Why does my ex look like a different person?

You spend a lot of time with a person, share moments, experiences and build a special relationship. However, when that relationship comes to an end and you meet that person again, something seems to have changed drastically. Their behavior, personality, and even the way they perceive you may now seem completely different, but why is this?

In this Psychology-Online article we will explain why your ex seems like a different person completely different after a breakup. We'll also cover how to deal with the situation if your ex acts like he doesn't care about you, as well as provide you with tips for handling this situation in a healthy way.

Index

1. Why does my ex look like someone else and I don't recognize him?
2. What if your ex acts like he doesn't care about you?
3. How to act if my ex seems like a different person

Breakups are complex and emotional processes that often leave people feeling confused and hurt. A common experience after a breakup is the feeling that your ex seems like a completely different person than the one you used to know. But why does this happen? Below we show you the main reasons why this happens:

Lost Connection

First of all, it is important to understand that romantic relationships involve building a unique connection between two people. Over time, these connections can influence the personality, behaviors, and perceptions of both parties. When a breakup occurs, it is as if a part of that connection was lost, which can lead to drastic changes in the way one behaves and perceives themselves.

Need for emotional protection

One of the factors that contribute to your ex seeming like a different person is need to protect yourself emotionally. After a breakup, people often set up barriers to avoid pain and sadness. vulnerability, which can manifest in a change in the way they communicate, express emotions, or interact with you.

Peronal evolution

Personal evolution also has a lot to do with it. When relationships break down, people look for evolve and improve themselves. They begin to explore different activities, meet other people and embark on a journey of self discovery. In this sense, it is natural that, over time, both you and your ex can change and evolve.

Overwhelming emotions

Plus, emotions after a breakup can be overwhelming and confusing. The sadness, anger and frustration They can influence behavior and self-perception. This can lead to your ex acting unexpectedly or differently than they used to, which can result in you not recognizing them.

You may also be interested in the article Why doesn't my ex block me if he doesn't talk to me?.

The post-breakup phase can be an emotionally confusing and often chaotic period. In this sense, your ex acting as if he or she doesn't care about you can have several emotional and psychological effects, both on you and your ex. To begin with, you are likely to experience a number of negative emotions, such as sadness, confusion and anger. On the other hand, the lack of attention or affection from your ex can deeply hurt your self-esteem and trigger feelings of rejection.

In the case of your ex, acting like he doesn't care about you can be a way of emotional protection. It is possible that he is trying to deal with his own emotions after the breakup and appears indifferent as a way of coping with the pain. Likewise, it could also be a strategy to keep distance and avoid confrontation or suffering.

What is clear is that each person handles grief and loss differently. Therefore, the way your ex acts may not reflect her true feelings, as this is usually a temporary response to the intensity of post-breakup emotions. In this article we explain How to overcome a break of couple.

When you're faced with the disconcerting situation where your ex seems to have transformed into someone you barely recognize, it's It is essential to consider how to act constructively to take care of your own well-being and handle the situation in the most healthy as possible. Below, we offer you some tips to deal with this situation:

• Reflect: Start by reflecting on how you feel in relation to this transformation of your ex, ask yourself: How does this situation make me feel? Recognizing your own emotions is the first step to addressing this situation in the best way possible.
• Communicate: Try to have a sincere conversation with your ex. Ask him about any changes you've noticed in his behavior or personality. However, do so from a place of understanding and empathy rather than confrontation. Listening to their perspective can give you clarity about what they are feeling.
• Set limits: If contact of any kind with your ex is causing you pain, set boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. You could temporarily distance yourself or reduce communication until you can process the situation better.
• Seek support: Seek support from people who love you. Sharing your feelings and concerns with people you trust can help ease the emotional burden.
• think of you: Take time to take care of yourself. Focus on activities that make you feel good and help you regain your emotional stability. Self-care is essential to overcome any situation.
• Consult a professional: Consider seeking the guidance of a therapist. A mental health professional can provide you with valuable tools and strategies to deal with this situation.
• Acceptance: Remember that people change over time and relationships evolve. Sometimes these transformations are temporary, and in other cases they can be permanent. Learn to accept that people have the right to grow and change, and you have the opportunity to do so too.
• Rediscover yourself: Keep the focus on yourself and your own well-being. This situation can be an opportunity to rediscover yourself and grow, to focus on your own goals and dreams.
• Avoid idealization: Sometimes after a breakup, we tend to idealize the past and believe that things were better than they really were. Avoid falling into this pattern and keep a realistic perspective.
• Open your mind: keep an open mind to new connections and opportunities. Life is full of surprises, and you might find someone who shares your values ​​and goals more especially in the future.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why does my ex look like a different person?, we recommend that you enter our category of Feelings.

• Arriagada, F., Ruiz, P., and Zicavo, N. (2016). Marriage breakup, a grieving process. Academic Integration in Psychology. https://www.academia.edu/download/46741029/Ruptura_matrimonial_un_proceso_de_duelo___Arriagada__Ruiz__Zicavo_Mayo_2016.pdf
• Marquez, M. W. b. (2017). Breakup of the couple in young people: factors related to its impact. Redalyc.org. http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa? id=29255775008
• Llácer, L. TO. (2019). Psychological models of grief: a theoretical review. http://revistacdvs.uflo.edu.ar/index.php/CdVUFLO/article/view/176