Do guys lie about having a girlfriend even if they like the girl?

[Anonymous]

this guy I like is really shy around me. we talk almost every day. we ride the train together/walk out of class together. I think he's really smart and funny and adorable. he blushes a lot when I'm nice to him or compliment him, I should say. but he mentioned he had a girlfriend randomly, but I got the feeling he was lying because I asked him later on about her casually. something simple like 'are there any good bars around her place? I've never been to that area'. he stutters for an answer and finally goes 'yeah, I don't go out much so I only know one place there'. we're fb friends and I can see he went from in a relationship to single a while back, so...hmm... idk. he flirts with me a lot (even though we're shy with initiating conversations). he always cracks jokes and sits close to me on the train/and stares at me constantly...

[the_cheshire_cat]

Holy hell my dear. Of COURSE some guys lie about having a girlfriend just to play another girl at the same time.

Surely you've heard of players? Dogs,? Two-Timers? Etc?

The guy you describe just sounds shy...but deffinately into you. He may have said he had a girlfriend just to avoid some heavier things and end up more shy.

Guess time will tell hmn?

[Asker]

So he lied about dating someone to avoid dating me? I'm confused lol

[the_cheshire_cat]

He may have lied about dating someone just to avoid the whole weight of expectation and such that would have come (as he saw it) if he said he was single. If he said he was single, then that would have exposed him. I'm just assuming based on how shy you described him.

[Asker]

So should I try and pursue him or should I ignore him? I don't want to keep liking him if he doesn't want to date me :/

[the_cheshire_cat]

Just ask him directly. Tell him you'd be interested in going out some day with him (or night). If he says he can't because he has a girlfriend then you'll know.

[Asker]

I'll know what? that he does have a girlfriend or he doesnt? I'm sorry, I'm just trying to be sure lol

[the_cheshire_cat]

Re-read. "If he says he can't because he has a girlfriend then you'll know." You'll know he has a girlfriend or not. It'll be a confirmation. With you making the first move asking him out he may feel more relaxed to tell the truth about his relationship situation.

[Longshot]

I don't know if he is lying, but my take on it is that he likes you and maybe wishes he didn't have a girlfriend (if he has one at all). Other possibility is that it isn't quite over with his girlfriend -- maybe they're still breaking up.