How to block an ex without regret

Blocking an ex feels dramatic. It isn't. It's a boundary for a brain in withdrawal that can't be trusted to scroll past a profile picture without spiraling. Here's how to do it without regret.

Why blocking works

Every time you see their photo, name, or story, your brain releases a small dopamine pulse followed by a cortisol crash. That cycle is what keeps you stuck. Removing the trigger isn't avoidance — it's letting the nervous system actually reset.

The full block list

• Phone number and iMessage
• WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
• Instagram (and stories from mutuals who only post them)
• TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter/X
• LinkedIn (yes, even there)
• Spotify shared playlists, Strava, BeReal
• Their close family's stories, temporarily

If a platform doesn't have a block, use mute + unfollow + remove from suggestions.

When to block

Now. Not after one last conversation. The "one last conversation" is the addiction asking for a hit. Block first, talk later if you ever need to — and most of the time, you won't.

The 2am unblock urge

Almost everyone gets it. The protocol:

1. Wait 20 minutes. Most urges peak and fall in that window.
2. Voice-note Loviu instead. The AI will reflect back what unblocking would actually cost you.
3. If you still want to, sleep on it first. You can unblock in the morning if you still want to. You won't.

Telling them you blocked

Don't. You don't owe an announcement. Silent blocking is kinder than a dramatic "I'm blocking you" message — which is almost always a hidden invitation to keep talking.