Social Media Makes Break Ups Way Worse
Q: Jeremy broke up with his girlfriend of 4 years but is still friends with her friends and family on social media. He doesn’t want to be a jerk and unfollow them but he also doesn’t want to see their posts about her. He asked Dr. Cooper of The Cooper and Anthony Show, what’s the best move here?
A: The beauty of social media is that you can mute people on Instagram or mute their feed on and Twitter, hide their stories on Facebook, and restrict them on TikTok. Every social media platform has a way for you to stop seeing other people’s content without aggressively unfollowing or blocking them.
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE BUT …
Instruct your closet friends to not give you updates on what your ex is doing because your friends probably still follow her on socials. Also, don’t compare your break up journey to hers on social media, a lot of people who are miserable love to post photos of themselves happy, on the beach, looking hot –its all BS and its meant to get your attention
I MESSED UP
If you slip and cyber stalk her to see what or who she is up to, its totally normal – breaking up is a process and takes time, but if you find that you are beginning to become too obsessed with her socials, block her. It’s a good way to force yourself to move on and to stop thinking about her
You may also want to delete past posts of the two of you looking happy and in love. Cleanse your timeline, streamline it so its who you are not who you were.
MORE TIPS
If you’re considering unfollowing or muting your ex and her friends on social media, it’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being and take steps to heal and move forward. Here are some pieces of advice to consider:
- Give yourself time: After a breakup, it’s essential to allow yourself time to heal and process your emotions. It’s natural to have lingering feelings, and maintaining distance on social media can be beneficial during this period.
- Assess your emotions: Reflect on how seeing your ex and her friends’ posts on social media affects your emotional state. If their posts consistently trigger negative emotions or prevent you from moving on, it might be time to consider unfollowing or muting them.
- Prioritize self-care: Take care of yourself first and foremost. If engaging with your ex’s posts or their friends’ content hinders your ability to focus on your own well-being, it’s wise to create boundaries by unfollowing or muting them.
- Be honest with yourself: Ask yourself why you’re following your ex and her friends on social media. If it’s solely out of habit or the fear of missing out, remind yourself that you can still maintain connections with them through other means or mutual friends if desired.
- Consider the purpose of social media: Social media platforms often portray curated versions of people’s lives, which can lead to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Remember that what you see online may not reflect reality, and choosing to distance yourself can promote a healthier mindset.
- Communicate, if necessary: If you’re on good terms with your ex, you may consider discussing your intentions to unfollow or mute each other’s profiles. Open communication can help avoid misunderstandings and maintain a level of respect.
- Focus on your own growth: Instead of investing time in monitoring your ex’s social media activity, redirect that energy towards personal growth, hobbies, and spending time with supportive friends and family.
Remember, everyone copes with breakups differently, so trust your instincts and choose the path that will best serve your healing and growth.
