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Breakups can be devastating, but eventually, most of us make it through the darkness to the other side. It's often a process of letting go until the pain subsides, our hearts heal, and the past becomes a distant memory. But what happens when one party tries to keep the fire burning long after cold water was poured on the relationship?

That's exactly what happened to one person who revealed that their ex had the audacity to wear the shirt she got him for Christmas to his engagement party. The post prompted more than 24,000 comments to come hurtling in, as netizens shared their own tales about ex-partners acting more than a little unhinged.

Bored Panda has put together the wildest ones. There's the guy who got married on his ex's birthday, the poor soul who had to make her ex's wedding cake, and a surprising number of hangers-on who named their kids after an ex. Buckle up for a wild reminder that it ain't over 'til it's truly over.

#1

Young man showing drawing to woman in casual creative workspace I told him my business idea. He said it will never work and really discouraged me from starting it. I broke up with him because I felt like the shell of the person I once was. He started a business with my business idea and my business plan few months after. It’s very successful. He has an about the owner section on the website saying he just came up with it one day while he was “day dreaming”

Cutiewithabooty , RDNE Stock project/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Janelle Collard
Community Member
Premium
1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rip off AH dude needs some 1-star Yelp reviews. Just sayin'...

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Sometimes relationships end amicably, with both parties agreeing that it's best to go their separate ways. But more often than not, one person wants out while the other still has feelings. In a perfect world, the rejected partner will accept their loss and try to move on. But we don't live in a perfect world, and that's why we see so many stories about unhinged exes doing some really weird stuff.

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“Certain attachment styles can play out in the break-up of a relationship,” explains Jo Coker, a psychologist and the director of therapy and training standards at the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). “For those whose attachment style is insecure, a breakup can be especially hard and they may find themselves struggling to cope, becoming ‘clingy,' and not wanting to let go.”

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    #2

    Bearded man looking at phone with a serious expression showing frustration Called me in tears while he was in Italy with his wife and said “remember when we used to talk about coming here together oh my Lola how I wish it was you here with me.just know I will always love you so much.”It was 12 yrs after we dated.

    𝒜𝓁𝑒𝓍🤍 , Mikhail Nilov/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #3

    Woman decorating cake in kitchen inspired by exes unhinged stories He ordered his wedding cake from the bakery that worked at….I had to make his wedding cake. 😑

    Tessa Griffith , SHVETS production/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    The expert adds that some people react spitefully to being dumped, in a bid to protect their own pride.

    “When humans are hurt, often they will project their hurt and anger onto the perceived cause of the pain,” Coker told Cosmopolitan. “They are trying to make them feel their pain, and suffer for the hurt they have caused.”

    According to Dr. Randi Gunther, a California-based clinical psychologist and marriage counselor with over 40 years of experience, there are many cases where the rejected partner simply doesn't understand why the relationship ended the way it did.

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    "Confused and deeply wounded, they can only ease their distress by continuing to push for a resolution," says Gunther. "Until those needs are met, they cannot let go."

    #5

    Smiling man with four daughters standing close and happy outdoors He named ALL his five daughters after me, using different combinations of my first and middle name 😜

    Moonshine Lady , Dr. Dania/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was about to ask what it is like to have someone so obsessed with you. Then I realised. I have got someone so obsessed with me.

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    #6

    Man giving woman a rose illustrating unhinged exes romantic gestures They got married with the engagement ring he bought for me and I somehow “lost” three months before we broke up. We broke up bc I lost that ring.

    Niko , Gustavo Fring/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Karma Black
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope his wife's finger turns green.

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    Gunther says there are many reasons why some people struggle to let go of relationships. One is because they're naturally excessively dependent by nature.

    "Partners exhibiting extreme dependence on the other are often suppliant, over-agreeable, and non-challenging. Those behaviors may be initially attractive to someone who doesn’t like hassle, but overwhelming as time goes on," explains Gunther. "The continuous need for reassurance becomes burdensome."

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    Cue: bad breakup. One that the dependent party can't understand or accept.

    #7

    Middle-aged man in suit and glasses working on laptop indoors My dad’s dating profile pictures (while he was still married to my mom) were the cropped family photos we took for our church directory. He was a pastor.

    Kate , Sophie Paterson/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yeah - the great moralistic Christian strikes again....I hate religion.

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    #8

    He gave her my ring that my grandmother gave me for my 16 birthday I lost it when I was 19 he even helped me look all over the house for it…. 4 years later he proposed with it 🤦🏻‍♀️

    Anna C👀 Report

    #9

    Broke up with me, devastated me, I went through a grieve process you can not imagine. Only to call me on my wedding day to my beautiful amazing husband to tell me he made a terrible mistake and that someone else was marrying “his wife”. Like bro seriously. It felt like a soap opera. I made the right choice and hung up and never looked back even once.

    Emily Jensen Report

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have laughed at him and said, "Dude you did me a favor!"

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    Their behavior might manifest in different ways. Perhaps they keep bad-mouthing you to friends, they take digs at you on social media, they won't stop messaging you, they still pine for you even after you've moved on with someone else, or, like some weirdos on this list, they name their kids after you once they've seemingly moved on...

    When it comes to an ex trash-talking you, Coker says it's often done to mask feelings. “People are often hurt and may still love the person they have broken up with,” Coker explains, “and they project this hurt and try to get validation of their position as the discarded partner by trying to convert others to their viewpoint [that you’re a bad person].”

    #10

    Person in uniform holding old photo of mother and child reflecting on past He named his new daughter the same name as our baby that we we lost.

    Izzy 🥀 , George Pak/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #11

    Woman with green hair typing on laptop in dark room with low light He got married on our anniversary date, they moved into the house he built for me, with the ring he had made me for. With furniture we picked out together. every year he sets up a different email account to wish me happy birthday. It's been 14 years

    Lilly⁷ , cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How did he get the ring back? You married therefore he wasn't entitled to have it returned. As for the other stuff - he's clearly a head case....can you forward the messages to the new wife?

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    #12

    Happy couple taking selfie with dog showing joyful post-ex relationship moments They took engagement pics as a “happy family of 3” with my dog…

    Brae , www.kaboompics.com/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Alright; most of these are very “eeeuuuw,” but this one woulda had me feeling murderous. I spose folks with kids would think doing this with their kid is worse, but this has gotta be right up there. 🤬

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    In highly 'passionate' or volatile relationships, the drama continues long after the flame is extinguished. It becomes a case of making up and breaking up, and when the breakup is really, really final, one or both parties struggle to believe, or accept, it.

    "Many people live in extremely chaotic relationships that should be ended much sooner than they typically are because the good times are remarkable," says Gunther. "Over time the relationship, despite its phenomenal moments, begins to cost too much for one of the partners. The partner left behind is often confused, humiliated, and rageful, believing the other would never quit."

    #14

    Man in suit speaking into microphone at event mine apparently read a poem to his bride at their wedding reception dinner. It was an original poem I wrote for him while dating.

    Sophie , By Deniss/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes” – Mark Twain

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    #15

    Brown dog with expressive eyes sitting on person's lap wearing denim jacket I told him for YEARS that I wanted to get a GSP and name it Sam. As soon as we broke up he got a GSP puppy. Guess what he named it…Sam.

    Rachel , Helena Lopes/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Coker warns that communication is key when it comes to breaking up. “A lingering ex who contacts unsolicited, either physically or by [online] messages, can make people feel very uncomfortable," says the expert, "which is why it is very important to be clear in a breakup and not to try and soften it too much to spare feelings.”

    An ex that just won't let go can also threaten or sabotage your future relationships and happiness. "A lingering ex can [make] a new partner feel there is 'unfinished business,' which may prevent the new relationship from taking off as they feel second-best," cautions Coker.

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    #16

    Woman with vitiligo resting on a wooden table looking reflective She repainted the table my grandpa made with his bare hands

    Jennifer Ivey , Abenezer Shewaga/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #17

    Man in gray suit checking time on wristwatch He wore my dad’s watch to his wedding 😭💀😂

    Nathalia , Sushanta Rokka/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How did he get your father's watch and why haven't you tried legally to reclaim it?

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    #18

    She’s wearing my engagement ring and sleeping in my bed with the blanket my mom left for me when she passed. He never gave me the blanket back and that’s all I wanted. He could keep the house and the bed and the truck. But that blanket was the last thing i had of my mom.

    aradiajoy Report

    Otto Katz
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Break in and get it back. I'll bring the crowbar to break the door open

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    Sometimes an ex's behavior is mildly annoying or even laughable. But other times it crosses over into more serious territory. If this happens, or you start to feel harassed, threatened or scared, it's important to take your feelings seriously. Seek professional help and don't hesitate to call the police before things get out of hand.

    Have you had an experience with a nutcase ex? Let us know all about it in the comments section below...

    #19

    Sad woman wrapped in blanket sitting on couch indoors Slept with my best friend in a blanket I crocheted myself for him. She helped me pick out the colors when I was buying the yarn…

    Levy🌼 , Erinada Valpurgieva/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #20

    Tattoo artist creating detailed black ink tattoo on arm with colorful designs He covered his tattoo of our daughters name with his new child’s (not mine) name

    Al🤍 , benjamin lehman/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    😳 I hope when the kid turns 18 that mom tells the kid what her father did so she knows not to worship him or expect ANYTHING from him EVER besides manure.

    #21

    Pensive woman holding necklace in a dimly lit room showing emotional struggle She wore the anniversary necklace I gave him to our daughter’s funeral.

    Mandy C , cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh well that s***s but it was his to do with whatever he wanted.

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    #22

    Woman browsing clothing racks inside fashion retail store I took my husband shopping for his honeymoon , but I didn't know it

    jojobananas , Juli Kosolapova/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤦🏻‍♀️ The things people do, and then *they live with themselves*? Giggling about how they pulled the wools over his/her eyes? Looking at themselves in the mirror and not spitting on their reflection? Christ, and I feel bad when I find a dollar on the floor. I guess they also giggle about people who feel bad when someone loses something.

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    #23

    Woman with dark hair talking on vintage landline phone indoors He called me on his wedding day and said “I always thought this would be us” and laughed btw

    Kat , Doğukan Ata Öksüzoğlu/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know someone who got a call like this - from the bride.

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    #24

    Close up of gold necklace on person wearing black blazer I lost a gold necklace while we were dating and I saw her wearing it..

    Kadidrah Valentino , Cat Han/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you prove it's yours? If so take legal action.

    #25

    He told me God never gave him a son before in the delivery room, so I named my son after him- 4 months later I found his first son- same name, then he had another son…. Yup same name- all 3 boys have the same name as him.

    Officially Eirene Report

    KatWitch57
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those 3 boys are going to grow up, and form their own opinions.

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    #28

    Close up of vintage Christmas tree ornaments hanging on green tree The decorations on their Christmas tree are from my grandma.

    Kim , Evelien Van Den Brink/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #29

    Woman with long hair standing in front of yellow house on sunny day He moved her into the house we bought together which also happens to be my childhood home

    katiiiieeeeeee6 , Alex Moliski/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so you couldn't buy him out or ensure the house somehow stayed with you?

    #30

    Person stargazing under clear night sky filled with stars he named his son Orion, the name we had picked out because we were in a long distance relationship and we used to look up at the Orion constellation when we were missing eachother and when we were saying goodnight on the phone

    Mary Ellen , Angelo Capitanio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    obviously if you had broken up and he remarried I don't see the issue, you can still call your son Orion when you have one.

    #31

    We’ve been together for 11 years, 3 yrs married with two kids. I just found out last week that the song he chose when I walked down the aisle on our wedding day was HIS SONG for his ex. 😊💔

    Chloe Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some songs have special meaning for and about that individual, not the people they're involved with. But needlessly risky here.

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    #32

    Thoughtful woman holding ring pondering exes unhinged relationship posts He proposed with the same ring I said no to 24 hours before.

    PurpleZombieBabe💜 , Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #33

    He called his new bride my name at the reception

    I'llbringthesnacks Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ross? Is that you?

    #34

    They got married on our wedding day

    annkellyjordan Report

    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They were such a shítty spouse they probably just didn't want to forget the anniversary date 💀

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    #35

    Couple in wedding attire hiding faces behind cowboy hat in forest Mine wore the cowboy hat I bought him for our cruise in his wedding photos. With the woman he told me was his cousin.

    YourFavoriteButteredBalls , Michael McAuliffe/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #36

    He danced with his wife at his wedding to our song.

    Miriam Report

    #37

    She gets to live in my dream house we bought together. It’s still decorated the exact same. And she gets to see my dog every day 😢

    Becca 🖤 Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your dog or yours and his? Did you ask for custody?

    #38

    He came crying to my doorstop 1 month before his wedding 13 years ago, telling me that he will forever love me and will be thinking of me during his vows… and I haven’t been able to get over it or trust anyone after that.

    Jessica Kahawaty Report

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d get over that in four nanoseconds. A man who does that is not worth thinking about even THAT long.

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    #39

    He used the crib my dad bought for OUR baby for the rest of his babies.

    palisit Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    didn't you ask for it when you split?

    #40

    He "uninvited" our kids to his wedding. They were dressed, ready and excited.

    PeachyKarma Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they're all dressed up and excited, take them somewhere special and forget the wedding.

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    #41

    Took his engagement photos at OUR sunset watching spot in La Jolla. And captioned it still my favorite sunset 😩

    Brendalee Report

    #42

    He shattered my heart & married a girl with my name + the same birthday…then used my oddly spelled middle name for their daughter. She made a post about the names historical meaning & how special it is “to him”…the story was word for word what I’d told him about why the name meant so much to me.

    GB Report

    #43

    He proposed with the ring he & I designed together for me ... then "accidentally" cc'd me on the email with the photos of the proposal 🥰

    savannah Report

    #44

    Woman looks upset hugging pillow while checking phone showing exes unhinged posts He married her on my birthday…

    Kelena 🌸 , AI25.Studio Studio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP was already rid of him and so had gotten her gift early.

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    #45

    Man outdoors squinting at phone in bright sunlight He used my nickname I gave him on the dating apps after being together 30 years and 4 children. The dating age range was set at 18-45 …he was 58

    Cara , Dali Bek/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #46

    My furniture is in their engagement photos

    user109610962 Report

    Drop Bear from Hell
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how does he still have YOUR furniture?