Stranger?

So its been 4 months and 2 weeks since my ex boyfriend broke up with me. I messaged him today about an important document I've been frantically searching for to see if by chance I might have left it at his place since that was where I last used it.

Anyways the short is that he said no he hasn't I said ok thanks and then he said "how are you doing Stranger?"

I didn't know that's what I had become in the space of 4 months so I just said I'm great but honestly it cut me inside. A few months ago he was telling me how much he loved and cared for me and today it was stranger.

I honestly don't know how people can discard you like you meant nothing at all, like you had no value. I still do love and care for him and I was so hurt that is what he called me. It made me sorry I ever messaged to ask a question.

Am I overthinking this or was that just his way of being polite/friendly?

Thanks!

I think you are definitely way overthnking this. It's just a commonly used phrase. Are you interested in reconciliation perhaps? that would explain why it took on a much bigger meaning.

Yes I'd definitely love for us to get back together but when he said that it made me think that's how he really and truly sees me now

No, please don't think that literally. It's just a phrase honestly.

You’re overthinking because you still have a lot of feelings for him, hopes connected to him.

It is just an expression—and, generally speaking, a fond one. Just a way of lightly acknowledging that it’s been a while since you’ve spoken—with good reason, this being a breakup—and genuinely asking how you’re doing.

That it’s thrown you like this is just evidence that you need some more time to heal.

Alright thank you

I think it's just a figure of speech -- I don't think he meant it literally. It's more just saying "Hey, someone I haven't talked to in a bit!"

I understand why it hurts, though. I remember thinking the worst thing ever would be the day I saw my ex somewhere and he didn't acknowledge me. Funny, it was actually ME who has seen HIM a few places and walked on by pretending I didn't (what a difference the passage of time makes!) When we have talked, I've been cordial (we work at the same place and run into each other every so often), but I don't feel anything anymore. Someday, you'll get there.

I don’t want to get your hopes up or anything (so I’m hesitant to post this...)... but anytime I have used the term “stranger”, I have done so affectionately - and maybe even in a flirty way.

“Stranger” implies that you haven’t talked to them in a while and would like to talk to them more often. I would NEVER say that to someone I was unhappy to hear from and who I wanted to get rid of...

To me, it was warm and affectionate and playful.

To be honest, I think you are still hurting because I find your reaction kind of odd.

I concur, that's a phrase I use when someone talks to me, who hasn't in a while. It's friendly. It means he hasn't spoken to you in some time.