Signs Your Ex Has Moved On — Yes, It’s Really Over

When a breakup is still fresh, it’s normal to wonder if your ex still has feelings for you and whether you two could give things another chance. After all, your time together was pretty good and you can’t just shut off your emotions right away. That being said, it’s important to read the room. If your ex-boyfriend is giving you any of the following signs, it likely means he’s moved on.

1. He tries to avoid you. If this isn’t one of the biggest signs your ex has moved on, I don’t know what is. If he’s going out of his way to avoid you in person, it’s a clear sign he wants nothing to do with you. Maybe he’s worried more drama will ensue or you’ll see that he’s moved on. Or, perhaps seeing you is too painful for him. Either way, you’ll only push his buttons if you try to see him when he doesn’t want to.
2. He took down your photos together. If he’s removed your photos off social media, then he’s likely not hoping a reconciliation is in the future. He wants to wipe all evidence of your relationship – and he’s not afraid of others seeing that things are over.
3. He doesn’t interact with you on social media. It’s true that people delete photos in a huff all the time, so that may not be enough evidence on its own to suggest he’s moved on. But if he avoids you altogether online – meaning he doesn’t like your photos, interact with things you’ve tagged him in, or respond to your group messages – then he’s absolutely done. It seems silly to take anything that happens on social media as signs that your ex has moved on, but t counts for a lot.
4. He stops answering your messages. Maybe he’s avoiding you in person, but he still replies to your messages. This suggests there’s still some hope left. But if he avoids you both in real life and virtually, then take it as a sign that he’s completely through with you. Remember, don’t bombard him with messages. If he hasn’t replied to the ones you’ve already sent, then he’s unlikely to respond to any follow-ups.
5. It doesn’t feel the same when you talk. Things often feel tense or awkward immediately after a breakup, often because one or both of you still has feelings and wonders if things can be worked out. But if you feel a change when you interact, then it’s likely his feelings have shifted. It could also be a sign that you’re moving on, too.
6. He gave back your stuff (and took his). This is another of those signs that he’s tying up loose ends because he’s trying to walk away or has already moved on. When he gives you back your stuff, it’s symbolic of him letting go of everything left that still ties him to the relationship. Similarly, when gets his stuff back, it means there’s nothing material tying the two of you together, so he can finally wipe his hands clean of the relationship.
7. His friends tell you it’s over. If his friends reach out to you to say it’s over, it’s likely because he asked them to. Maybe you’re not taking the hint and he hopes hearing it from someone else will make a difference. You may feel annoyed he didn’t say it to your face, but it’s just another way he’s trying to distance himself from the relationship.
8. He doesn’t flaunt his happiness. Many people try to make their exes jealous after a breakuip by making it appear like they’re living their best life. But if he’s doing the opposite, then it’s because he doesn’t have anything to prove. He’s not trying to impress you or hoping you’ll miss him. In fact, if he’s taken a step back from social media, it may be because he’s trying to process the breakup privately.
9. He encourages you to date other people. Even if you don’t want to get back together, it can be difficult seeing your ex with someone new. So, if your ex is encouraging you to date other people, it’s because getting back together isn’t on his mind. He wants to see you find happiness in your love life, even though it’s not with him.
10. He doesn’t react when you date someone new. If your ex doesn’t react negatively or immaturely to you dating someone else, it’s likely because he doesn’t care. Or, perhaps he’s genuinely happy to see you’ve moved on. He doesn’t need to go out of his way to congratulate you. In fact, silence can speak volumes in this context and this is another of those major signs your ex has moved on.
11. He’s getting serious with someone else. It doesn’t mean much if he’s casually dating around or hooking up after a break-up. He could just be trying to make you jealous or have fun. But if he’s in a new relationship with someone, then there’s a strong chance he’s moved on from your time together. It’s not healthy to jump into a relationship when you still have feelings for another person, so fingers crossed that’s not the case!
12. He tells you he’s moved on. Men tend to be a lot more direct than women. So, if your ex plainly tells you that he’s moved on and doesn’t want to get back together, then take him at his word. Don’t suggest he’s being dishonest or will change his mind. Even if he’s playing mind games, that’s not something you want to participate in. It’s best to assume he’s telling the truth and focus on yourself.

Don’t be discouraged if your ex is giving off any of the hints listed. Rather, take it as a sign that you should also move on. We’re not going to lie – processing a break-up is painful, even if it was your choice. But you’re not doing yourself any favors by living in the past. Instead, it’s time to move forward and leave this relationship behind you.