Are you noticing some signs that your partner hasn’t moved on from his ex?
Maybe he talks about her a lot, monitors her activities on social media, or keeps reaching out to her for help.
If you’re wondering if you’re just a rebound or if he has truly forgotten about his ex-girlfriend, you’re not alone.
It’s a tricky situation that can leave you confused, insecure, and maybe even a little paranoid.
But before you start snooping through his phone or stalking his ex online, take a deep breath.
Some telltale signs can let you know whether your man still has feelings for his ex. Here are a few red flags you should be on the lookout for.
9 CLEAR SIGNS HE HASN’T MOVED ON FROM HIS EX
It’s important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner if you suspect he hasn’t moved on from his ex.
But before you have the talk, make sure you’re not imagining things. Watch out for these crystal clear signs he’s still in love with his ex:
1. He constantly talks about her
You’re out on a date, and suddenly your man starts ranting about his ex’s quirky habits. Sound familiar?
If your guy can’t seem to get through a conversation without mentioning his former flame, it’s a glaring sign he’s not over her.
Whether he’s reminiscing about their shared experiences or criticizing her flaws, his ex is taking up way too much mental real estate.
This obsessive chatter isn’t just annoying—it’s a red flag that his heart is still entangled in the past.
Pay attention to how often she comes up and in what context.
If he constantly mentions her good traits or seeks your opinion on issues they used to have, he’s clearly not ready to move forward.
Politely let him know that his behavior is unacceptable. Your relationship deserves to be the main focus, not a backdrop for his unresolved feelings.
2. He often compares you to his ex
You’re laughing at your man’s jokes, feeling that spark, when suddenly he says, “Wow, you’re so much funnier than my ex.”
If your partner constantly compares you to his former flame, it’s a glaring sign he hasn’t moved on.
Whether it’s your cooking, your fashion style, or even your sense of humor, these comparisons reveal he’s still measuring everything against his past relationship.
It’s not just annoying—it’s unfair to you. You’re your own person, not a benchmark for his ex. Plus, it shows he’s still thinking about her way too much.
If you find yourself feeling like you’re competing with a ghost from his past, it might be time for a heart-to-heart about where his head and heart really are.
3. He communicates with his ex frequently
One major red flag that your guy hasn’t moved on is frequent communication with his ex. If he’s often reaching out to her, that’s not a good sign.
Pay attention to how often he’s texting, calling, or interacting on social media with her.
While some contact may be innocent or necessary, constant communication is concerning.
Does he jump to respond to her messages right away? Is he secretive about their conversations?
These could indicate lingering feelings. Be wary if he claims they’re “just friends” but seems overly invested in staying in touch.
Healthy boundaries with exes are important. If their communication feels excessive or makes you uncomfortable, have an open discussion about your concerns.
A guy who’s truly ready to move on shouldn’t need constant contact with a past flame.
4. He stalks or monitors her on social media
Obsessive social media usage can often be a telltale sign of unresolved feelings.
If your guy is constantly checking his ex’s profiles, liking her posts, or even commenting on them, it’s a red flag.
You might notice him scrolling through her Instagram stories or Facebook updates more often than he should.
This behavior indicates he’s still emotionally invested in her life.
Pay attention to how quickly he reacts to her online activity.
Does he seem to know about her latest vacation or job change before anyone else? This suggests he’s prioritizing her updates over others.
While occasional curiosity is normal, obsessive monitoring of an ex’s social media activities crosses a line.
If he’s more up-to-date on her life than yours, it’s time for a serious conversation about where his priorities truly lie.
5. He gets jealous when his ex seems to be moving on
When your guy’s ex starts dating someone new or appears happy without him, does he suddenly become moody or irritable? This is a major red flag that he’s not over her.
You might notice him obsessively checking her social media for updates about her love life or making snide comments about her new partner.
He could even try to show off on his own profiles, attempting to prove he’s doing better.
Pay attention to how he reacts when mutual friends mention his ex’s new life. If he gets visibly upset or changes the subject abruptly, he’s still in love with her.
A man who has truly moved on won’t care what his ex is up to.
His jealousy reveals he’s still emotionally invested in that old relationship, rather than focusing on building something new with you.
6. He still has reminders of her
If you notice your guy’s space is decorated with his former flame’s belongings, it’s a red flag he hasn’t fully moved on.
Maybe there’s a framed photo tucked away on a bookshelf or her favorite coffee mug is still in the kitchen cabinet. These seemingly innocent objects carry emotional weight.
Pay attention to his phone and social media too. Does he still have photos of them together on Instagram?
Or is her number saved as a favorite contact? These digital breadcrumbs hint at lingering attachments.
Even subtle reminders, like keeping gifts she gave him or wearing that watch she bought, suggest he’s not ready to let go completely.
While it’s normal to keep some neutral items, an abundance of ex-related stuff signals he’s clinging to the past.
7. He often brings up memories of his ex
When a guy can’t stop reminiscing about his ex, it’s a clear sign he’s not over her.
You might notice him casually dropping her name into conversations or sharing funny stories from their time together.
These trips down memory lane aren’t just innocent nostalgia – they’re revealing his lingering emotional attachment.
Pay attention to how he talks about these memories. If there’s a wistful tone or he seems to idealize their relationship, it’s a red flag.
He might compare current experiences to ones he shared with his ex, saying things like, “This reminds me of when Sarah and I…”
While it’s normal to occasionally mention past relationships, frequent references suggest he’s still processing the breakup.
If you find yourself constantly hearing about your man’s ex, it might be time to talk about how you really feel about his behavior.
8. He struggles to be emotionally available in his current relationship
A big sign your man hasn’t moved on from his former flame is that you notice he seems emotionally distant or hesitant to fully commit.
It’s as if there’s an invisible barrier preventing him from truly opening up.
He may struggle to share his deepest feelings or make long-term plans, always keeping one foot out the door.
This emotional detachment could be a result of his unresolved feelings for his ex.
Pay attention to how he reacts when discussing the future. Does he avoid the topic altogether? Or does he seem uncertain and non-committal?
These could be signs that he’s not ready to fully invest in your relationship because he’s still holding onto the past.
9. He’s reluctant to take your relationship to the next level
You’ve been dating for a while, but your man is dragging his feet when it comes to moving forward.
Maybe he avoids discussions about tying the knot or changes the subject when you bring up kids.
This reluctance could be a red flag that he’s not fully invested in your relationship. He may be dealing with commitment phobia or unresolved feelings.
Pay attention to how he reacts when you suggest taking things to the next level. Does he seem uncomfortable or make excuses?
If he’s still hung up on his ex, he might be afraid to fully commit to someone new.
He could be subconsciously comparing your relationship to his past one, making it difficult for him to embrace a future with you.
While everyone moves at their own pace, if you constantly feel like you’re forcing him to love you, it might be time for an honest conversation about where you both stand.
Conclusion
It’s often crystal clear when someone is still in love with their ex.
If you’ve noticed a few of these red flags in your relationship, talk to your partner about your observations.
You deserve someone who’s fully present and ready for a new relationship. Don’t settle for being second best or a rebound.
Trust your gut and have an open conversation about where things stand. And if he’s not over his ex? Well, it might be time to move on yourself.
Recommended reading:
15 Clear Signs He Has No Feelings For You