate to share. But that doesn’t mean he wants to be your romantic partner. It just means that memes and inside jokes feel like forever sometimes.

The old pictures seem far more manipulative and thoughtless. I have no idea what he’s up to with that – but he doesn’t seen to be considering your feelings very much! He’s sending these memories without context, warning, or purpose. It’s a very good reason to keep him in the ex category.

As you set this boundary – and yes, you can block his accounts, too – consider whether this new relationship is fun. You didn’t say anything bout the person you’re dating. I hope you’re excited about the company, and if not, you can try something new.

– Meredith

Readers? Why would an ex send old pictures? How does one let go of hope when one is receiving memes and old pictures from an ex?

What’s been on your mind about your dating/relationship life? Ask your own question. It helps others who are wondering the same thing. Use the anonymous form or email [email protected].

Also, former letter writers, please send me an update! What happened after you wrote in? Did the advice help? Email me at [email protected]. Tell us everything.

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