Relationships come and go, but the impact they leave behind? That can stick with you for years. That’s really what National Ex-Boyfriend Day (October 3rd) is about—not sitting around crying into your ice cream or angrily scrolling through old texts, but pausing to reflect on how past relationships shaped you.
Maybe you learned what you don’t want, maybe you figured out how strong you are, or maybe you just walked away with some hilarious stories. Whatever the case, it’s a day to laugh, reflect, and (if you’re feeling generous) silently thank an ex for the lessons, even the messy ones.
📌 Mark Your Calendar! National Ex Boyfriend Day falls on October 3rd in 2025 (Friday).
What Is National Ex-Boyfriend Day, Exactly?
October 3rd is unofficially known as National Ex Boyfriend Day, a day that sprouted from the wild gardens of the internet. No one knows exactly who started it, but somewhere along the line, people on Twitter (well… now X) started posting “Happy Ex-Boyfriend Day!” on October 3rd, usually with a mix of sarcasm, nostalgia, and memes. The internet took it and ran, and now it’s become an unofficial annual tradition for sharing funny stories, lighthearted roasts, or simply rolling your eyes at dating history.
Over time, October 3rd stuck as the day to either:
- Nostalgically reminisce about past flames,
- Playfully roast an ex (with love… or not), or
- Simply laugh at the absurdity of dating history.
It isn’t a real holiday, but if it gives us a reason to reflect, laugh, or finally delete their number, why not lean into it?
Why Bother Celebrating?
Because breakups, as rough as they are, show you what you’re made of. They force growth, teach lessons, and sometimes even clear the way for much better things ahead. Ex-Boyfriend Day isn’t about bitterness—it’s about appreciating how far you’ve come since.
A few reasons to actually lean into it:
- Closure – Reflecting on what you learned can help you let go for good.
- Self-care – Perfect excuse to spoil yourself, no questions asked.
- Perspective – Looking back shows you just how much you’ve grown.
Fun (and Drama-Free) Ways to Celebrate
You don’t need a plan, but if you want to mark the day, here are a few ideas:
✔ Reflect on what the relationship taught you—deal-breakers, self-worth, or just how not to date.
✔ If you’re on good terms, send a playful “Happy Ex-Boyfriend Day—no hard feelings!” message. (If not? Skip it, obviously.)
✔ Treat yourself: order that comfort food, buy those shoes, or book a spa day.
✔ Swap funny ex stories with friends—you’ll realize everyone’s dated at least one walking red flag.
✔ Donate or toss their old stuff (bye-bye, hoodie).
✔ Release grudges. Anger weighs you down more than them.
✔ Post a lighthearted tribute on social media if you’re feeling bold (but keep it classy, no shady subtweets).
At the End of the Day, It’s About You
Ex-Boyfriend Day isn’t a “real” holiday, but it can still be a powerful little check-in with yourself. For me, it’s a day to celebrate the fact that I once dumped a guy who thought “Netflix and chill” counted as romance (still proud of that decision). Every year, I buy myself something small—kind of a “congrats on dodging that bullet” gift.
Whether you’re sipping wine with friends, laughing at old stories, or just enjoying your peace, take a moment on October 3rd to honor your resilience. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about them—it’s about how much stronger, wiser, and happier you’ve become.
Read Also:
50 Affirmations To Get Your Ex Back (Or To Text You & The Words To Use)
