There’s no denying that social media has changed the way we interact with each other. These days, it’s not uncommon for people to stay in touch with their exes through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

And while some exes are able to remain friends, others find that seeing their former partner’s posts can be a source of pain and frustration.

In the end, we’re all different but one thing is for sure: most guys will have at least that one ex they like to stalk online and leave many likes and hearts to. So why is that? Why do guys always seem to like their exes’ pictures on social media?

Why do guys like their exes’ pictures?

1- They hope to get back together:

Well, one possibility is that they’re hoping to reignite the spark and get back together. By liking their ex’s pictures, they might be trying to send a subtle message that they’re still interested.

Unfortunately, this strategy rarely works and often just ends up causing more hurt feelings. If the guy is taken or in a relationship already then it just confuses his ex to be receiving likes from him. Plus it could create drama in his life too with his partner.

Even his ex will probably be shocked to know that he’s capable of cheating, sort of, because he’s clearly not fully focused on his current relationship. So trying to get his ex’s attention can in itself be problematic and look bad not just to his partner but to the ex in question too.

2- They have unresolved feelings:

In some cases, guys might also like their exes’ pictures because they’re still dealing with unresolved emotions. Even if they’ve moved on, seeing their former partner’s happy life can be a painful reminder of what they once had. So even in this case, liking an ex’s photos can be a bad idea and will end badly.

Whatever the reason, it’s pretty clear that guys don’t always have the best judgment when it comes to their exes. So, if you’re a girl and you’re wondering why your boyfriend or partner is always leaving likes on his exes’ social media, then it can be a red flag.

Maybe he has feelings that are unresolved or unfinished business with that ex. This could mean he’ll inevitably find a way to get closure directly from his ex one day before he can move on fully.

3- They’re not overthinking it:

In other cases, guys might simply be caught up in the moment and not think about how their actions will affect their ex or even current partner. They see a photo they think it’s good enough: they’re quick to drop a like.

Even if it’s the reason, it’s important to remember that social media is a public platform, and liked pictures can often be misconstrued and seen by everyone else.

This can cause a guy’s new flame to think he’s not ready yet for commitment or it could cause issues for the ex he left a like for. If his ex is trying to get in a new relationship and her new partner recognized that she’s still accepting advances from her ex, it could affect her relationship too.

4- They miss that ex a little bit:

It’s no secret that some guys always like their ex’s pictures. No matter how long it’s been since the break-up, or how many new relationships they’ve been in after that, they can’t help but to double-tap those photos. Even if they’re happy in their new relationship, they can’t resist taking a walk down memory lane.

And when they see their ex looking happy and successful, it just makes them miss them even more. This could be simply because they’re not over them yet or because they actually recognize having had a good relationship with them, despite the break-up.

In this case, too, they still have feelings for their ex, and seeing them doing well reminds them of what they’re missing out on. But even if they’re not ready to admit it, deep down they know that they miss that person.

5- They want to make their current partner jealous:

Guys can also like their exes’ pictures for one really annoying reason: they want to make their current girlfriend jealous. It’s a childish game, but for some reason, some guys just can’t seem to resist playing it.

Even if their current girlfriend is the absolute perfect match for them, they’ll still go and like an old picture of their ex just to see the look of jealousy in her eyes. It’s an immature move, but unfortunately, it’s a pretty common one. So if you’re ever wondering why your guy seems to be liking his ex’s pictures a little too much, now you know. He may simply be trying to make you jealous or see how much you care.

Other times, they’re just not happy with how things ended with that specific ex but will never admit to it. Whatever the reason, it’s not always a good or innocent thing. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be quick to give him the green light thinking he’s just trying to get you jealous. It may not be about you, as explained.

6- They’re not content with their current relationship:

It’s not uncommon for guys to like their exes’ pictures on social media. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s because they’re not content with their current relationship and they could even think they downgraded by getting with someone new.

Maybe they think their current girlfriend isn’t as good as their ex. So in order to make themselves feel better, they’ll go and like a few of their ex’s pictures. It’s a way of saying “I’m still available, or I will make myself available if you give me a sign.”

Hopefully, your partner is smarter than that and realizes that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him. If not, then you better find someone new who appreciates you. You can check this article out where we talk about why you should never accept to be a man’s second-best or accept for him to put you in a competition with another woman.