Spot the telltale signs (Picture: Getty)

While we all hope to go into a new relationship with a clean slate, this simply isn’t the case.

The reality is that most of us have a history when it comes to our dating lives and past relationships.

However, while most tend to put previous partners firmly behind them when they start seeing someone new, others can still be hung up on an ex.

If you have suspicions this might be the case for your own partner, there are some key telltale signs and behaviours to look out for.

‘These signs don’t necessarily mean someone can’t move on, but they could indicate that they need time and space to heal from their previous relationship,’ consellor Jenny Warwick tells Metro.

Jenny lays out the five signs to watch out for below…

Frequently mentioning them

‘If they often bring up their ex in conversations, it could indicate unresolved feelings and that they’re still processing emotions,’ explains Jenny.

If an ex dominates your partner’s thoughts and conversations, it’s a signal that they’re still occupying a huge amount of their headspace. Although it might seem like harmless gossip about an ex, pay attention to how much they bring the person up.

Also, if they tend to get heated or emotional when talking about the ex, this is a sign that they haven’t really let their past go.

Stalking them on social media

Are they constantly looking at them on Insta? (Picture: Getty Images)

The next point follows along nicely from the first. It involves a partner’s desire to constantly see what their ex is up to on social media.

Jenny adds: ‘Excessive checking of their ex’s social media may indicate lingering feelings. There may be a need for closure if they constantly keep tabs on their ex’s life.’

Emotional baggage

‘If they have unresolved emotional issues from their past relationship, like trust issues or difficulty opening up to you, it could mean they’re still dealing with the aftermath,’ explains Jenny.

Also, watch for if your partner blows hot and cold with you – a sign they might be turning their emotions on and off, and still dealing with inner romantic turmoil.

Making comparisons

We all know comparison is the thief of joy and this isn’t just the case for self-criticism.

If your partner keeps comparing you to their ex, it’s not a good sign.

‘Continually comparing you to their ex, whether in a positive or negative light, suggests they have yet to move on entirely and are still processing the previous relationship,’ adds Jenny.

Emotional distance

‘If they struggle with emotional intimacy or have difficulty fully committing, it might be a sign that they’re holding back due to unresolved feelings from a past relationship,’ adds Jenny.

If a relationship isn’t moving to the next level, then the blockage could be another person from the past – in other words, an ex.

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The key telltale behaviours to look out for…