Breaking up is like the grand finale of a big life event, complete with high-flying emotions and dramatic exits. When the show's over, and you're left alone on the stage, it's easy to get stuck obsessing over your ex like they'll always be the star of the show.

Sometimes, getting over your ex can feel like trying to break free from the grip of emotional quicksand—seriously sticky stuff, especially if you weren't the one to decide things were over. Unfortunately, getting over the overwhelming sense of longing for the person suddenly deleted from your life can feel a lot like an all-out addiction.

Where do these feelings stem from? Why is letting go so difficult? Take a closer look at why you may feel that you can't break free from your ex.

If you find yourself teary-eyed, obsessing over old photos, and analyzing every old text after a breakup, these are not uncommon reactions. While you may feel like there's something wrong because you're having a hard time letting go, there can be a lot more brewing beneath the surface. Feeling hooked on an ex-partner and obsessive over a recent breakup can stem from various........

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