Backsliding

Tracy Martinez
2 min readOct 12, 2024

An Epidemic

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Men (and people in general) may return to toxic exes for several reasons, often rooted in emotional, psychological, and situational factors. Here are some common motivations:

1. Nostalgia and Comfort

  • Familiarity: Past relationships, even toxic ones, can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. The brain often clings to memories of good times, overshadowing the negative experiences.
  • Routine: The established patterns in a relationship can feel safer than venturing into the unknown of single life or new relationships.

2. Unfinished Emotional Business

  • Lack of Closure: If the breakup was abrupt or unresolved, men may return to seek closure or clarity. They might hope that rekindling the relationship will provide the answers they need.
  • Lingering Feelings: Strong emotional attachments can linger long after the relationship ends, making it difficult to let go.

3. Fear of Loneliness

  • Isolation: The fear of being alone can push someone back into a toxic relationship. They might believe that having someone, even a toxic partner, is better than being single.
  • Social Pressure: Friends or societal expectations may create pressure to be in a…

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Tracy Martinez
Tracy Martinez

Written by Tracy Martinez

Writer. Fur Momma. Feminist. Coffee Addict. Backspacing Machine.

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