Breaking up is a challenging experience, as I have personally encountered when I was 20. It can be even harder when your ex keeps blocking and unblocking you on social media platforms.
This behavior can be confusing and hurtful as you have experienced. You might wonder why they are doing this.
I’ll explain some reasons why your ex might be acting this way.
Key Takeaways
- Mixed Emotions: After a breakup, your ex might block and unblock you due to fluctuating emotions, such as sadness, anger, or loneliness, as they navigate their feelings and memories of the relationship.
- Seeking Attention: This behavior can be a way for your ex to get your attention, hoping you will notice and reach out, thereby seeking validation and gauging your continued interest.
- Control and Power: Blocking and unblocking can also be about regaining a sense of control over the situation, making your ex feel like they are the ones making decisions.
- Confusion and Uncertainty: Your ex might be unsure about their feelings and what they want, leading to inconsistent actions like blocking and unblocking as they try to figure things out.
- Seeking Closure: Sometimes, this behavior is a way for your ex to seek closure, looking for answers or saying goodbye to the relationship and the memories you shared.
1. Mixed Emotions
After a breakup, emotions can be all over the place. Your ex might feel sad, angry, or even lonely. Blocking you could be a way to deal with these feelings. They might block you when they feel hurt or upset. Then, when they miss you, they might unblock you to see what you are up to.
Feeling Hurt
Breakups can cause a lot of pain. Your ex might block you to protect themselves from more hurt. Seeing your posts or pictures might remind them of the good times you had together. They use blocking to avoid these painful memories.
When your ex is hurting, they often want to avoid anything that reminds them of the pain. Blocking you might help your ex create a safe space, free from reminders of the relationship. It can be especially true if the breakup was recent or particularly painful.
Missing You
On the other hand, your ex might unblock you because they miss you. They might want to see what you are doing or if you have moved on. Unblocking you might help them feel connected to you again, even if it’s only through social media.
When your ex unblocks you, it might be because they are feeling nostalgic. They might miss the connection you shared and want to see if you are still thinking about them. It’s a way for them to feel close to you without actually reaching out.
It might also serve as a method for them to determine whether you’ve moved on or if there remains a possibility for reconciliation.
2. Seeking Attention
Sometimes, blocking and unblocking is to get your attention. Your ex might want you to notice them. They might hope that you will reach out to them when they unblock you.
Wanting a Reaction
Your ex might want to see how you react when they unblock you. They may wonder if you’ll reach out or interact with their social media, seeking validation or gauging your continued interest.
They might wish for you to notice the change and initiate contact. As you can see, it is their way to seek validation and significance. Additionally, it could be a means to assess whether you still have feelings for them.
Testing the Waters
When your ex unblocks you, it might be because they are considering the possibility of getting back together. They might want to see if you are open to communication and if there is still a chance for reconciliation. This allows them them to test the waters without directly reaching out to you.
3. Control and Power
Blocking and unblocking can also be about control. Your ex might want to feel like they have power over the situation. They might block you to feel in control and then unblock you when they want to see what you are doing.
Feeling in Control
After a breakup, your ex might feel like they have lost control, but blocking you might help them regain a sense of control.
It can make them feel like they are the ones making the decisions.
By blocking you, they can feel like they are in control of the situation.
Manipulation
In some cases, blocking and unblocking can be a form of manipulation. Your ex might want to mess with your emotions. They might block you to make you feel bad and then unblock you to make you feel hopeful. Their intention is to keep you on an emotional rollercoaster.
4. Confusion and Uncertainty
Breakups can leave both people feeling confused and uncertain. Your ex might not know what they want. Blocking and unblocking can be a sign that they are unsure about their feelings.
Not Knowing What They Want
Your ex might be confused about their feelings. They might block you when they feel angry or hurt. Then, when they miss you, they might unblock you. It can be a sign that they are still trying to figure out what they want and how they feel about the breakup.
Fear of Moving On
Your ex might be afraid of moving on. Blocking you can help them move on. But unblocking you can be a sign that they are not ready to let go. They might be scared of what life will be like without you because of feeling scared or uncertain.
5. Seeking Closure
Sometimes, blocking and unblocking can also mean seeking closure. Your ex might feel like they need to see what you are doing to move on.
Looking for Answers
Your ex might unblock you to look for answers. They might want to see if you have moved on or if you are still thinking about them. They want to find some peace and closure in this way.
Saying Goodbye
Unblocking you can also indicate your ex is going to to say goodbye. They might want to see your profile one last time before they move on. And they’re ready to say goodbye to the relationship and the memories you shared.
What Should You Do?
If your ex keeps blocking and unblocking you, it can be hard to know what to do. Here are some tips to help you handle the situation.
Set Boundaries
When your ex is playing games with your emotions, it is important to set boundaries. You might want to block your ex so they cannot keep messing with your feelings,which can help you protect yourself and move on from the relationship.
Focus on Yourself
Focusing on yourself can help you heal. Spend time doing things you enjoy. Surround yourself with friends and family who support you. Therefore, you can feel better and move on.
Talk to Someone
It can be helpful to talk to someone when you are dealing with a breakup. You might want to talk to a friend or a therapist who can help you process your feelings and give you support.