Breaking up hurts. But what’s worse? Realizing you still want your ex back while they seem to have moved on. The good news? You can make them crave you again—if you play your cards right.
Winning back an ex isn’t about begging or chasing. It’s about becoming so irresistible that they can’t help but miss you. And when done right, they’ll be the ones reaching out, not you.
Let’s dive into 10 proven strategies that will have your ex thinking about you non-stop.
1. Master the No Contact Rule
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a breakup is constantly texting, calling, or checking in on their ex. This screams desperation. Instead, cut off all contact for at least 30 days. No messages. No calls. No social media interactions.
Why does this work? Because it gives your ex space to miss you. When you’re always available, they don’t get the chance to wonder what you’re up to. But when you disappear? Curiosity kicks in, and they start thinking about you more than ever.
2. Glow Up—Inside and Out
Nothing makes an ex crave you more than seeing you become a better version of yourself. Now is the perfect time to hit the gym, revamp your wardrobe, and work on your confidence. But don’t just focus on physical changes—improve your mindset too.
Start a new hobby, level up your career, or develop new skills. When your ex sees you thriving without them, they’ll start questioning if they made the right decision.
3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage
While you shouldn’t contact your ex directly, you can still make an impact through social media. Post pictures of yourself having fun, traveling, and enjoying life. Show them (subtly) that you’re moving on and doing amazing things.
The key? Don’t make it obvious that you’re trying to get their attention. Avoid sad quotes or emotional posts. Instead, radiate positivity and confidence. Let them see what they’re missing.
4. Trigger Their Nostalgia
Memories are powerful. If you want your ex to crave you, remind them of the good times you shared—but in a subtle way.
You can do this by casually mentioning an inside joke or a song you both loved when talking to mutual friends. Or, if you’re still connected on social media, post a picture from a place you both used to visit.
This technique works because nostalgia has a way of softening emotions and making people reconsider their decisions.
5. Become a Little Mysterious
If your ex knows everything about your life post-breakup, they won’t feel the need to reach out. But if they have no idea what you’re up to, curiosity will get the best of them.
Be unpredictable. If you always posted daily updates before, start posting less. If they expect you to be heartbroken, show them you’re thriving. The more they wonder about you, the more they’ll crave your presence.
6. Improve Your Communication Skills
When you do eventually talk to your ex, you need to be able to hold meaningful and engaging conversations. If your old communication style was full of arguments, negativity, or emotional neediness, change that.
Practice active listening, keep conversations light and positive, and most importantly—don’t bring up the breakup. Instead, make them enjoy talking to you again. A good conversation can spark emotions and rekindle attraction faster than you think.
7. Make Them Jealous (But Don’t Overdo It)
A little jealousy can go a long way. Seeing you happy and possibly attracting new attention can make your ex realize they don’t want to lose you for good.
You don’t have to flaunt a new relationship—just show that you have options. Post pictures with friends, mention fun plans with people they don’t know, or simply look amazing when you know you’ll see them.
But be careful. If you try too hard, it will come across as fake or manipulative. The goal is to make them wonder, not push them away.
8. Reignite the Spark with Casual Interactions
Once you’ve given enough space and worked on yourself, it’s time to slowly reintroduce yourself into their life. The best way? Light, casual interactions.
Send a quick, nonchalant message about something you know they’ll respond to. It could be a funny meme, a reference to something you both loved, or a casual “Hey, I saw this and thought of you.”
Keep it short and pressure-free. The goal is to open the door for more interactions without making it feel forced.
9. Be the Person They Fell for Again—But Better
Think back to the early days of your relationship. What made them attracted to you in the first place? Were you adventurous? Confident? Playful?
Over time, relationships can dull those qualities. Now is the time to bring them back. But don’t just stop at who you were—become an upgraded version of yourself. Show them you’ve grown, learned, and improved.
When your ex sees that you’re not only the person they fell for but even better, they won’t be able to resist.
10. Make Them Feel Like It’s Their Idea to Come Back
People don’t like being pushed into decisions. If your ex feels like you’re trying too hard to win them back, they’ll resist. The trick? Make them believe coming back was their idea.
How? By showing them what they’re missing, creating an emotional pull, and letting them come to you. Once they start reaching out, keep things light and fun. Let them feel like they’re the ones initiating the reconnection.
The moment they realize they don’t want to lose you for good, they’ll make the move.
Final Thoughts
Winning back an ex isn’t about chasing or begging—it’s about becoming someone they can’t ignore. By following these 10 proven steps, you’ll shift the dynamic and make them crave you again.
But remember this: The ultimate goal is not just to get them back—it’s to build a stronger, healthier relationship. So focus on growth, confidence, and happiness. If they come back, great. If not, you’ll still be the best version of yourself, ready for something even better.