It’s easy to read into a text that doesn’t actually mean anything deeper. Moyle advises you consider the context in which your ex has reached out, especially if they’re a repeat offender with this kind of carrot-and-stick behaviour. “If you notice that your ex has a habit of messaging you at certain times like around the holidays, or [when] they are likely to be feeling lonely, but then it never goes anywhere, it’s worth considering that they are using contact to soothe something in them without the intention of building on things further.” The truth hurts but it really is a reflection of them, rather than you.