When an ex says they forgive you but have not moved on yet, it typically means that they have come to terms with whatever issues or conflicts were present in the relationship, and they no longer hold any resentment or anger towards you for those past events. They are acknowledging that they don't harbor ill feelings or a desire for revenge.
However, despite forgiving you, they might still be experiencing emotions related to the breakup. These feelings could include sadness, grief, or lingering attachment to the relationship. "Not moving on" suggests that they are still processing the end of the relationship and may not be ready to fully let go of the emotional ties that were formed during your time together.
Here are a few possible reasons for their stance:
Emotional healing takes time: Even after forgiving someone, healing from a breakup is a gradual process. They may need more time to come to terms with the end of the relationship and process their emotions fully.
Uncertainty about feelings: Sometimes, individuals might be unsure about their emotions or what they want. They could be struggling with mixed feelings, making it challenging to move on completely.
Fear of being hurt again: Forgiving someone doesn't erase the hurt they may have experienced during the relationship or the breakup. They might fear opening themselves up to the possibility of getting hurt again in a new relationship.
Nostalgia and attachment: They might be holding onto the positive memories and emotional attachment from the past, making it difficult to move forward.
Grief over the loss: The end of a relationship can be like a loss, and grieving is a natural part of the healing process. They may still be working through their feelings of loss and emptiness.
It's important to respect their feelings and give them the space and time they need to process their emotions. If you are hoping to rekindle the relationship, avoid pressuring or pushing them to move on faster than they are comfortable with. Instead, focus on open communication, understanding, and supporting their healing journey.
If you have genuinely changed or grown since the relationship ended, it might be worth showing through your actions that you have learned from past mistakes. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not be ready or willing to give the relationship another chance. Ultimately, both individuals need to be emotionally ready and willing to move forward for any potential reconciliation to be successful.