Ignoring an Ex: Is It Acceptable?
We’ve all been there. You go through a breakup, and suddenly everything seems to remind you of your ex. The sight of their favorite restaurant or the sound of their favorite song on the radio brings back memories, causing you to feel hurt and alone. You wonder if it’s possible to ever move on from the relationship and heal your heart. One question that may be lingering in your mind is whether it’s okay to ignore an ex.
In this article, we will talk about 15 reasons why ignoring your ex may be the most powerful thing you can do for yourself.
1. Allows You to Grieve
One of the most challenging aspects of going through a breakup is dealing with the emotions that come with it. There are feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion that you must navigate and process to heal from the heartbreak.
Ignoring your ex gives you the time and self-control necessary to grieve the relationship fully. It allows you to create space and time for yourself to process these emotions.
2. You Can Move Forward
It’s hard to move on from a relationship when you’re still talking to your ex. Cutting off communication gives you a fresh headspace, which allows you to heal and grow from the past relationship. You can think about your preferences, what makes you happy, and what you’re looking for, without their influence.
3. You Should Begin to Heal
Ignoring an ex partner is an opportunity to start healing after a breakup. Seeing how they’re moving on with their life can be hurtful, and it’s easy to compare yourself to someone else. Avoiding them on social media or by phone can help you take the first steps toward healing and moving on.
4. Provides a Chance to Work on Yourself
Sometimes, a relationship can leave us feeling like we’ve lost ourselves in the process. Ignoring your ex could help you focus on yourself and your health and wellness. Taking care of yourself can be a powerful way to heal and find joy in life again.
5. Can Remind You that They Weren’t Perfect
A breakup can be especially hard when you’re still holding onto the idea that your ex-partner was Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Ignoring them and not focusing on their daily habits can help you remember that no one is perfect.
6. Dating Will Be Easier
When you’re preoccupied with your ex-partner, it can be challenging to move on and start dating again. Ignoring them can free you from the constant texting, making way for new experiences, and happiness.
7. Puts Time and Space Between You
When a relationship ends, taking some time to figure out what you want next is critical. Ignoring your ex lets you process the length-of-relationship and ensures that you can focus on yourself. Plus, this gives you the chance to come to a decision about what to do next with a clear mind and headspace.
8. Helps You Determine What’s Next
Deciding what to do next after a breakup can be challenging. Ignoring an ex can help you avoid rebound dates, casual hookups, or getting back into a relationship too quickly. It also allows you to come to terms with being by yourself and getting comfortable again.
9. Could Make Them Wonder About You
Nothing sparks a person’s curiosity quite like suddenly stopping communication. Once they realize you’ve moved on, as has often happened in many cases, they may be curious about how you’re doing and what you’re up to now. This could also be the perfect opportunity to show them who you’re becoming.
10. There Will Be Time to Decompress
One of the things that can be challenging about breaking up with someone is missing your ex-partner. Ignoring them can give you the time you need to decompress and get used to being alone.
11. Closure Can Be Possible
In some cases, cutting off communication can lead to acceptance and proper ending-of-relationship closure. By giving yourself space to process your emotions, you could come to terms with the situation and accept that moving forward without them is the best option.
12. You Won’t Become Friends
It’s challenging moving on if you’re always having casual hookups or being “just friends” with your ex. Cutting off communication can help you avoid the temptation to reconnect physically or emotionally.
13. You Can Be Oblivious to What They’re Doing
Social media can cause tremendous anxiety when you’re going through a breakup. Ignoring your ex and not keeping tabs on their social media accounts can take away that anxiety and help you to avoid losing sleep over their every post and update.
14. They Will See You Don’t Need Them
One of the best things about ignoring your ex is the power it gives you setting the rules, contacting them on your terms. It shows your ex they aren’t the center of your world anymore and that you can move on to other things without them. This power and self-control can be a powerful tool.
15. It Could Help You Win Them Back
If you’re still interested in your ex, ignoring them could be the confidence boost you need to start moving on. The sudden shift could make them realize how much they miss you, and you could end up speaking with them and getting back together. In conclusion, ignoring an ex-partner can be one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself after a breakup.
It allows you to heal, work on yourself, and move forward in your personal life. Whether you’re just trying to forget about them entirely or win them back, cutting off communication with your ex could be the best thing for you.
Remember, take your time, and focus on what YOU need to heal from the breakup.
How Long Should You Ignore an Ex?
Now that we’ve established that ignoring an ex can be helpful in moving forward and healing from a breakup, a natural question that arises is, How long should I ignore my ex?
The answer to this question is entirely up to you, and it varies from person to person. If you’re wondering how long you should ignore your ex for, it’s important to set a timeframe.
If you’re feeling brave enough, you could plan to ignore your ex permanently. However, for many people, this is not a practical solution. In that case, it’s wise to take it one day at a time, and set a goal or timeframe that feels reasonable to you. It’s natural to want to stay in touch with your ex. Over time, as the wounds of the breakup heal, you may feel like reconnecting with them. The best course of action is to wait it out, and move forward without reconnecting immediately. Take a couple of months or more to feel like yourself again, and then re-evaluate your feelings toward your ex.
Takeaway
Ignoring an ex is not a quick fix for the pain and heartache of a breakup. It’s important to remember that you’re dealing with your emotions, and they’re real and valid. Depending on your situation, a professional may be able to give you guidance to get through this difficult period and find a way forward. Whether through therapy, counseling, or advice from friends, it’s important to have support as you move forward.
Whatever pathway you choose, remember that the most critical thing is to focus on your healing and well-being. In conclusion, ignoring an ex can be a powerful tool when it comes to the aftermath of a breakup.
It allows you the breathing space to process your emotions and focus on yourself. However, it’s important to set a timeframe, stay committed, and find ways of getting the support you need. Ignoring an ex is not a quick fix, but it can be one part of your recovery journey. In conclusion, ignoring an ex can help you move forward, take care of yourself, and create space for healing.
It can remind you that no one is perfect and free you to explore options in dating and relationships. It’s important to set a timeframe that you feel comfortable with, take things one day at a time, and focus on your own well-being. Seeking guidance and advice from friends and professionals is also a valuable tool in navigating the aftermath of a breakup. Ultimately, the most significant thing is focusing on your recovery journey and emerging from this experience as a happier, healthier, and more resilient person.
