Why we stay attached to an ex
A breakup activates the same brain circuits as other kinds of loss, so it's normal to go through a grieving process. Staying hooked can take different forms: missing the person, hoping to get back together, holding on to anger, or idealizing the relationship and comparing everyone to it.
Limiting contact and social media checking, talking about it with people you trust and giving yourself time are the most helpful steps. If months go by and the pain doesn't ease, a psychologist can help.