Dating someone who still has emotional ties to their ex can feel like competing with a ghost. No one wants to be the rebound or constantly wonder if they’re just filling a void. So how do you know if your guy is truly over his ex and ready to give you his full heart?
It’s not just about whether he talks about her—it’s about his actions, emotions, and the space he creates for your relationship. If you’ve been wondering whether he’s carrying past baggage or if he’s truly present with you, here are 12 signs that scream, “I’m over my ex, and I’m all in with you!”
1. He Never Brings Her Up
Let’s start with the obvious—if he never mentions her, that’s a good sign. Someone who’s still emotionally tangled with their past might casually drop their ex’s name in conversations, whether it’s to reminisce, compare, or vent. If he’s moved on, she’s just not relevant to his daily thoughts anymore.
Of course, if she comes up naturally in context—like when discussing past experiences—it’s fine. But if he’s not constantly bringing her up, analyzing what went wrong, or making references to their relationship, that’s a green flag!
2. He Doesn’t Stalk Her on Social Media
Social media makes it way too easy to keep tabs on an ex. But if he’s truly over her, he won’t be lingering on her profile, checking her stories, or subtly “liking” her posts from time to time.
Better yet, he may have unfollowed or even blocked her—not out of pettiness but because he’s genuinely moved on and doesn’t feel the need to stay connected. If he’s focused on you and not her digital footprint, it’s a solid sign he’s not living in the past.
3. He Doesn’t Compare You to Her
Hearing “You’re way better than my ex” might sound flattering at first, but constant comparisons mean she’s still on his mind. A man who has truly moved on won’t feel the need to measure you against her—because in his world, she’s no longer relevant.
Instead, he values you for who you are, not as a reaction to who she was. If he’s embracing your relationship without past baggage creeping in, he’s emotionally present and fully invested in you.
4. He’s Not Still Angry or Bitter
Breakups can leave wounds, but over time, those wounds should heal. If your guy still gets heated, resentful, or defensive when her name comes up, that’s a red flag. Unresolved emotions—whether it’s love or lingering anger—mean he’s not fully let go.
On the flip side, if he’s neutral about her—neither bashing her nor praising her—he’s emotionally detached and has made peace with the past. That’s a sign of genuine emotional closure.
5. He Doesn’t Keep Her Things Around
Still hanging on to an old hoodie she gave him? Keeping pictures of them on his phone? Holding on to gifts from their anniversary? These might seem harmless, but if he’s holding onto physical reminders of their relationship, he might not be completely over it.
A guy who has moved on naturally lets go of sentimental keepsakes from his ex. It’s not about erasing the past—it’s about making space for a future with you.
6. He Has Clear Boundaries With Her
If they’re still in touch but it’s strictly friendly or necessary (like co-parenting), and he sets clear boundaries, that’s a good sign. He doesn’t entertain late-night texts, unnecessary hangouts, or emotional conversations about the past.
Better yet, if he prioritizes your comfort over maintaining ties with her, it’s a sign that he values your relationship more than nostalgia.
7. He’s Emotionally Available
A guy who’s still hung up on his ex often struggles with emotional availability. He might be distant, hesitant to open up, or afraid of commitment. But if he’s emotionally present, communicates openly, and invests time and effort into your relationship, he’s not holding back for someone else.
When he’s fully engaged—whether in deep conversations, shared experiences, or making future plans—it’s clear he’s all in with you, not mentally stuck in his past.
8. He’s Excited About the Future With You
A major sign that he’s moved on is that he’s thinking about the future—and you’re in it. Whether it’s planning trips together, talking about long-term goals, or simply making weekend plans with excitement, he’s not just living in the moment.
A guy who’s still emotionally tied to an ex may hesitate to make serious plans or keep things vague. But if he’s picturing a future with you and actively working toward it, he’s committed to the relationship you’re building.
9. He Doesn’t Overcompensate or Rush Things
Sometimes, guys who aren’t over their ex try to prove it by moving too fast—rushing into commitments, dropping “I love you” too soon, or making grand gestures too early. It’s almost like they’re trying to convince themselves (and you) that they’ve moved on.
A man who has truly moved on doesn’t need to prove anything. He takes things at a natural pace, letting the relationship grow organically without forcing it.
10. He Supports You Without Comparing Relationship Dynamics
Every relationship has its unique rhythm, and a guy who’s moved on understands that. He doesn’t say things like, “My ex and I never fought like this,” or “We used to do things differently.”
Instead, he values your dynamic as something fresh and new, appreciating your relationship for what it is—not in comparison to what he had before.
11. He Doesn’t Feel the Need to “Win” the Breakup
People who aren’t over their ex sometimes try to prove they’re doing better—whether by flaunting a new relationship, bragging about their success, or trying to make their ex jealous.
But a man who has moved on doesn’t care about any of that. He’s with you because he genuinely wants to be, not because he’s using you to prove a point. His happiness isn’t about “winning” the breakup—it’s about being in a relationship that feels right.
12. You Feel Secure and Valued in the Relationship
At the end of the day, the biggest sign that he’s moved on is how you feel in the relationship. If you don’t sense any lingering emotional ties, if you feel prioritized, respected, and cherished, that’s what truly matters.
A man who is fully invested in you won’t make you question your place in his life. He won’t leave you feeling like you’re in competition with a memory. Instead, he’ll make it clear—through his words, actions, and commitment—that his heart belongs to you.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a new relationship can be tricky, especially if there’s an ex in the picture. But these signs can help you determine whether he’s truly moved on and ready to build something real with you.
If he’s showing all these green flags, congratulations—you’ve got a man who’s emotionally available and all in. If not, it’s worth having an honest conversation to understand where he stands.
Because you deserve someone who sees you as their present and future—not just a distraction from their past.
