Finding out if he's over his ex can feel like solving a mystery—a mystery filled with Sherlock Holmes-level deducing, rom-com clichés, and a dash of modern-day awkwardness. Trust me, as someone who's navigated the complicated waters of new relationships, there's nothing quite like trying to figure out if that special someone is truly ready to move on. Buckle up, because in 2024, dating is as complex as ever!
First off, have no doubts that this issue can be hands-down mind-boggling. You might be catching subtle hints in every conversation, or worse, scrolling through his social media wondering if he's secretly pining for her. Let's face it; nobody has time for that. Kudos to you for wanting clarity because, girl, you deserve it!
One of the significant signs that he's genuinely moved on is when he talks about his past relationships in a neutral manner. If every mention of his ex doesn’t turn into a teary-eyed saga, it’s a good sign. Yup, no more tragic love stories or drama-filled chronicles. That’s your cue!
Social media can be terribly telling too. A quick peek into his Instagram and Facebook accounts can reveal a lot. If his feed is loaded with new adventures and exciting moments that don't involve any cryptic posts about the past, congratulations, my friend! Social media savviness is a bonus here.
Another clue to look out for is how often he brings her up during casual conversations. Over some stream-of-conciousness morning coffees or those cozy late-night talks, if she’s practically a ghost—rarely, if ever mentioned—that’s a green flag. (He Stops Talking About His Ex)
And let’s dive a bit into his friends and family perspective. If they seem relaxed and happy around you and your guy, and there are no awkward side-glances or pitying looks, take it as a sign. You’re clearly the focal point now, not her.
How about making future plans? When he’s making plans for the future with you—be it an upcoming concert, a holiday trip or even next weekend’s brunch—he’s envisioning a future where the replaced star is you! Check out more on this at He Talks About the Future with You.
Last but not the least—the vibes! If he’s genuinely present, affectionate, and makes you feel like you’re his number one, listen to your gut. It's not rocket science; it's romance.
Stick around for these 19 sure-shot ways to demystify his feelings about his ex because, by the end of this, you’ll be a detective in your own right, minus the magnifying glass and a deerstalker hat. Let’s get rolling!
Snapshot Survey
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1. Flying Solo
One of the surest ways to tell if he is over his ex is if he labels himself as a single man. He says he’s single, his Facebook status is single and his friends refer to him as single. Any guy who isn’t over his ex will be hesitant to volunteer this information and not be open to that topic since he’s still holding on to hope that they’ll reunite.
2. Meet and Greet
Another way to tell he’s over his ex is if you’ve met his friends and if you’ve met his family-even better! Meeting his friends is probably a huge step for most guys since you meeting them is indicating that you two are dating and what’s-her-name is no longer in the picture. I’m not just talking about meeting his wingman either, if you’ve met his crew, you’re good!
Frequently asked questions
Honestly, if he talks about his ex all the time, or compares you to her, that's a red flag. But if he seems genuinely focused on you and your relationship, then it's a good sign he's moved on.
Watch out for him keeping her photos, talking about her a lot, or even getting emotional when her name comes up. It's tough, but if these things are happening, he might not be fully over her.
If it feels like you're just a rebound or filling a void, trust your gut. If he only just got out of a relationship, he might not be ready for something serious yet.
It's normal to bring up past relationships occasionally. But if he’s bringing her up a lot, it could mean he's not fully moved on. Maybe talk to him about how it makes you feel.
Communication is key. Tell him your concerns and see how he responds. If he's supportive and reassures you, that's great. Also, focus on building trust in your relationship.
3. Say My Name
Another tactic to tell he’s not into her anymore is if he doesn’t mention her name and better yet, never accidentally calls you by her name either! If a guy is still hung up on his ex, he’ll definitely find ways to work her into the convo one way or another. If he never brings her up either in a positive or negative way, you’re on the right track!
4. Friendly Reminder
A good way to tell he’s over his ex if he doesn’t follow his ex’s Facebook statuses like a lost puppy. There’s nothing wrong with being friends with your ex and if he just posts the occasional greeting here and there, she’s not constantly on his mind. Sometimes, if he un-friends her, it’s more of a sign that he can’t handle any reminders of her…
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In this article, the author discusses 19 ways to tell if a man is truly over his ex. One way is to observe his behavior on social media, particularly if he is still friends with his ex on platforms like Facebook. If he is not constantly liking or commenting on her posts, it could be a sign that he has moved on. Additionally, if he has unfriended her, it may be a sign that he is trying to distance himself from any reminders of their past relationship. This could indicate that he is truly over his ex and ready to move on.
5. No Name-Calling
One of the surefire ways to tell he is over his ex if he no longer keeps her number in his cell under any pet names or any nasty names. Most guys who are over their ex won’t even keep their ex’s number, but if they have legitimate reasons to contact her, he’ll just have her name under his contacts without any added expletives or lovey-dovey names.
6. Sweet as Sugar
Yet another method to tell he’s over his ex is if he’s emotionally stable and sweet. No rollercoaster of emotions or bouts of anger and jealousy over his ex- he’s sweet, stable and sane. Any signs that he’s still bitter and hurt will soon come to the surface so if he’s stable, you’re golden!
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This paragraph discusses another way to tell if a man is over his ex - if he is emotionally stable and sweet. This means that he is not constantly experiencing extreme emotions or exhibiting signs of anger and jealousy towards his ex. This stability and lack of bitterness or hurt towards his ex is a good indication that he has moved on from the relationship. This information is part of an article titled "19 Ways to Tell He's over His Ex" which was published on a women's focused blog in the category of love. The article aims to provide advice and insights for women who may be dating someone who has recently ended a previous relationship.
7. He Cleaned His Closet
So, what’s another way to tell he is over his ex? He no longer has any mementos of her, no photos, knick-knacks, cards, etc. He doesn’t have a secret stash of her undies tucked away somewhere and he doesn’t have any of her old belongings lingering at his place. How will you know? The truth will come out eventually and any of her things will stick out.
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In addition to cleaning out his closet and getting rid of all reminders of his ex, there are other signs that can indicate he is truly over her. For example, he no longer brings her up in conversations or compares you to her. He also doesn't get defensive or upset if her name is mentioned. He may have also unfollowed or blocked her on social media, showing that he is not interested in keeping tabs on her. He may also be open to introducing you to his friends and family without hesitation, as he is not worried about her being around. These are all signs that he has truly moved on from his past relationship.
8. She’s Happy, He’s Happy
Another strong indicator he has moved on is if she’s dating someone new and happy and he’s happy for her. No jealous ex hoping for a reunification is going to be happy for his ex who is happy with someone else. If there are any signs that he’s secretly fuming, you’ll be able to tell quickly.
9. Security Blanket
A good sign that he’s over his ex is if he can introduce you to his ex and make you feel secure. Sometimes, you just run into the people you least want to see, but if you happen to see her, your guy doesn’t make you feel like an awkward child in front of her and introduces you to her proudly!
10. Talk That Talk
Another solid sign that he’s over his ex is if he can talk about his past without getting emotional or shutting down. Anyone who’s still nursing a broken heart will be visibly disturbed by recounting a memory and if he can talk about her or something they did without any issues, he’s so over it!
11. No Rushing Attempts
Ladies, another way to tell he is over his ex if he’s not rushing into anything. As long as he’s taking things slow with you-and I don’t mean just sexually. If he’s taking his time getting to know you and dating you, he’s not in a rush to forget his ex or just occupy his time.
12. The First of Many Firsts
Excuse me for sounding a little Fifty Shades of Grey, but another awesome sign he’s over his ex if he’s creating new memories with you. Is he ready to try new things or get out of his comfort zone for you? If so, he’s seriously over his ex! Any guy who isn’t ready to move on won’t be in a hurry to create new memories or try things he isn’t comfortable with.
13. He Aims to Please
Not to quote Christian Grey again, but it’s a sure sign he’s over his ex if he’s focusing on pleasing you and no one else. If he makes you feel special and works hard to make you feel like an important part of his life, he has definitely forgot about his past and you miss, should be happy to have a such a great guy!
14. He’s an Open Book
One of the simplest ways to tell he is over his ex is if he’s an open book and there are no areas of his life that he’s not willing to discuss. If there are no subjects that he’s not willing to delve into regarding his ex or nothing that he won’t elaborate on, it’s a green light that he’s not secretly holding any feelings back for his ex.
15. He Isn’t Hesitant
Additional ways to tell he is over his ex is if he can give you definite answers about future plans or just the future in general. Anytime a guy is still pining for his ex, he’ll probably give you non-committal answers about anything because he’s unsure whether she’ll be back in his life or not. Can he talk about next week or next month? You’re doing good girl!
16. You’re in a Relationship
One of the easiest ways to tell he is over his ex is if the two of you are in an actual relationship. I know, it sounds silly, but anyone who is uncertain about where they stand with their ex or secretly hoping to get back together with them will not enter into another relationship with someone! If he makes a commitment with you, it’s a sure sign he’s over his ex.
17. Healing Time
One of the most obvious ways to tell he is over his ex is if he has had time to heal. No matter how casual the relationship was, everyone needs time to mend their heart and be single for awhile. If your new love interest has been on the market for more than 3 months, it’s very likely that he’s ready to move on with you!
18. No Competition
Another obvious way to tell he’s over his ex is if he doesn’t make you feel like you have to compete with his ex. If he expects you to live up to standards set by his ex and makes you feel uncomfortable and insecure, he’s not ready. If he lets you be you and doesn’t expect you to be like anyone else, he has definitely moved on!
19. Intimacy
Now girlies, I'm not talking about sex here specifically, but if he is willing to be completely and totally intimate with you on a personal level? He's over his ex. Why would he want to get to know your likes, dislikes and all of your reactions to things, intimately, if he was still hung up on his ex?
There are many subtle and not-so-subtle ways to tell he is over his ex and this was just a sample of the ways a guy will behave if he’s moved on. If you have doubts, talk to him! Yeah, it sucks to get your heart broken so be aware of these signs and be open with him. What are some of the ways you can tell a guy is over his ex?
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I was seeing a guy who had not that long before broke up with his ex, was going well and according to this he was over her. I mean I met his parents! but when the ex found out about us she went mad and they slept together! yeah guess he wasn't and she just did it to hurt me :(
I disagree with #17. Not the title but the time frame of 3 months? Maybe for a casual relationship but serious and marriage is more of a 9 months to 18 months. 3 months is more for like a 1 month relationship or less one would presume.
this was so helpful!
I don't agree with the memento thing, I LOVE memories of the past be it pen pals, friends, or exes that turned into friends (or exes in general) it to me is a sign that this happened, it was a part of my life and I had a positive outcome from it. There's no way I could throw out old photos, letters or paintings so when I get older I can have reminders of the things that happened in my life to make me the person I am :)
I disagree with #16. My boyfriend relates to 2 of these so far, and we've been together a little over 3 months. He mentions is ex everyonce in a while, and he calls her a lot of names. I honestly think he isnt over her. Oh, and he won't/hasn't told me some things from his past and he often has surges of anger. I used to think I was somehow the reason he would burst, but after reading this article I now think it's because he's still yearning for her a little bit. Any tips how to figure it out for real? To like get him to confess or something?
Great tips! (: I'm going to have to disagree about the getting into a new relationship one though. I've seen (and experienced) this scenario way too many times: it totally does not matter if they get into a new relationship, they can still harbor the deepest feelings for their exes. Often, they do this to make them jealous and come back! Sad, but it happens.
I out of 18, yeah he's a keeper. (:<3
I wish people can just let things go. It makes life better for them and for you, holding on to an ex is one of the most unhealthy things you can do to yourself, esp when it is completely over. I'm still dealing with an ex that's holding on.
The guy i like started something (not dating he said specifically) but then we were talking and he told me he still likes his ex from last year, even though he dated 2 other girls. he broke up with his ex because she cant date but then he broke up with his most recent girlfriend because the girl from last year said she liked him but then said she actually liked a different guy after my crush broke up with his recent gf. he asked my friend to do something similar before he asked me and she told everyone they were dating when they wernt so he stopped it. then he asked me but he says he feels too guilty to do our knee touching thing. he also says he wants to get over his ex from last year. also one of my friends was his 2nd gf after the one from last year and tge other(same one who said they were dating) dated him 3years ago so they both dont like him. what doi do? ps sorry for the long post
Comments
Melissa:I was seeing a guy who had not that long before broke up with his ex, was going well and according to this he was over her. I mean I met his parents! but when the ex found out about us she went mad and they slept together! yeah guess he wasn't and she just did it to hurt me :(
Anonymous:I disagree with #17. Not the title but the time frame of 3 months? Maybe for a casual relationship but serious and marriage is more of a 9 months to 18 months. 3 months is more for like a 1 month relationship or less one would presume.
keilahchenoa:this was so helpful!
Kelly:I don't agree with the memento thing, I LOVE memories of the past be it pen pals, friends, or exes that turned into friends (or exes in general) it to me is a sign that this happened, it was a part of my life and I had a positive outcome from it. There's no way I could throw out old photos, letters or paintings so when I get older I can have reminders of the things that happened in my life to make me the person I am :)
Anonymous:I disagree with #16. My boyfriend relates to 2 of these so far, and we've been together a little over 3 months. He mentions is ex everyonce in a while, and he calls her a lot of names. I honestly think he isnt over her. Oh, and he won't/hasn't told me some things from his past and he often has surges of anger. I used to think I was somehow the reason he would burst, but after reading this article I now think it's because he's still yearning for her a little bit. Any tips how to figure it out for real? To like get him to confess or something?
Anonymous:Great tips! (: I'm going to have to disagree about the getting into a new relationship one though. I've seen (and experienced) this scenario way too many times: it totally does not matter if they get into a new relationship, they can still harbor the deepest feelings for their exes. Often, they do this to make them jealous and come back! Sad, but it happens.
Jessica:I out of 18, yeah he's a keeper. (:<3
Aria:I wish people can just let things go. It makes life better for them and for you, holding on to an ex is one of the most unhealthy things you can do to yourself, esp when it is completely over. I'm still dealing with an ex that's holding on.
anonymous:The guy i like started something (not dating he said specifically) but then we were talking and he told me he still likes his ex from last year, even though he dated 2 other girls. he broke up with his ex because she cant date but then he broke up with his most recent girlfriend because the girl from last year said she liked him but then said she actually liked a different guy after my crush broke up with his recent gf. he asked my friend to do something similar before he asked me and she told everyone they were dating when they wernt so he stopped it. then he asked me but he says he feels too guilty to do our knee touching thing. he also says he wants to get over his ex from last year. also one of my friends was his 2nd gf after the one from last year and tge other(same one who said they were dating) dated him 3years ago so they both dont like him. what doi do? ps sorry for the long post
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