Does He Have a Girlfriend? Signs He’s Taken & What to Do

I never thought I’d be in this situation. One moment, I’m laughing at his jokes, catching his lingering glances, and feeling a spark. The next, I find out—he has a girlfriend. What now?

If you’re in this emotional maze, trying to decode his mixed signals while respecting boundaries, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down: How do you know for sure if he’s taken? What should you do if you genuinely like him? And most importantly, how do you handle this without drama or regrets?

Signs He Has a Girlfriend but Still Likes You

1. He’s Vague About His Relationship Status
   If you’ve asked him directly and he dodged the question, changed the subject, or gave a half-answer like “It’s complicated,” that’s a red flag.
2. He Avoids Being Seen With You in Public
   Does he text you often but seem hesitant to meet up where he might run into people he knows? This could mean he’s hiding something (or someone).
3. His Social Media Is Mysteriously Quiet
   No posts about a girlfriend, but also no signs he’s single? Some guys in relationships keep their profiles neutral to avoid suspicion while still entertaining other options.
4. He Never Introduces You to His Friends
   A guy interested in you (and single) will proudly introduce you to his circle. If he’s always making excuses for why you haven’t met his friends, that’s a warning sign.
5. He Sets Weird Boundaries
   Maybe he flirts but never lets things go too far. Or he texts you late at night but never during weekends. If his behavior seems calculated, he might be managing two relationships.
6. He Drops Hints About Relationship “Problems”
   Statements like “Things aren’t great with my girlfriend” or “I don’t know if we’ll last” can be a way to keep you hooked while he figures things out.
7. His Attention Is Inconsistent
   Some days, he’s all about you—texting, complimenting, making you feel special. Other times, he’s distant. This back-and-forth can mean he’s balancing feelings for you while still committed to someone else.

What to Do If He Has a Girlfriend but You Like Him

So, you’ve confirmed it. He’s taken. But your feelings don’t just disappear overnight. Here are your best options:

1. Set Boundaries & Step Back

The harsh truth? If he’s flirting with you while in a relationship, he’s already disrespecting someone else. If he truly liked you, he would break up before pursuing anything serious. The best move is to walk away.

Example of what to say:
“I like you, but I can’t be involved in something that isn’t completely honest. If you ever find yourself single, maybe we can talk, but until then, I have to respect myself.”

2. Observe His Actions, Not His Words

If he claims he’s unhappy but does nothing about it, he’s stringing you along. Don’t wait for a guy who might never leave his girlfriend. If he truly wanted to be with you, he would make that choice himself.

3. Redirect Your Energy

Instead of dwelling on what could be, focus on yourself. Go out, meet new people, and remind yourself that you deserve someone who is emotionally available.

4. Confront Him If Necessary

If you feel like you need closure, ask him directly about his intentions. This forces honesty and makes him aware that you won’t settle for mixed signals.

Example of what to say:
“I’ve noticed the way you act around me, and I need to know—are you just flirting, or do you actually have feelings for me? If you do, what does that mean for your current relationship?”

What If He Leaves His Girlfriend for You?

Let’s say he breaks up and comes to you. Before diving in, consider:

• How he treated his last relationship – If he cheated or emotionally invested in someone else while still in a relationship, could he do the same to you?
• Does he genuinely care, or did he just want an escape? – Some guys leave one relationship just to jump into another without truly processing their emotions.
• Are you okay with how it all started? – If you get together, will you always wonder if he’s keeping options open elsewhere?

If you both decide to move forward, set clear expectations. Ensure he’s emotionally available before committing.

How to Tell if a Guy Likes You: Clear Signs and What to Do Next

Know Your Worth

It’s easy to get caught up in chemistry and what-ifs, but at the end of the day, your happiness matters. You deserve someone who is 100% sure about you, not someone who keeps one foot in another relationship.

If he truly values you, he’ll make a clean break before trying to start something new. Until then, don’t settle for being a second choice.