This talk is so very related to them wanting another person and keeping you dangling while they pursue them guiltfree because they said they are not in a relationship anymore.

(I have a pair of friends a guy&girl who have done this numerous times when they have a chance with another sexual partner.)

Exact same scenario every time and neither of them can admit it's just a jerk move to keep the ex on hold while sealing the deal with new person.

I never worried until the guy did this to the mother of his kids and the girl started giving advice to me on how healthy relationships works after binging tiktok for a few years and never having a relationship last longer than a few months...

Then I had a sit down and told them they are both to old at 31 & 34 to be doing this to people. (Been happening since we where 17 & 20, atleast 7 times between them, that I know of.)