There could be several reasons why an ex-boyfriend would keep texting "I love you" to his girlfriend and asking her to respond:
Lingering feelings: The ex-boyfriend may still have strong feelings for his former girlfriend and genuinely loves her. Even though they are no longer together, he may find it difficult to let go of those emotions and hopes that by expressing his love, she might feel the same way or consider getting back together.
Regret and remorse: Sometimes, a breakup can lead to feelings of regret and remorse. The ex-boyfriend might be feeling guilty about the past actions that led to the breakup and wants to seek forgiveness or make amends by expressing his love.
Loneliness and comfort: After a breakup, both parties may experience feelings of loneliness and a sense of loss. The ex-boyfriend might be seeking comfort and a connection by reaching out and expressing his love, hoping for some form of emotional support or response from his ex-girlfriend.
Manipulation or control: In some cases, an ex-partner may use phrases like "I love you" to manipulate or control the other person. By keeping the lines of communication open and expressing affection, they may be trying to keep their ex-girlfriend emotionally attached or prevent her from moving on.
Nostalgia and habit: If "I love you" was a common phrase exchanged during their relationship, the ex-boyfriend may continue to use it out of habit or nostalgia. It may not necessarily indicate a desire to reconcile, but rather a reminder of the past.
Unclear boundaries: Some breakups may lack clear boundaries, and one or both partners may struggle to define their new relationship dynamic. The ex-boyfriend might be uncertain about what is appropriate to say or how to navigate the post-breakup communication.
Regardless of the reasons, if the ex-girlfriend is uncomfortable or doesn't want to engage in such conversations, it's crucial for her to communicate her boundaries clearly. If the ex-boyfriend's intentions seem genuine and it's appropriate for both parties, they may consider discussing their feelings openly and honestly to reach a mutual understanding. However, if the communication is causing distress or unease, it might be necessary to limit or cut off contact to allow for healing and moving on.