Yes, they’re thinking about you. Constantly.
I know how it looks from where you’re sitting - the social media posts, the karmic partner, the whole performance of being fine. But they can’t get you out of their head no matter how hard they try. The research on runner psychology shows that about 75% experience deep regret, and the thoughts aren’t occasional - they’re intrusive and obsessive.
The person you’re describing is likely in what’s called “soul shock.” They’re overwhelmed by fear, not indifference.
Fear of the intensity, fear they’re not worthy, fear of being consumed by something they can’t control. So they shut down completely because confronting it feels impossible. They block you, date someone else, act like you don’t exist. All of this while thinking about you daily and checking your profiles when they think you won’t notice.
The cruel part is they’re suffering too, just silently. One runner described it as “the heartbreak of a breakup on steroids” happening internally while showing nothing externally. They’re processing wounds that got triggered, dealing with their own lack of self-love, wrestling with what the mirror is showing them. The connection feels threatening to their entire identity.
Your pain is valid. But so is theirs, even if you can’t see it.