Relationships are complicated — especially at the start. It’s common to wonder what your partner is thinking or feeling when things are still new: “Does he like me? Does he miss me? Does he ever think about me?” Since we can’t read minds, those questions can spin around in your head whether you’re busy at work, chilling at home, or out with friends.

Sometimes people don’t wear their feelings on their sleeve — men included. Social expectations often make it harder for guys to show emotion openly, so you might be left guessing. Below is a practical list of signs that can help answer the question: does he miss you?

Read more: 11 First Date Questions Your Must Ask on Your First Date

How can you tell if a guy misses you?

Wouldn’t it be reassuring to know your person thinks about you when you’re apart? Some men are expressive and easy to read; others hide what they feel. If he’s missing you, there are usually little clues. Ready to spot them?

Does he miss me? — 20 signs

This collection highlights the most common behaviors that suggest a guy is missing you.

1. He makes the extra effort
   When he misses you, he’ll go out of his way to see you — not always with big romantic gestures, but with consistent effort. He’ll choose time with you over other plans and won’t mind traveling or rearranging his schedule just to be together, even for a short while.
2. He reaches out often
   Expect more calls and texts — sometimes for the simplest reasons. He might check in just to say hi, and you’ll notice his name popping up more on your phone and social feeds. Brace yourself: it can test your patience, but it shows he’s thinking of you.
3. He brings up shared memories
   He’ll mention “that time” you spent together, suggest repeating past fun activities, or dig up old photos and keepsakes. Revisiting memories is a classic sign he values the time you’ve had and misses those moments.
4. He talks about you to others
   He’ll mention you to friends and family — probably more than they’d appreciate. Hearing that he’s sharing stories about you with people close to him is a solid hint he’s wishing you were around.
5. He tells you directly
   Sometimes he’ll just say it: that he misses you. It may not be constant, but when it comes sincerely, you’ll notice. If not from him, friends might tell you he’s been talking about you.
6. He replies quickly
   If he’s usually slow to respond but suddenly answers your messages fast, that’s a sign. When someone misses you, they tend to watch for your texts and reply as soon as they can.
7. Others hear about you a lot
   If mutual friends keep telling you he mentioned you, that means you’re on his mind. Even casual mentions are meaningful — he remembers you in different situations.
8. He’s active on your social media
   Viewing, liking, commenting, even tagging you in posts or memes — these are ways he’s trying to connect or get your attention when he can’t be with you in person.
9. He shows jealousy
   A hint of jealousy can mean he cares and is emotionally invested. While jealousy isn’t healthy in excess, a little reaction to seeing you with someone else can indicate he misses you and is starting to feel more attached.
10. He surprises you with gifts
    If he shows up with a small present or unexpected treat, that’s a classic “I was thinking of you” move. For many men, actions say more than words.
11. He asks about your past and plans
    Curiosity about your history and your day-to-day life — and wanting to keep the conversation going — are signs he’s trying to stay close even when you’re apart.
12. He shares the details of his day
    Before bed or during quiet moments, he’ll tell you about his day — photos, little stories, or a quick summary. That routine of checking in shows you matter to him.
13. He asks you out
    If he makes plans to see you, brings dinner, or arranges a date, his actions are telling: he wants to spend time with you because he misses being with you.
14. He keeps ties with your friends and family
    When he stays close to the people in your life, especially during periods apart, it usually means he’s invested and hopes to be part of your world — another sign he misses you.
15. He looks at or shares old photos of you two
    Pulling up old pictures or posting a throwback is his way of reconnecting with memories — and a sign he’s thinkin
16. He calls when he’s drunk
    Late-night or intoxicated calls that spill emotions can signal that he still has feelings and misses you. Those vulnerable moments often reveal what someone really thinks.
17. You bump into him everywhere
    Seeing him at places you frequent can be coincidence, but if he seems to show up where you are, he might be hoping for a chance encounter.
18. He becomes clingy when you’re together
    If, after time apart, he’s extra affectionate — hugging, holding on, reluctant to let go — that clinginess often comes from having missed you.
19. He wants to stay over
    Wanting to sleep over or insisting on spending the night together is a direct way to be close and show he enjoys your company — especially when he’s been missing you.
20. He adopts your tastes
    If his playlists, shows, or hobbies start reflecting what you like, it’s a sweet sign he’s thinking about you and wants to feel connected, even from a distance.

Does he miss me after a breakup?

After a breakup, wondering if your ex misses you is natural. The truth is: it depends. Each relationship and person is different. Some men try to reconnect and work things out; others move on. Assuming anything too quickly can lead to disappointment, so the safest path is to focus on your own healing and clarity.

Will no contact make him miss me?

Choosing no contact after a split might make him realize what he lost, or he might move forward. There’s no guaranteed outcome. What’s important is how you use that time — for self-reflection and growth rather than hoping for a particular reaction.

The bottom line

Missing someone is a heavy feeling, regardless of gender. If he truly misses you, many of the signs above will eventually show themselves — but the clearest path to knowing for sure is communication. Talk to him. When someone keeps bringing you up, reaches out, or wants to spend time with you, it’s a pretty straightforward answer: he misses you.