Having Sex With an Ex: Lessons, Regrets, and Everything In Between

Sleeping with an ex is one of those choices that makes you pause. It’s tempting, familiar, and complicated all at once. But let’s be honest — we’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through old photos or replying to a “Hey, you up?” text at midnight. The idea seems harmless, even exciting. Until it’s not.

Why Do People Sleep With Their Ex?

Let’s get straight to it: nostalgia is powerful.

That feeling of “they already know me” can be comforting.

Maybe you’re lonely, or the dating pool feels shallow.

Sometimes, it’s a mix of missing them and missing how they made you feel.

A 2022 survey by Psychology Today found that over 40% of people admitted to hooking up with an ex out of convenience.

But convenience comes with consequences. You’re not just revisiting a person. You’re revisiting emotions, habits, and history — good or bad.

“I thought it was closure,” my friend Laura told me. “But it wasn’t.”

She had bumped into her ex, Nathan, at a party.

Sparks flew again, and one drink led to another. By the end of the night, they were back at his apartment.