It's important to remember that interpreting someone's feelings, especially an ex's, can be challenging, and there's no definitive way to know for sure what they're thinking or feeling. However, there might be some signs that could indicate that your ex still has feelings for you, even if they are being mean and distant:
Mixed signals: If your ex is sending mixed signals, such as being mean and distant in one moment but then showing moments of kindness or nostalgia, it could indicate inner conflict about their feelings for you.
Jealousy or possessiveness: If your ex shows signs of jealousy or possessiveness when you talk about or spend time with other people, it could be a sign that they still have feelings for you.
Emotional outbursts: Strong emotional reactions or outbursts when discussing the breakup or your past relationship might suggest that they are struggling with unresolved feelings.
Frequent communication: Even if your ex is distant, if they still maintain frequent communication with you, it could be a sign that they want to stay connected or keep an emotional bond.
Bringing up old memories: If your ex often brings up shared memories or references to your past relationship, it might indicate that they are still emotionally attached.
Stalking or monitoring your social media: If your ex is constantly checking your social media accounts or asking mutual friends about you, it could be a sign of lingering feelings.
Attempts to make you jealous: Sometimes, an ex might try to elicit a reaction from you by making you jealous, which could indicate unresolved emotions on their part.
Intense reactions to your dating life: If your ex reacts strongly or negatively to news of you dating someone else, it might suggest they still have feelings for you.
However, it's crucial to be cautious about overanalyzing the situation and giving too much weight to these signs. People's behavior can be complex, and they might be mean or distant for reasons that have nothing to do with their feelings for you. Sometimes, being mean and distant can be a way of coping with the pain of a breakup or a method of trying to move on.
If you're still interested in understanding where your ex stands, consider having an open and honest conversation with them, if possible. However, be prepared for the possibility that they might not be ready to share their true feelings or may not even be fully aware of them. Focus on taking care of yourself, healing, and moving forward in a healthy way, regardless of your ex's emotions.