"Hey, How have you been?" Such a seemingly harmless text message that scrolls across your screen as you're going about your business like any other day. A harmless text that could have a million different meanings depending on who's asking the question. From a parent, it's concern. A friend, you've probably lost touch because life gets busy and they're checking in on you. But from an ex...well, that's a different story. Here's a few thoughts on that "How have you been?" text.
1. He must have broken up with that girl
We all know or have an ex who only texts you when they're bored, alone, or want to exaggerate the fact that their single again (as if we actually care). When you see this dreaded text across your screen from said ex, you do the standard eye-roll protocol and wait for the follow up text that tells you how great you are (as if you don't already know you're amazing!)
2. Oh. That's sweet.
Maybe enough time has passed or the breakup wasn't super bad and you and your ex are on comfortably civil terms and just haven't spoken in a while. Sometimes catching up isn't such a bad thing. When the bad feelings are behind the two of you, catching up can be kind of cathartic...or terrifying when you realize just how much hasn't changed in your own life.
3. Time to go change my number.
Psycho exes exist, and if you don't have one, consider yourself lucky. But if you do have a psycho ex, changed numbers are a totally plausible thing. Go ahead, ignore that message and go get a new number. Better yet, move to another state. Better safe than sorry.
4. Damn.
Just when you thought you were over the feelings and the initial heartbreak of breaking up with someone you really liked, they try to reach out to you in the most innocent of ways: a text. And maybe you fight with yourself about answering it but we all know that in the end, the heart wins and you'll probably end up sobbing over a pint of icecream all over again.
And then there's this:
5. How about nah.
Just let bygones be bygones. Not every past needs to be dug up and not every ex needs to be responded to. At the end of the day, they're an ex for a reason, no point in rehashing the same old story. Delete that text and continue being the amazing you!
Leave the past in the past, really, it's a much better idea. I promise.
