Why Your Ex Still Watches Your Instagram Stories

Is your ex watching your Instagram stories? You wouldn't be here if they weren't.

Chances are it's thrown you for a bit of a loop, as you're suddenly starting to wonder why they viewed it.

Are they still in love with you, or totally over you? Was it just an accident, or did they do it on purpose to remind you they're still there?

We're breaking down all the possible reasons why your ex saw your IG story below:

They Want to Get Back Together

A very logical explanation (and one you might be hoping to hear) to your ex watching your IG stories is that they want to reconcile. They might've missed you so much, and seeing you having fun through your posts has lit a fire within them to attempt to mend your relationship. Why else would they always be at the top of your viewers list? Hint: They're still into you and could possibly want to get back together.

Let's make one thing clear, there's definitely a time limit to this. If they've been watching your Insta stories for a few days to a week following the breakup, they'll likely reach out to see how you're doing. But if it's been a few months or more, they probably don't want to get back together. Actions do speak louder than words, after all.

 

They're Curious to Know How You're Handling the Breakup

Everyone wishes they could be a fly on the wall, especially when that person is your ex and you want to know if they're still crushed by the breakup. Through your stories, they can essentially do that. Granted, they only see the happier moments and not the times you're crying over your relationship being over.

Your ex is likely glued to your stories, because they want to see you crack. They want to know that you're hurting just as much (if not, more) than they are. But don't let them get to you. Even when you're not feeling all that spectacular, post a cute selfie to rub it in their face that you're doing just fine.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

They Want to Get Under Your Skin

Chances are your ex is doing this for some sort of personal gain, mainly to upset you. They're aware that when you see their username in the viewers, you'll be thinking about them and all the wonderful moments the two of you shared while you were dating. They just want to get a rise out of you and might even be hoping you reach out to them because of it. Don't let their online presence upset you though. The next time you see them in your viewers, let it go. You're doing just fine without them. And if they want to talk to you, they know how to get a hold of you.

 

They're Thinking About You

Why else would you watch someone's story who you broke up with? Clearly, they miss you. They were reminiscing about your time spent together, saw that you posted an Insta story and decided to watch it to see your smiling face once again. Does this mean that they want to get back together? Not necessarily. You can miss someone who you don't ever want to see again. Remember that if they do want to rekindle your romance, they'll do something about it, more so than simply watching your story.

(To All the Boys I've Loved Before via Netflix)

 

Also read about: 5 Ways to Get Over an Ex

 

They Did It Accidentally

This is a very obvious and not incredibly exciting reason as to why they watched your IG story, but one that has to be stated, nonetheless. They could've watched it on accident and that's all it means. They probably didn't mean to, but weren't able to close out in time before it flipped to your story. So there they are in your viewers. You're confused, they're panicked. But really, it's nothing to get worked up about.

 

They Want to Know About Your Dating Life

Just as they want to know how you're doing post-breakup, they also might be curious to know who you're with. The reason they watch your story regularly is in hopes they'll catch a glimpse of your new S.O., wanting to know if you've downgraded or upgraded from them.

If you don't have a new partner, don't go out and find one to make your ex jealous. Nothing good will come of that, we can guarantee it. Let them watch your stories and see how much better off you are now that they're out of the picture.

(Grown-ish via Freeform)

 

They're Totally Over You

Of all the reasons they could've watched your story, hearing this one probably stings a bit. It's true though, so we had to say it. They could've watched your story because they're completely over you. The only reason they viewed it was to make sure of it. They saw it, didn't have a reaction and can now move on from whatever the two of you had.

Don't let this discourage you or make you feel bad. If you're not already over them, you'll get there. Things take time, so don't feel the need to rush through your recovery process. It's all going to be okay.

 

Now you know what it means when your ex watches your stories, but are you freaking out over your crush unfollowing you? HERE's what that could mean.