My Ex Won't Leave Me Alone

In response to "Bumping" into an Ex, Mavis commented, “If this is true then why is it that every time I run into my ex he wants to hang with me? I'm never going to meet someone new if he's always with me in public!!”

Overwhelmingly, women are more interested in their ex following a relationship. Men have a tendency to care a whole lot less about their ex unless 1) they are looking for an easy hook-up or 2) their ego becomes involved.

Plain and simply, men are after sex. Men may take long walks on a beach or share romantic candle lit dinners; however, these romantic gestures are not due to their sensitivity but a desire to progress the relationship physically. Remember that your ex has already learned what to do and say to create an atmosphere which promotes physicality. They are also fully aware that a woman is far more willing to hook-up with someone with whom she is comfortable and has already been intimate. So, if a guy sees his ex out and he does not have another prospect immediately available, his ex becomes the most plausible hook-up option for the evening.

Another reason an ex may want to hang out around you following a relationship is ego. Men are possessive and have strong attachments to property. A man will always be tied to a car that he drove or owned, even if he hasn’t had possession of the car in decades. They feel the same way about women. A guy may feel that his ego is threatened whenever another male tries to cash in on his ex.

The best way to confront an ex that "bumps into you" and then wants to hang out is to acknowledge then dismiss him. Say something to the effect, “It’s great to see you. I hope everything is going great.” Don’t elaborate on the details of your life, but finish the brief conversation with “I am here with people. Nice to see you. Take care.” Physically move away from your ex either across the room, to a new area, or a new establishment. If they don’t take the hint and pursue you further, then they may have a bigger problem.