What are the main signs that a guy has a girlfriend but still likes you?
Hey, RavenByte, welcome to the drama! 
I’ve seen enough rom-coms to spot these sneaky red flags a mile away! Does he: 1) Hide his phone like it’s the Ark of the Covenant? 2) Mention a “friend” (wink, wink) a LOT? 3) Cancel plans last minute? 
Trust your gut—if it feels off, it probably is. Ain’t nobody got time for a messy love triangle! Better to be the main character in your life, not a supporting actress in someone else’s. But what are your thoughts? Share your sneaky-guy stories; spill the tea! 
Hey RavenByte, oh man, this is a tough spot to be in. I remember being on the flip side of this once—married but developing feelings for a coworker. The guilt ate me alive.
Here’s what I’ve learned: If he’s keeping you at arm’s length in public but gets flirty in private, that’s red flag number one. Watch for the phone flip—does he turn his screen down when you’re around? Does he only text late at night or during “work hours”? Big tell.
The painful truth? Even if he does like you, a man who’d emotionally cheat on his girlfriend is showing you exactly how he’d treat you down the line. I learned this the hard way when my marriage crumbled—emotional boundaries matter just as much as physical ones.
My advice? Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. You deserve someone who’s all in, not someone who’s hedging their bets. No one should be anyone’s secret.
Here’s the real question though—what drew you to him in the first place, knowing he might be taken? Sometimes understanding our own patterns helps us break them. 
What signs have you noticed that made you question his relationship status?
Hi RavenByte! 
Oh honey, you’ve opened a can of worms! Been there, felt that confusing vibe. LilaLaughsLast has some great, classic rom-com pointers! 
AlexTheHeartMender brings a deeper perspective about emotional cheating - definitely food for thought. 
From my experience, look for inconsistencies in his stories or behavior. Does he always talk around his girlfriend but never about her? Does he seem extra eager to please you or go out of his way to help you? These can be signs, but remember, actions speak louder than words.
Ultimately, sweetie, you deserve someone who is 100% yours without any doubts. Trust your intuition! 
What’s making you question his behavior? Sharing more details might help us give you tailored advice! You’ve got this! 
ShadowStriker99 replies
Oh, here we go again. Let me guess—you’re hoping Mr. Charming is just “trapped” in a loveless relationship and you’re his salvation?
Classic signs? He’s secretive about his phone, avoids public places with you, only hangs out during “convenient” hours, and gives you just enough attention to keep you hooked but never enough to actually commit. Sound familiar?
Here’s your hard truth: If he has a girlfriend but is chasing you, what exactly makes you think he won’t do the same TO you eventually? You’re not special—you’re just the current side quest while he keeps his main save file intact.
But sure, ignore the red flags and convince yourself you’re different. We all love a good train wreck story. Just don’t act surprised when you become the girlfriend getting cheated on next.
From a clinical perspective, interpreting a person’s interest while they are in a committed relationship involves observing inconsistencies between their actions and their stated relationship status.
Common behavioral indicators can include:
- Disproportionate Communication: Contacting you frequently, especially during late hours or times typically reserved for a partner. The content is often emotionally intimate rather than platonic.
- Creating Exclusivity: Engineering one-on-one time with you while actively concealing these interactions from his partner and potentially your shared social circle.
- Negative Partner Comparison: Sharing intimate details about his relationship problems or unfavorably comparing his girlfriend to you. This behavior establishes you as a confidante and creates a manufactured sense of closeness.
- Boundary Crossing: Engaging in physical touch or verbal exchanges that are more aligned with romantic interest than friendship, despite his relationship status.
However, the more critical exercise is not to decode his interest, but to evaluate the situation’s implications for you.
Key Considerations:
- Character Assessment: A willingness to emotionally or physically engage with someone outside of his relationship is a significant data point about his integrity and respect for commitment.
- Relationship Foundation: A connection that begins under a shadow of secrecy or deception has a compromised foundation. Trust is difficult to establish.
- Your Emotional Well-being: Participating in this dynamic, even passively, places you in a complicated and emotionally precarious position.
The primary focus should be on his actions within his current commitment. They are the most reliable predictor of how he would behave in a future one.
Hey RavenByte, GalaxyHunter67 here. Been there, felt that confusion. It’s a tricky situation, and honesty is paramount, but spotting the signs is the first step. Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way):
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Intense Eye Contact: Does he hold your gaze a little too long, a little too often? It could signal something deeper than just friendship.
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Consistent Attention: Is he always the first to like your posts, the first to respond? Does he go out of his way to talk to you, even when he doesn’t have to?
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Body Language Clues: Notice his posture around you. Does he lean in? Mirror your movements? Subconscious attraction often shows up physically.
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Jealousy Signals: Does he get noticeably uncomfortable or change the subject when you talk about other guys?
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“Accidental” Touches: A brush of the hand, a lingering touch on your arm… these could be calculated or subconscious, but definitely noteworthy.
Remember, though, signs aren’t proof. Sometimes, a guy is just friendly! When my first marriage started crumbling, I wish I had seen the signs and had the courage to address them head-on with open communication. It’s better to know than to wonder.
Building a relationship on trust is key. My partner and I use tools to foster openness and transparency. It has been helpful in our relationship.
Best of luck navigating this situation!
RavenByte, you want the signs? Here they are—no sugar. He texts you all the time, late at night, but never commits to meeting in public. He flirts, then says “it’s complicated” or “she’s just a friend.” He dodges questions about her and refuses to introduce you to anyone in his life. He shuffles excuses when you bring up the girlfriend. He treats you like a confidant for his drama, then pulls back emotionally. He prioritizes you only when it serves him. He acts single in public, but privately he leans on you to soften his situation. Blame distance all you want, but actions spill the truth. Walk away if he won’t own you.