In the early 2000s, dealing with a breakup meant packing up all of the photos and mementos from your relationship, throwing them in a box, and hiding it all away in your closet. In 2019, however, recovering from heartbreak often looks more like establishing some boundaries from your ex's social media. Whether you turn your phone off or put your old boo on mute, knowing how to digitally disconnect from your ex after a breakup can help you start to heal ASAP.
"After a breakup, I always recommend my clients start with removing all of the emotional triggers around them," Pricilla Martinez, CEO of Regroop Life Coaching, tells Elite Daily. "Nothing is more detrimental to your healing than thinking your ex moved on from you when you’re still in the middle of dealing with all of your pain."
According to Martinez, looking at your ex's social media can give you the impression that your ex wasn't affected by your breakup as much as you were. While everyone handles heartbreak differently, no one wants to feel like they're competing for the title of "Who Cares The Least."
Seeing that your ex is getting sushi at that place that you told them about is just going to make you upset. Disconnect from Find My Friends, Snapchat's Snap Map, or anything else that tells you exactly where they are.
08
Unfollow Or Mute Their Friends
Know what you don't need to see? Your ex's best friend's IG Story of your ex out at the "clurb." If you follow a bunch of your ex's pals, consider unfollowing or muting them for a while. Or forever.
09
Unfriend Them On Venmo
You may think this is extra, but what's really extra is going on Venmo to pay your roomie for your electricity bill and seeing your ex Venmoing that person you always used to fight about (because they would flirt in front of you) for "drinks" at your favorite bar.
10
Get Them Off All Your Astrology Apps
I don't care what Co-Star says, they are not your perfect match, and you don't need to see what intentions they are setting for today.
11
Unfollow Their Spotify
You may have forgotten that you even followed them on Spotify, but you will always remember spitting out your coffee at work when a playlist titled "Screw My Ex" came up in your Spotify friend activity.
12
Don’t Forget Finstas
Your Finsta, their Finsta, their friends' Finstas... when you start muting or unfollowing, don't forget about everyone's second account. You won't regret it.
Recovering from a breakup can be hard for everyone. Still, getting some digital distance from your ex can help you heal faster. And sometimes, emotionally recharging means letting your phone die for a bit.