Ex Files: Why We Keep Going Back to Our Exes in the Summer
Why do 38% return to exes in summer? Psychology, dopamine, and FOMO behind the urge to revisit old love.
As summer approaches, many people find themselves drawn back to their ex-partners. According to a survey by Dating.com, 38% of singles have either rekindled a relationship or had a fling with an ex during the summer. Google searches for "I'm still in love with my ex" have also increased by 362%. The allure of reconnecting with an ex during the summer is fueled by longer evenings, looser routines, and an abundance of social events.
Research suggests that seeing an image of a former partner can activate brain areas associated with reward and addiction, leading to intense cravings to reconnect. The familiarity of an ex is comforting, and going back to an old relationship requires less effort than starting anew. Social media amplifies the temptation, as people often share updates and photos of their lives, making it difficult to maintain boundaries.
Interestingly, 29% of respondents from the Dating.com survey would take an ex back immediately if they asked, highlighting the powerful influence of the relationship even after it has ended.
Written by urgent.news from HackerNoon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
