Should I Unfollow My Ex on Instagram?
This is indeed a tricky question when it comes to different people with different behaviors. It’s a question that many people ask themselves after a breakup. Social media can make it easy to keep tabs on your ex, but it can also prolong the healing process and create unnecessary emotional pain.
In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of unfollowing your ex on Instagram, and provide tips on how to navigate this difficult decision.
So, if you’re struggling with whether or not to unfollow your ex, keep reading for some helpful insights.
Ready to know more? Let’s get started then.
Should I Unfollow My Ex On Instagram?
Social media has become a big part of our lives, and it’s not uncommon for people to use it as a way to stay connected with friends, family, and ex-partners. But wait a second. When it comes to an ex, is it really a good idea to stay connected on social media?
I mean, there’s a reason why you broke up with someone and no longer wanted to see them, right? So, is it wise to keep them as a follower on your Instagram? If you’re hesitant about what to do, I’m here to help you see clearly and decide easily.
Now, let’s take a look at the case for both unfollowing and staying connected with an ex.
The Case For Unfollowing
In certain circumstances, you should unfollow your ex without a moment of hesitation. If you don’t do so, I can swear to God you’re a crazy masochist. 😁
1. How seeing your ex’s posts can affect your emotional well-being
When you see your ex’s posts on Instagram, it can trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, jealousy, and anger. If you’re still hurting from the breakup, seeing your ex happy and moving on can make the pain even worse. So, why bother?
Unfollowing your ex can help you create some distance and give you the space you need to heal.
2. The potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations
It’s easy to misinterpret posts on social media, and this can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and extra drama, esp. When it comes to your exes.
If your ex posts a picture with someone new, for example, it might be innocent (or not. Anyways, it shouldn’t matter to you darling), but it could also be hurtful and lead to feelings of jealousy or anger. Unfollowing your ex can help you avoid these situations altogether and prevent any potential murders.😂
3. The benefits of creating space and moving on
Unfollowing your ex can help you create some space and distance, which can be helpful when it comes to moving on. Believe me, keeping an eye on your ex would just be a headache.
It can be hard to let go of a relationship when you’re constantly seeing reminders of your ex on social media. But unfollowing them can be a way to create a clean break and start the process of moving on.
Also Read: How to unfollow everyone on instagram that is not following me
The Case For Staying Connected
In some cases, you can choose to keep your ex on your follow list, and here I’ve gathered some of these situations:
1. Maintaining a friendly relationship with your ex
If you and your ex ended things on good terms and still want to remain friends, staying connected on social media might be a good idea. I know some of you may be thinking, “How is it possible to end things well?” But sometimes life gets complicated, and you have to let go of a relationship when you realize you’re simply different from each other, and the break-up is just the best solution.
So, you can still follow your ex in such cases since it can be a way to stay up-to-date on each other’s lives without any awkwardness.
2. Keeping up with their life updates and events
If you’re genuinely interested in your ex’s life (which I don’t get why tbh) and what they’re up to, staying connected on social media can be a way to keep up with their updates and events.
Just make sure you’re not using it as a way to monitor their every move.
3. Avoiding any potential awkwardness or drama
Unfollowing your ex can sometimes create unnecessary drama or awkwardness, especially if you have mutual friends or run in the same circles. So, in such cases, staying connected on social media can help you avoid these situations and keep things civil between you and your ex.
How To Decide Whether To Unfollow Your Ex
Now that we’ve looked at the case for both unfollowing and staying connected with your ex on Instagram, how do you decide what’s best for you? Here are some questions to consider:
1. How Do You Feel When You See Your Ex’s Posts?
If seeing your ex’s posts on Instagram makes you feel bad in any sense unfollowing them might be the best option. Remember that you should always prioritize your emotional well-being and do what’s best for you.
2. What Kind of Relationship Do You Want with Your Ex?
If you’re hoping to move on from the relationship and start fresh, unfollowing your ex might be the best way to create some distance.
3. Are You Using Social Media to Monitor Your Ex’s Every Move?
If you find yourself constantly checking your ex’s Instagram profile to see what they’re up to, I must say you’re acting in a toxic manner, and it might be a sign that you need to unfollow them. Just focus on your own life and not get caught up in your ex’s.
4. What Kind of Posts Does Your Ex Typically Share?
If your ex tends to share posts that are hurtful, triggering, or otherwise negative, unfollowing them might be the best option.
On the other hand, if they mostly share positive or neutral posts, staying connected might not be a big deal.
5. What Do Your Friends and Family Think?
Sometimes, it can be helpful to get an outside perspective. Talk to your friends and family about what they think is best for you.
While ultimately the decision is yours, hearing other people’s opinions can help you make a more informed choice. [Often, people around us can see things we’ll never see.]
Ultimately, the decision to unfollow your ex on Instagram is a personal one that depends on your individual circumstances. So, just relax and take some time to reflect on your feelings and what you want out of the situation, and then make the decision that’s best for you.
Also Read: Can You Make Someone Unfollow You On Instagram?
Tips For Unfollowing Your Ex
If you’ve decided that unfollowing your ex on Instagram is the best choice for you, here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
1. Rip off the Band-Aid
It can be tempting to slowly wean yourself off your ex’s Instagram feed by muting their stories or unfollowing them but still checking their profile.
But who are you deceiving? This can actually prolong the pain and make it harder to move on. Instead, rip off the band-aid and unfollow them all at once. I promise you’ll feel much better then.
2. Use the “Mute” Feature Instead of Unfollowing
If you don’t want to completely unfollow your ex but you also don’t want to see their posts, you can use the “mute” feature on Instagram. This will allow you to remain connected but not see their posts in your feed. This way, you can take a look at their page secretly every now and then and bother yourself. 😂
3. Remove Any Triggers
If certain accounts or hashtags are triggering for you (e.g. your ex’s new partner’s account), consider blocking or muting those as well to create a safer space for yourself on Instagram.
4. Take a Break from Social Media Altogether
If you’re really struggling with the urge to check your ex’s profile or if seeing their posts is impacting your mental health, consider taking a break from social media altogether.
This can help you refocus on your own life and move forward from the relationship.
5. Lean on Your Support System
Breaking up is never easy, and it’s okay to lean on your friends, family, or a therapist for support during this time. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it.
Plus, unfollowing your ex on Instagram can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a healthy step towards moving on and prioritizing your own well-being.
Just use these tips to make the process as smooth as possible and remember to be kind to yourself throughout the healing process.Also Read: Why Do People Unfollow Me on Instagram?
Should I Unfollow My Ex – Wrap Up
In conclusion, deciding whether or not to unfollow your ex on Instagram is a personal choice that depends on various factors such as the nature of your relationship, your emotional state, and your social media habits.
While unfollowing may help some people move on and avoid unnecessary pain and triggers, it may not be necessary or effective for everyone.
Ultimately, my final suggestion would be to prioritize your well-being and do what feels right for you. Whether you choose to unfollow your ex or not, remember that healing takes time, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for getting over a breakup.
FAQs
Now that you’ve found the answer to the central question of this blog, ‘Should I unfollow my ex?’, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions.
1. Why Did My Ex Unfollow Me On Instagram?
Well, I can’t say for sure why, but there could be a variety of reasons why someone might unfollow their ex on social media, including wanting to move on, avoid triggers or reminders of the relationship, or simply wanting to create some distance.
However, keep in mind that social media behavior may not always reflect the full picture of someone’s feelings or actions, and it is usually best to communicate directly with your ex if you have any concerns or questions.
2. What If My Ex Unfollowed Me First?
If your ex unfollowed you on Instagram, it can be a difficult and confusing experience, especially if you were not expecting it.
It’s normal to feel hurt, rejected, or wonder why they made that decision. However, you must know that their decision to unfollow you does not define your worth or value as a person.
In some cases, your ex may have unfollowed you as a way of creating distance or moving on from the relationship. It’s also possible that they may have unfollowed you by accident (I’m trying to be an optimist here 😁) or for reasons unrelated to the breakup.
Whatever the reason, just respect their decision and focus on your own healing and well-being.
If you find yourself fixating on your ex’s social media behavior, it may be helpful to take a break from social media or limit your exposure to their posts. Healing from a breakup takes time, and it’s okay to prioritize your own needs and feelings.
3. Can Unfollowing My Ex On Instagram Make Them Want Me Back?
Unfollowing your ex on Instagram may or may not make them want you back, as everyone’s feelings and reactions are different. While some people might miss the attention and validation that comes with social media interactions and try to rekindle a relationship, others may not see unfollowing as a sign of interest or view it as a negative behavior.
Just stop acting naive and keep in mind that focusing on social media tactics to try to win back an ex may not always be the most effective or healthy approach.
Instead, focus on improving yourself, reflecting on the relationship, and communicating directly with your ex if you want to explore the possibility of getting back together.
Remember that A healthy and fulfilling relationship requires mutual respect, communication, and trust, and that forcing or manipulating someone’s feelings through social media may not lead to the best outcome.
4. Should I Block My Ex Instead Of Just Unfollowing Them?
Blocking your ex on Instagram is a personal decision and should be made based on your own emotional needs and boundaries.
Blocking your ex can be a way to create a clean break and prevent yourself from being constantly reminded of them, their life, or their new relationships. If they’re walking on your nerves and are constantly reminding you of the bad days, just block them without hesitation.
Blocking them can also help prevent you from engaging in behaviors like checking their profile or sending them messages, which can make it harder to move on and heal.
On the other hand, blocking your ex can also be seen as a hostile or aggressive act, and may make it harder to have a civil or respectful relationship with them in the future.
In some cases, blocking may also be seen as an attempt to control or manipulate the other person’s feelings or behavior.
Ultimately, choosing to block your ex on Instagram or just unfollow them depends on your own emotional needs and situation.
5. How Can I Cope With The Emotional Pain Of Seeing My Ex On Social Media?
Seeing your ex on social media can be a painful experience, and it’s important to take steps to cope with these feelings. Here are some tips that may help:
- Take a break from social media: If seeing your ex on social media is too triggering, consider taking a break from social media altogether, or at least unfollowing or muting their account.
- Practice self-care: Make sure you’re taking care of yourself emotionally and physically. This could include things like exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you happy.
- Reach out for support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. Having a supportive network can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.
- Focus on your own life: Instead of constantly checking your ex’s social media, focus on your own life and goals. Engage in activities that make you happy, pursue your own interests, and connect with new people.
- Practice mindfulness: When you do find yourself feeling triggered by your ex’s social media, try to practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises.
6. Is It Possible To Stay Friends With An Ex On Social Media Without It Being Weird?
Staying friends with an ex on social media can be a tricky situation, and whether or not it’s “weird” depends on your individual circumstances and feelings. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your current relationship: If you’re in a new relationship, your partner may feel uncomfortable with you maintaining a close relationship with an ex on social media.
- Your feelings: If seeing your ex’s posts on social media causes you pain or triggers negative emotions, it may be better to unfollow or block them for your own emotional well-being.
- Your ex’s feelings: If your ex is still interested in getting back together or has unresolved feelings for you, staying friends on social media may send mixed signals or lead to confusion.
- Your boundaries: If you do decide to stay friends on social media, it’s important to establish clear boundaries and stick to them. This may include things like not messaging each other privately or not commenting on each other’s posts.
