8 Signs He’s Not Over His Ex (Even If He Says He Is)
Moving on after a breakup can be challenging, and sometimes people aren’t as over their ex as they claim to be. If you’re wondering whether your partner has truly moved on from their past relationship, these telltale signs can help you identify if he’s still holding onto his ex. Keep an eye out for these red flags that suggest he might not be as ready for a new relationship as he thinks.
He constantly brings up his ex in conversations
Even if he claims to be over his ex, frequently mentioning her in conversations is a clear sign that she’s still on his mind. Whether he’s comparing you to her, sharing anecdotes about their time together, or simply dropping her name into unrelated topics, this behavior indicates that his ex still occupies a significant space in his thoughts and emotions.
He keeps mementos and photos of his ex around
If he’s truly moved on, he wouldn’t feel the need to surround himself with reminders of his past relationship. Holding onto physical mementos like photos, gifts, or personal items from his ex suggests that he’s not ready to let go of the emotional connection they shared. This behavior demonstrates that he’s still clinging to the memories and feelings associated with his previous relationship.
He’s still in regular contact with his ex
While maintaining a cordial relationship with an ex can be healthy in some cases, frequent and unnecessary communication is a red flag. If he’s constantly texting, calling, or meeting up with his ex without a valid reason (like co-parenting), it’s a sign that he hasn’t fully detached from the relationship and may still be emotionally invested in her.
He gets defensive or emotional when discussing his ex
Pay attention to his reactions when the topic of his ex comes up. If he becomes overly defensive, agitated, or emotional during these conversations, it’s likely that he hasn’t processed his feelings about the breakup. This heightened emotional response indicates that there are unresolved issues or lingering attachments to his former partner.
He compares you to his ex, either openly or subtly
Constant comparisons between you and his ex, whether favorable or unfavorable, suggest that he’s still using his past relationship as a benchmark for his current one. This behavior shows that he hasn’t fully moved on and is still measuring his new experiences against those with his ex, preventing him from fully engaging in the present relationship.
He stalks his ex on social media
Regularly checking his ex’s social media profiles is a clear indication that he’s not over her. If you notice him frequently scrolling through her posts, liking her photos, or keeping tabs on her activities online, it’s a sign that he’s still emotionally invested in her life and hasn’t let go of the connection they once shared.
He’s reluctant to make future plans or commit
If he’s hesitant to make long-term plans or commit to your relationship, it could be because he’s still emotionally tied to his ex. This reluctance may stem from unresolved feelings or the fear of fully investing in a new relationship while still harboring attachments to his past one. His inability to fully commit suggests that he hasn’t completely moved on.
He idealizes his past relationship
When someone constantly paints their past relationship in an unrealistically positive light, it’s often a sign that they haven’t come to terms with the breakup. If he frequently reminisces about the “perfect” times with his ex or downplays the reasons for their split, it indicates that he’s still holding onto an idealized version of the relationship, making it difficult for him to truly move forward.
