Why would my ex message me on Facebook?

[Anonymous]

Okay so my ex boyfriend, whom I haven't spoken to since our break up (5 months ago), suddenly messaged me on Facebook the other night, asking me how I've been. It was extremely awkward. Anyways, does anyone know why my ex would message me asking that? Like, at first, when I told my friends, they thought maybe he wanted to get back together with me...but then on Valentine's Day, he asked out this other girl. Now my friends are saying he's messaging me because he wants to put me on a "list". A list of potential girlfriends for him to go out with if it doesn't work out with the girl he's currently going out with. Has anyone ever heard of this? Any help will be truly appreciated because I'm extremely confused.

[islands7]

ex does NOT = hate

there are always going to be feelings, regrets and a lonely spot ... even an "arm's length" connection like Facebook is a salve

messages or "friends" does not mean dating, it's a new relationship akin to brother, classmate, other where there is caring and interest but no current desire to date

I see no messing with you here

I've sent friend requests to ex GFs on Facebook; even though I hate FB, it's a good ten foot pole to satisfy an interest but go no further

[NomadATL]

Yes,

It's called layaway. Now I don't know if that is what he is doing, but the list is a real thing. If the contact is steady, light, and random... then one day he is really pushing, wants to meet up, etc then chances her things didn't work out with this other girl.

He may just miss the friendship the two of you had. I know I wish I was still friends with a few of my ex's. Nothing more, just friends.

[BirdofParadise]

Yeah, I used to date a guy who would keep his ex girlfriends around until he met the next one so he would never have to be alone. Some people are like that and feel the need to have 'back-up plans' so they never really have to deal with breaking up and being alone.

[Anonymous]

I am a boy but if I was a girl that would insult me.