If you’ve ever felt ashamed or hurt by someone blocking you, you are not alone. Many people block others, whether it’s to cut the knotted ties of a relationship, a spontaneous reaction to someone’s actions, or even a power move to garner attention to themselves. To those people, it’s a boundary they plan to set between themselves and the other person. To the ones getting blocked, it is unexpected and sometimes quite harsh.

Start with why

If you want to understand why you were blocked, you need to reflect on how you acted or spoke to the person who blocked you. You might have said something unintentionally hurtful and/or neglected that person’s feelings. Social media and digital communication make it hard to communicate the feelings behind a message which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. That means you must be intentional about what you send online because not everyone will perceive it the same way you will.

It’s not you, it’s them 

There are occasions when people will block you without a valid reason. Sometimes, people can be immature or lack communication skills, and that can lead them to cut other people off without an explanation. It might help to meet with the person who blocked you to gain some clarity on the situation.

How to cope

Although getting blocked can be tough, it won’t be the end of the world. Focusing on the positive relationships in your life and not spending too much time trying to mend broken relationships can ensure that you get over it quickly.

Here are a few more tips:

• Focus on improving your communication skills so that you can avoid any future relationship missteps. Be mindful to send clear and concise messages while being considerate of the other person’s feelings. If you’re communicating via text or social media, it is helpful to double-check your messages before you send them so you can be sure that your messages are portraying how you are feeling clearly without being offensive.
• Try taking some time away from social media. Being away from social media platforms can reduce your stress levels because it separates you from the drama. It could also improve your self-esteem when you step away from social media because you won’t be exposed to the false reality that social media promotes. 
• Make new connections and build on the relationships that support you. Investing in relationships that benefit you gives you someone to count on in times of need, but it is important to invest in healthy relationships. If the connections you have bring negativity into your social life, give yourself opportunities to meet new people and create positive relationships. You can join new clubs or participate in activities with other people who share your same interests.

Have you been blocked? If you’ve found this advice helpful or would like to share an experience of your own, drop a comment!