15 Ways To Make Your Ex Jealous Of You

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When you want your ex to regret breaking up with you, the commonly asked question is, ‘how to make my ex jealous?’ Well, relationships can be complicated at times, and the issues reach a level where you and your partner are forced to call it quits. But after the break-up, you still want them to think about you and regret their decision, especially if they were the ones who initiated it. So, of course, the best way to do that is to make them feel envious as you flaunt and display your newfound freedom. But how? We got you. Read on for some effective ways to get your ex’s attention and make them green with envy.

15 Ways To Make Your Ex Jealous

If you’re looking to excite some envy in your ex, it’s important to approach the situation with confidence and self-respect. While it’s natural to feel the urge to attract their attention, the goal should be to empower yourself and embrace your personal growth. Before getting into the details, remember that these tips are meant to make them regret breaking up with you. They are in no way intended to hurt or taunt your ex’s feelings.

1. Cut contact with them

The first golden rule after a breakup is to cut contact with your ex; no drunk dialing, no fake SOS for help, or no urgent matter. When you maintain contact after breaking up, it shows how much you miss them and are dependent on them for your happiness. Cutting contact implies that you do not need them and are doing fine on your own.

Quick tip

Block them on all social media platforms. This will make them curious to know what is happening with you post the breakup, whether you are seeing somebody, etc.

2. Work on your body

Heard of the term ‘revenge body’? Made popular by reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, it refers to working out and eating healthy to get into your best shape after being dumped by a lover. When you look better and hotter, your ex is bound to feel jealous. And if this ‘new you’ gets attention from the opposite sex, then there is nothing better than to rub it in your ex’s face and make them envious.

3. Work on your appearance

Getting into good shape is useless without good clothes to show off all that hard work. The aim here is to look better now than you did when dating your ex. So, change your wardrobe and get some clothes that will make you look more attractive and parade around with your buddies for your ex to notice. Change your hairstyle and work on developing your personality. Let your ex see how wonderful you are.

4. Move with your life

Have you ever mentioned something that you wanted to do with your ex but never did? Now’s the time to do it. Also, ensure that the news reaches your ex. For instance, go skydiving or bungee jumping and share the images of your adventure on social media to make them feel left out. When your ex sees you having fun without them, they will feel jealous and may even want to get back to you.

5. Meet your friends

Breakups can make you sad, and meeting up with your gang can uplift your mood. Also, when you meet your friends, and the news reaches your ex, or they see your pictures online, they feel shocked at how well you are doing after the breakup. They feel the need to reconnect to know what is happening in your life.

Point to consider

If you and your ex had planned a trip somewhere, make it happen with your friends. Post pictures and videos on your social media and let your ex know you are having a good time without them.

6. Hang out with someone new

An effective way to make your ex jealous is to tease them by letting them know that you are hanging out with a new person. You don’t need to be dating this new person, but when you hang out with them, it can give your ex the impression that you have moved on quickly, making them feel jealous. Remember to tell this new person about it, so it does not look like you are using them.

7. Get together with someone they don’t like

Did your ex ever restrict you from meeting or talking to a particular person because they were jealous of them? If yes, then connect with that person only to make your ex jealous. Remember to talk to this person only if you are comfortable with them and they are a nice person. Don’t do something just to trigger your ex and invite unnecessary trouble for yourself.

8. Be civil and nice to your ex

If you work with your ex, then be nice to them. Do not show anger or sadness after your breakup. Be normal around them. Look happy and excited as always. Seeing you cheerful makes them feel you’re doing well without her after the breakup. Your positive attitude makes you even more attractive to them, and they miss having you as a part of their life.

9. Praise someone else in front of your ex

Compliment someone in front of your ex and do it subtly and convincingly. Make sure you don’t overdo it. When you praise someone, especially of the opposite sex, in front of your ex, they will feel jealous firstly, because you noticed someone and secondly, because it shows that in a way, you are moving on from them quickly.

10. Be cool with them

In case you happen to bump into your ex and the one they are currently dating, then remember not to react. Instead, act completely normal. When you look unaffected, they feel the pinch of how unimportant they must be for you. It may not come easily to you but try your best to fake normalcy and contain your anger or frustration at least in front of them.

11. Ignore them on social media

Post about your regular but fun activities online and let everyone see how cool your life is. You don’t need to go out of your way to post something interesting. Upload pictures of you cooking a new cuisine or how the morning sun makes your skin glow, or even a workout video. Let your ex feel jealous of your happy and fun life so they realize what they are missing.

12. Be active on social media

Brag and boast about your regular but fun activities online and let everyone see how cool your life is. You need not go out of your way to post something interesting. Upload pictures of you cooking a new cuisine or how the morning sun makes your skin glow, or even a workout video. Let your ex feel jealous of your happy and fun life, so they realize what they are missing out.

13. Go offline at night

Ensure that you do not post on social media at night. Also, do not answer their calls or reply to their messages at night. Why? Because when you are unavailable, it makes your ex wonder what keeps you busy at night. They feel curious and even jealous, thinking that you could be seeing someone else.

14. Go on dates

This one is a win-win situation for you. Firstly, meeting new people and getting back on the dating scene helps you get your mind off your ex. And if you click with someone new, then that’s awesome. However, when the news of you meeting new people reaches your ex, and if they still harbor feelings for you, then they will surely feel jealous and may want to reconnect with you.

15. Become successful

You will have to keep your ex aside and focus on your work and yourself for this one. Whatever you had set your eyes on, now is the time to go after it, guns blazing. Achieving success in life makes you happy and your ex envious. They will even hate themselves for leaving someone as successful as you.

How To Make Your Ex Jealous Over Text

Subtle texting can be a way to make your ex go green with jealousy. Here’s how to do it:

• Ask casually over text if it was him that you saw in a nightclub or bar. The point is to let him know you are having fun and have moved on for good.
• Send an apparently “accidental” text meant for someone else and apologize. The content may be a bit flirty or indicate a date plan. Though he may see through this one, it will fuel his jealousy.
• If they are the one texting you and asking your whereabouts, do not answer immediately and answer with something suggestive. For example, “Had a crazy late night party, was sleeping like a log. Sorry for replying so late,” or “Was probably in the shower when you texted and left for some urgent work right after that.”

Consequences Of Making Your Ex Jealous

Making your ex jealous can feel tempting, but it often comes with consequences that might negatively affect you and your ex. Jealousy might seem like a good way to gain their attention. However, it might lead your ex to return to your life for the wrong reasons. 

Relationship expert Daisy Ayla says, “Yes, your ex might react. They may reach out, ask questions, or even show signs of irritation. But is that a sign of love, or just a bruised ego? Many times, jealousy triggers temporary reactions, not real change. It might make your ex feel competitive, but it won’t fix the underlying issues that caused the breakup in the first place. More importantly, playing the jealousy game can backfire. Instead of making them miss you, it could make them believe you’ve truly moved on — or worse, push them into someone else’s arms out of spite (i).” 

Here are some potential outcomes you should consider before resorting to jealousy tactics.

1. Damaged self-esteem: While you might initially feel a sense of satisfaction, playing the jealousy game can lead to feelings of insecurity or anxiety in the long run. It’s hard to feel truly good about yourself when your actions are driven by the need to seek validation from someone else.
2. Toxic behaviors: Jealousy often leads to toxic behaviors, such as manipulation, spite, or passive-aggressiveness. These actions can create unnecessary drama and confusion, not only for your ex, but also for your friends and anyone else caught in the situation.
3. Unresolved emotions: Trying to make your ex jealous can reopen old wounds or prolong emotional pain. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of emotional turmoil.
4. Lack of personal growth: Focusing on getting your ex to feel jealous takes away energy from your personal development. It could hold you back from building new skills, forming new relationships, or simply enjoying your life. It diverts your attention to someone who no longer plays a role in your journey.

Daisy adds, “Trying to make your ex jealous isn’t just about them — it also affects you. It keeps you trapped in a mindset of seeking validation instead of healing. You may find yourself obsessively checking if they’ve noticed your posts, analyzing their reactions, or even feeling disappointed when they don’t seem to care…Instead of truly moving forward, you become stuck in an emotional tug-of-war (i).”

Healthy Ways To Move On From Your Ex

Breakups can be painful and challenging to navigate, especially if you still have feelings for your ex. However, it’s essential for healing and growth. Here are some practical steps you can take to deal with the process and move on (1).

1. Acknowledging your emotions: Breakups can feel like a loss, and it’s important to allow yourself time to mourn the end of the relationship. Whether you’re feeling sad, angry, or confused, acknowledging these emotions is a vital first step in the healing process. 
2. Cut contact: It can be tempting to stay in touch with your ex, but it often delays the healing process. Constant communication can reopen wounds and make it harder to move on. Consider taking a break—whether that means unfollowing or muting them on social media or not responding to texts or calls.
3. Focus on self-care: Take the time to prioritize yourself and your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercising, reading, cooking, or spending time with loved ones. Daisy Ayla says, “Take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Dress in a way that makes you feel good, improve your mindset, and engage in activities that boost your self-esteem. When you genuinely feel great about yourself, you won’t need to fake happiness for anyone’s approval (i).”
4. Learn from the relationship: Try to gain perspective and understand what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ve learned. It’s not about blaming yourself or your ex but about gaining insight into how you can grow from the experience.
5. Get support: Reach out to friends and family who care about you for  emotional support. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can help you feel less isolated and remind you that you’re not alone. You may also seek professional help if you feel you are unable to move on.
6. Avoid rebounding: While it’s tempting to jump into another relationship, give yourself time to heal before pursuing something new. Rebounds can complicate your emotions and prevent you from fully moving on. Take time to rediscover yourself before entering another relationship.

Infographic: Unspoken Rules Of Making Your Ex Go Green With Envy

So you two broke up and have taken different paths in life. But sometimes, you miss them or may feel like making them envious of your life and achievements. Making your ex jealous may be temporarily thrilling, but it could backfire sometimes. Scroll through this infographic for some important dos and don’ts of making your ex feel jealous.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Incredible Ways To Make Your Ex Jealous Of You

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Nancy FaganMarriage Mediator, LMFT

Nancy Fagan specializes in relationship problems, couples counseling, and divorce, having done her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is the founder of the Relationship Resolution Center in Plano, Texas, and is a published author with three books in her name "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Romance" (Macmillan Publishing), "Desirable Men: How to Find Them" (Prima Publishing), and "Fables of Fairy Good Heart: Divorce—A Parent's Love Lasts Forever" (Indie).

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Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Shikha ThakurMBA

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Benidamika J LatamMA, MSc

Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

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