Will He Ever Come Back? 17 Ways To Tell

When you broke up with your boyfriend, you were sure that you were making the right decision and that you just weren’t right for each other. However, as you’ve had more time to reflect on the relationship and on where things went wrong, you can’t help but wonder if you might have been a bit hasty. You’d love to give things another go, but will he ever come back?

While it’s important to consider whether or not getting back together is even right for you (no matter how much you want it to happen), if you’re sure that a reunion is what you want, there are some signs he’ll come back for round two (or five) in the future. It’s all about keeping your eyes peeled and looking for the less obvious indicators that he misses you as much as you do him.

Signs your ex-boyfriend will come back to you

1. He’s suddenly popping up everywhere in your life.

One of the most significant indicators that your ex wants you back is when he starts reappearing in your life. It could be through text messages, likes and comments on your social media posts, or even in person. If he’s making an effort to be present, it’s a sign that he’s thinking about you and possibly regrets the breakup.

Keep an eye on his communication patterns. Is he texting you more often, asking how you’re doing, or just initiating casual conversations? If he’s making an effort to be part of your world again, it’s a clear signal that he’s interested in reconnecting.

2. He always wants to take a stroll down memory lane.

Nostalgia can be a powerful tool when it comes to reigniting a past relationship. If your ex-boyfriend frequently brings up cherished memories from your time together, it’s a sign that he misses those moments and might be considering a reunion. These conversations are a way for him to bond with you over shared experiences and emotions.

Pay attention to the details when he reminisces about the past. Does he mention specific moments, inside jokes, or places you used to go together? These are all signs that he’s still emotionally attached to your relationship.

3. He apologizes for what he did wrong/how he messed up.

Sometimes, relationships end due to misunderstandings or conflicts that were never resolved. If your ex-boyfriend approaches you with genuine apologies and takes responsibility for his part in the breakup, it’s a clear indication that he’s matured and wants a fresh start. It may be that he’s trying to ensure that if he does come back to you, he will start with a clean sheet, so to speak.

When someone is willing to admit their mistakes and show a willingness to change, it means they value the relationship and are open to making it work. Keep the lines of communication open and consider whether his actions match his words.

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5. He proves he’s changed and grown.

People change over time, and breakups can serve as a catalyst for personal development. If you notice that your ex-boyfriend has been making positive changes in his life, it could be a sign that he’s interested in a healthier, more mature relationship with you. Will this necessarily mean he’s interested in coming back to you? Not always, but you could very well be his main source of motivation.

Look for signs of self-improvement, such as pursuing new hobbies, working on career goals, or addressing personal issues that may have contributed to the breakup. His commitment to self-growth suggests that he’s not only thinking about you but also preparing to be a better partner if given a second chance.

6. He’s always asking the details of your life.

When someone is genuinely interested in your well-being and what’s happening in your life, it’s a good sign that they care about you on a deeper level. If your ex-boyfriend is asking about your current life, your friends, or even your dating status, he’s likely trying to gauge whether there’s still a place for him in your future.

Pay attention to the sincerity of his questions. Is he genuinely curious and invested in your happiness? If so, it suggests that he’s contemplating a future with you in it.

7. He continues to nurture your emotional connection.

If your ex-boyfriend continues to reach out to you during challenging times or when you’re going through seriously sucky situations, it shows that he cares about your emotional well-being. He might be trying to be a source of support and comfort, indicating that he values you beyond just a casual friendship.

After all, if he was no longer invested in you, he would leave your friends and family to support you rather than taking that role upon himself. Of course, ending a romantic relationship with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you no longer care about them, but it also doesn’t mean you should be their shoulder to cry on. This likely means something!

8. He still includes you in his future plans.

When someone expresses a desire to include you in their future plans, it’s a strong indicator of their intention to rekindle the relationship. If your ex-boyfriend talks about things like traveling together, attending events, or making long-term commitments, it means that he still sees a future with you.

This can seem pretty presumptuous as well as obnoxious, especially if you could never manage to get him to commit to anything when you were together. However, his willingness or even excitement to have you by his side months or years in the future is pretty much a guarantee that he will come back to you.

9. He loves having deep chats about serious subjects.

When your ex engages in deep, meaningful conversations with you, it demonstrates a desire for emotional intimacy. He might want to discuss your relationship, feelings, and the lessons learned from the past, indicating a genuine interest in resolving past issues and building a stronger connection.

It could also be that he simply wants to talk about major issues that are happening in the world around you or about long-term goals you both share. It can often seem a bit heavy, but it shows he’s thinking about the things that matter to you as a couple (if you were to become one again).

10. He’s always flirting and complimenting you.

Playful flirting and giving you compliments are classic signs of romantic interest. If your ex-boyfriend starts flirting with you or regularly complimenting your appearance, personality, or achievements, it’s a clear indication that he’s trying to reignite the romantic spark between you two.

That being said, it’s easy to get caught up in this flattery and believe it’s because he wants to come back to you rather than him wanting an easy hookup, but if you notice this alongside other signs on this list, it’s probably a genuine thing.

11. He still makes the effort to hang out with you.

If your ex-boyfriend goes out of his way to spend quality time with you, it’s a strong sign of his interest in getting back together. Whether it’s planning outings, inviting you to events, or suggesting casual hangouts, his efforts to be in your company show that he values your presence in his life and that he wants to be part of yours too.

This can become a bit toxic if it doesn’t lead to any progression in your relationship, however. Sure, exes can totally be friends, but usually not right away. Either figure out what this means or maybe put a bit of separation between you.

12. He’s always touching you or being physically affectionate.

Physical touch can be a powerful indicator of romantic interest. If your ex-boyfriend starts initiating hugs, holding your hand, or even attempting to kiss you, it’s a clear sign that he’s interested in rekindling the physical aspect of your relationship.

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that he will come back to you as a full-time boyfriend, so you’ll need to parse out where his head is at to figure out if this is as meaningful as you hope it is.

13. He respects your boundaries.

Respecting your boundaries and showing understanding is a sign of maturity and consideration. If your ex-boyfriend listens when you express your limits and doesn’t push you into uncomfortable situations, it indicates that he values your comfort and wants to rebuild trust.

This is incredibly important if you’re going to be together again, especially if boundary crossing is something he struggled with when you were last together.

14. He consistently makes the effort to treat you well and make you feel special.

Consistency is key in relationships. If your ex consistently shows interest, communicates regularly, and puts effort into spending time with you, it’s a positive sign that he will come back to you if you’ll have him. He still cares deeply for you and maybe even realized that he messed up bigtime by neglecting you or taking you for granted the last time you were together.

15. He’s open about discussing his feelings.

When your ex-boyfriend is honest and transparent about his feelings, it suggests a willingness to be vulnerable and work through issues. If he expresses regret, acknowledges his love for you, or admits missing you, it’s a sign that he’s emotionally invested in the possibility of getting back together.

If you do decide to give things another go, you’ll have to be prepared to have tough conversations so that the same issues don’t continually crop up. This is a good indication that he could be willing to put in the work.

16. He asks for advice on how to get you back from mutual friends.

If your ex-boyfriend reaches out to mutual friends to inquire about your current status or feelings, it indicates that he’s curious about your thoughts and wants to gather information. This indirect approach might signify his desire to assess whether a reconciliation is feasible.

Of course, your mutual friends shouldn’t be repeating this to you, but it certainly is exciting to hear!

17. He’s suddenly getting a bit jealous.

If your ex-boyfriend starts showing signs of jealousy when you mention other potential romantic interests or when he sees you spending time with other people, it could be a sign that he still has strong feelings for you. Jealousy often stems from a fear of losing someone you care about.

That being said, if he’s being a jerk about it and trying to throw his weight around or get overly protective, he needs to take a step back. Baby steps, big boy.

18. He suggests relationship counseling or couples therapy.

If your ex-boyfriend proposes the idea of seeking professional help, such as relationship counseling or therapy, it indicates a commitment to resolving the issues that led to the breakup. This shows that he’s willing to put in the work to ensure a healthier, more stable relationship if you decide to give it another try.

What to do while waiting for him to come back to you

While waiting for your ex to potentially come back, it’s essential to focus on personal growth, self-care, and maintaining a healthy mindset. Here are five constructive things you can do during this waiting period:

  1. Get your act together. Use this time to invest in self-improvement. Reflect on the past relationship and identify areas where you can grow personally. Whether it’s pursuing new hobbies, setting career goals, or addressing any emotional baggage, self-development will not only make you a better person but also more attractive to your ex if reconciliation happens. It doesn’t matter whether he will or won’t come back — this is about you and your life.
  2. Stay social. Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with friends and family, and engage in social activities that make you happy. Building a strong support system will help you maintain a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Go out with your girls and have fun — they’ll remind you of the amazing woman you are even without your ex.
  3. Practice self-care. Prioritize self-care to boost your physical and emotional well-being. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness or meditation. A healthy body and mind will help you cope with the emotional ups and downs of waiting. You should also include trying some self-worth affirmations and even some journaling prompts to boost your self-esteem.
  4. Set some goals and real plans for achieving them. Establish clear goals and objectives for your life, both in the short and long term. When you have a sense of purpose and direction, it not only enhances your self-esteem but also makes you more appealing to your ex as you exude confidence and ambition.
  5. Maintain and nurture your independence. Reclaim your independence and rediscover who you are outside of the relationship. Nurture your own interests and passions, and remember that your happiness should not solely depend on your ex’s return. Building a fulfilling life on your own will make you more attractive and resilient, regardless of the outcome.
Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
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