How to React When Someone Blocks You

When someone you once loved and shared everything with blocks you on social media, it can feel devastating—even though a clean split is often what’s best for both of you. But what if a year has gone by, and they’ve suddenly unblocked you? The feelings that arise when you realize you’ve been unblocked can be just as difficult to handle. You might wonder: What does it mean? Do they miss me? Will they reach out? The questions flooding your mind seem endless.

The truth is, you may never know for sure what it means—if it means anything at all. But by keeping a level head and understanding what you should do (and avoid), you’re much more likely to find peace.

DON’T: STALK THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA

You’ll likely feel tempted to scour your ex’s social media, trying to see what they’ve been up to or search for clues that they’re still not over you. But the truth is, social media is not reality. Whatever you deduce from their online presence is unlikely to tell the full story.

Spending time obsessing over their posts or photos means losing the chance to fully live the reality of your own life. Seeing them online might bring up emotions you thought were long buried. It’s best to leave those feelings behind and focus on the life you’ve built without them.

DO: FOCUS ON YOURSELF

When someone you once treasured becomes a distant memory, you’re forced to build a life that brings you happiness and fulfillment. You can no longer rely on them to brighten your days, nor should you let the pain of the breakup keep you caged in misery.

If they unblock you after a year—or even if they’ve recently blocked you—it’s easy to get sucked back into the mentality that your happiness depends on them. You might feel transported back to those raw, post-breakup emotions. When these feelings surface, remember the commitment you made to yourself: to prioritize your happiness over the hypothetical significance of their actions.

DON’T: IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THEM

It’s human nature to crave certainty—we want answers, especially in emotionally charged situations. But life is often uncertain, and accepting this reality is essential for finding peace. You may feel an urge to reach out to your ex, to ask why they unblocked you or how they’re feeling. But acting on this knee-jerk reaction can do more harm than good. Instead, take a step back and process your emotions.

Ask yourself: Is this someone I genuinely miss and want to reconnect with? Or am I just seeking the instant gratification of seeing their name on my phone? Whether or not you decide to contact them is entirely up to you. But give yourself time to let the dust settle and reflect on your feelings before taking any action.

DO: LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE

It’s easy to feel trapped in the emotions tied to a past relationship. But no matter how much time you spend rehashing the past, it cannot be changed. Instead, focus on what you learned from the failure of that relationship. “Look at what you needed to learn from the failure of that relationship and use what you learned to have a new and better relationship,” says author Elliott Katz.

Don’t let your feelings hold you back. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and then push forward into a brighter future where your happiness doesn’t depend on anyone else. When someone new enters your life, you’ll be better prepared to embrace a healthy, fulfilling relationship—free from the emotional weight of the past.

The feelings that arise when your ex blocks or unblocks you are completely normal and valid. You owe it to yourself to feel them fully—but also to keep your eyes on the future. Remember your worth. Just as you were whole before you met them, you are just as whole after them, too. No one is worth derailing your growth and life journey.

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by Siobhan Quinn