Getting blocked by an ex can be hurtful and frustrating. You may feel angry, sad, or confused about why it happened. In the heat of the moment, you might be tempted to post about it publicly on social media or tell all your friends.
But is that really the best idea?
So should I announce publicly that my ex blocked me? No, it’s best not to announce getting blocked by an ex publicly on social media or to all your friends. Doing so can make you appear dramatic, perpetuate conflict, prevent moving on, and is often an unhealthy way to cope. Instead, vent privately to trusted friends, focus on self-care, and practice forgiveness.
Take the high road and be the bigger person by dealing with it maturely and not allowing it to consume you.
Here are some things to consider before announcing that your ex blocked you for the whole world to see.
Why Do People Want to Announce Getting Blocked Publicly?
There are a few common reasons someone might want to announce publicly that their ex blocked them:
- Hurt feelings. Getting blocked can feel like a personal rejection. Posting about it may be a way to get validation from others.
- Anger. Some people post about getting blocked when they’re feeling spiteful. It can be a way to “get back” at the ex.
- Confusion. If the breakup seemed to come out of the blue, announcing the blocking may be a way to make sense of things.
- Attention. Some announcements about getting blocked are just ploys for attention or sympathy.
Why Publicly Announcing It May Not Be Wise
Even if it’s tempting in the moment, announcing that your ex blocked you on social media or to all your friends may not be the wisest idea:
- It looks immature. Venting publicly can come across as dramatic or petty. It may end up making you look worse than the ex.
- It causes more conflict. The ex may see it and react angrily, starting a big public fight. More people get dragged into the drama.
- It prevents moving on. Publicly stewing about the ex keeps them on your mind. It can prevent you from gaining closure and focusing on yourself.
- It’s not the full story. Social media announcements are often very one-sided. The ex doesn’t get a say and your biases shape how events are presented.
- It’s passive-aggressive. Public posts can seem like attempts to embarrass the ex or shape how others see the situation. It may feel good momentarily but doesn’t resolve the hurt.
- It’s not actually that interesting to others. Getting blocked by an ex is a fairly trivial life event. People might not care as much as you think.
When Is Publicly Announcing the Blocking Acceptable?
In most cases of an ex blocking you, announcing it publicly does more harm than good. But there are some situations where a public statement may be warranted:
- If the ex blocked you to cover up cheating, abuse, or other toxic behavior, discreetly telling close friends may help you emotionally.
- If the ex spreads lies about why the relationship ended, a brief factual statement to set the record straight may be appropriate. Avoid drama or mudslinging.
- If the ex blocked you as part of dangerous stalking or harassment, polite social media posts can safely alert others. Contact authorities if needed.
The common thread is focusing statements on your own safety and emotional needs. The messages should be proportionate, direct, drama-free, and not belittle the ex.
Thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons first.
[Read: Why Did My Ex Block Me On Social Media?]
Here are some of the possible pros and cons of sharing publicly that your ex blocked you:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
You may receive validation or sympathy from others | You can appear overly dramatic or immature |
You can vent your hurt feelings | It may perpetuate conflict or drama |
You may receive additional attention | It can prevent you from moving on |
It can satisfy the urge for retribution | It only shows one side of the story |
It may potentially warn others about ex | It may come across as passive-aggressive |
You can set the record straight if ex spreads lies | It can feed the ego of a narcissistic or abusive ex |
You might feel supported by your inner circle | It risks harmful retaliation from a toxic ex |
It can feel temporarily satisfying | It makes you focus negative mental energy on your ex |
It allows you to express confusion over sudden blocking | It doesn’t resolve root hurts or issues |
It can potentially rally support if your ex is harassing or stalking you | It may not actually be that interesting to a wider audience or followers |
Healthier Ways to Cope with Getting Blocked
If your ex blocked you, it’s understandable to have strong emotions about it. But posting publicly is often not the healthiest coping mechanism.
Here are some healthier ways to process it:
- Vent privately with trusted friends or family. They know you best and can be a sounding board. Avoid trash-talking.
- Write your feelings in a journal. Getting thoughts and emotions out on paper can help you process them. Then you can move forward.
- See a counselor or therapist. They can help gain insight into why the blocking hurt you and work through the emotions skillfully.
- Do activities that fulfill you. Spend time with other friends, engage your passions and hobbies, and work towards personal goals.
- Practice self-care. Getting blocked is stressful. Make sure to do healthy stress relievers like exercising, relaxing, and taking time for yourself.
- Forgive and refocus. With time, aim to gain perspective, forgive, let go of bitterness, and refocus on positive personal growth.
The pain of getting blocked can be hard, but avoid making it worse through unhealthy public venting.
Handle it with maturity, grace, and care for yourself. Surround yourself with people who build you up, rather than tearing others down.
Channel the emotions into bettering your own life. Then you can move forward with confidence and class.
Dealing With a Narcissistic or Toxic Ex
In some cases, a breakup may involve an ex who has narcissistic, abusive, or toxic traits. This can sometimes make the blocking even more confusing and hurtful.
It’s especially important not to announce getting blocked publicly if your ex fits this description:
- Don’t feed their ego. Narcissists enjoy any attention, even negative. Public drama feeds into what they want.
- Don’t unleash their antagonism. They may escalate the situation to intentionally make you miserable.
- Don’t give them control. Reduce any way they still have power over your emotions or life. Block them on social media too.
- Protect yourself from retaliation. Toxic exes can become harmful if provoked publicly. Keep your safety and privacy in mind.
Getting a therapist who understands narcissistic traits or toxic ex’s can often provide you with specialized support. They can help you untangle the relationship, process feelings safely, identify red flags for the future, and regain your sense of self.
Prioritize healing and moving forward over trying to impact how others see your toxic or narcissistic ex. That path rarely goes well.
Look inward instead. Surround yourself with true supporters as you close this chapter and start fresh.
How to Move Forward in a Mature Way
Being blocked by an ex is upsetting. But reacting spitefully often makes the pain last longer.
Here are tips for moving forward in a mature way:
- Process the emotions privately with trusted friends. Don’t bottle them up, but don’t publicly spew either.
- Resist urges to stalk their social media or check through friends. Ignorance helps recovery. Unfollow/unfriend if needed.
- Don’t have friends spy on your ex or overshare their private life. Take the high road.
- Build your confidence and independence. Focus on self-care, passions, goals, and personal growth.
- Surround yourself with positive influences who uplift you. Avoid fixating on the ex.
- Be patient with the emotional rollercoaster. Healing takes time. Let yourself feel all the feelings.
- Learn the signs of unhealthy relationships. Write a list of what you need in a partner to avoid repeating patterns.
- Forgive your ex when ready. Not for their sake, but to release bitterness that only hurts you. Wish them well.
- Trust that you will eventually move forward into bigger and better things. This is just one chapter in your story.
Getting blocked by an ex can be painful. But avoid announcing it publicly in most cases.
Vent safely, take care of yourself as you heal, and focus your energy in a positive direction. The mature high road leads to you thriving in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Getting blocked by an ex can certainly be painful and confusing. But resist the urge to impulsively announce it online or trash talk them to everyone you know.
That public drama often makes the hurt last longer and neglects your emotional needs. Instead, be patient with yourself as you work through the feelings privately with trusted friends or family.
Invest your energy into self-care and personal growth. Surround yourself with positive people who uplift you.
Forgive your ex in time and let go of bitterness when you’re ready.
Then you can move forward with maturity, class, and confidence, knowing you handled a tough situation with grace.
Focus on your bright future ahead rather than allowing an ex to take up any more space in your mind. You’ve got this!
Key Takeaways
- Getting blocked by an ex can bring up hurt feelings, anger, confusion, and a desire for attention or validation.
- Publicly announcing it may seem satisfying initially but can make you appear immature or dramatic.
- It often perpetuates conflict, prevents moving on, shows only your biased side, and is passive-aggressive.
- Healthier ways to cope include venting privately, journaling, counseling, self-care, and practicing forgiveness.
- With a narcissistic or abusive ex, it’s especially important not to feed their ego or unleash further antagonism.
- In limited cases focused on safety and setting the record straight, a public statement may be warranted.
- Stay strong by focusing inward on your growth, surrounding yourself with supporters, and being patient with your emotions.
- Ultimately, take the high road and deal maturely with the situation to move forward in a positive direction.