"My ex used to [do this / be like this / take me here]."

What she's actually testing

Whether you'll accept a ghost as your benchmark. The comparison activates male competitive instinct — testosterone registers it as a challenge to 'win.' She doesn't have to make the comparison explicit. Just mentioning what he used to do installs him as the reference point. Your reaction tells her whether he's still relevant or not.

Why it works on most men

The male brain interprets comparison as competition. The default move is either to compete ('I'll do that too') or to signal superiority ('that's not impressive'). Both moves confirm that the ex is a relevant variable in your head. You're competing with a ghost — and the ghost is winning by being mentioned.

The response framework

The obvious: 'Sounds like good memories.' Acknowledge it without engaging the comparison. Then redirect. The disruptive: you're not the sequel. The ex set a standard inside her world. You're building a different one. The man who doesn't compete with a ghost demonstrates something specific: his value doesn't depend on comparison — because he was never running the same race.