How do you deal with the temptation to contact your ex?
verka
on
Jan 13, 2021
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It very much depends on your personal circumstances. Maybe start by asking yourself where this temptation comes from and what you are hoping to achieve by contacting him or her? Imagine what the likely outcomes are, how you will feel afterwards, and what response (if any) you are most likely to get. You may choose to first discuss the temptation with someone who is more familiar with your particular situation, or reach out to a listener on here to get some support, so that you feel more comfortable with whatever decision you make. If the relationship is definitely over or if it was an abusive one, it is likely that you will feel worse afterwards, so it is worth looking at all possible scenarios and looking for support from people who genuinly care about you.
Anonymous
on
Feb 12, 2021
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Ask yourself if this would be the right situation for you and if you think you would benefit from this as it could be a good or bad thing, it just depends on the circumstances that you yourself are in. Everybody is different so will have different opinions. If you do decide to contact them then maybe tell them how you feel and see how they feel too because they might feel the same way and be too scared to let you know that but once you tell them how you feel it might change that for them as well.
Anonymous
on
Feb 19, 2021
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Been here the first thing you need to do is get rid of all their information contact numbers, emails, social media platforms, pictures etc. Just make sure all that is gone and out of your sight. Try to do some meditation while you get that impulse or remember that you might not get anything out of trying to contact you. Try to take a walk and distract you from those thoughts that you have. Do something that makes you feel good. Exercise, get out and take a walk, and eat chocolate. Just do something that makes you feel good, so you can get your mind off of contacting them.
Anonymous
on
Mar 17, 2021
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One way of dealing with the temptation to contact your ex is to remove the option from yourself. You can delete their number or block their accounts from being accessible to you. Once the option is removed and there's nothing you can do about the desire to reach out to them, it's likely you'll find acceptance that the matter is out of your hands and your mind will find other ways to occupy itself. Another option for dealing with the temptation to contact your ex is to distract yourself with other pursuits. Engage in hobbies, throw yourself into your work, pick up a new interest, volunteer, find productive or engaging uses of your time so that you spend less time thinking about them or reaching out to them. These are all valid ways of coping.
Anonymous
on
Mar 31, 2021
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Well, it was pretty hard especially since we had just broken up however I thought about how awful I felt in the relationship and how they treated me like crap... I realized this more and more and the more I realized it and understood it the more I knew I did not need to text them and could easily move on with my life. Plus I was able to find someone who treats me better than my ex ever did and who loves me for me rather for the things my ex loved me for only... I hope this can help someone
Anonymous
on
Mar 31, 2021
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Try to move on, Pick up some hobbies like drawing, knitting, playing an instrument etc Maybe start talking to somebody else, Do things you always wanted to do, Read book, watch movies! Have a night out with your friends! Go out to eat, make a journal or a diary! Learn new things... Just forget about him/her! Do things that you want to do!! Unleash your inner self! Do self care.. Try new things that you haven't done before... Make a bucket list and complete it! Just do anything that could distract your mind from your ex! Hope this helps you...
calmingUnicorn6545
on
Apr 22, 2021
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The relationship didn’t end for no reason. When you’re feeling sad and reminiscent, remember the things that made you split up. Try not to let your mind trick you. If you’re going to reminisce, remind yourself of the entire relationship, not just the parts that made you feel warm and fuzzy. That’s what friends are for! Your friends love you and want you to be happy, so call them and talk to them about how you’re feeling. Let your BFFs remind you how better off you are without your ex!
I’m by no means implying that hopping into the dating scene is the cure for your breakup. Sometimes, when we feel lonely, we tend to revert to the people who once made us feel special: our exes. Rather than reaching out to your old flame, try talking to someone new!
Indigo2592
on
Apr 30, 2021
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Recognizing why your ex is your ex for a reason is a start. There is a reason the door has closed on that relationship and why they were not fit for you so leaving that door shut allows for another to open. Find activities you enjoyed prior to starting the relationship that maybe you have not enjoyed doing since the relationship started or ended and fall back in love with those activities rather than relying on the comfort of speaking to your ex. You cannot finish the chapter and move on to the next chapter of your story if you keep trying to reread the same one. Enjoy new things and have faith that things are going to work out the way they are meant to.
starryRose5308
on
May 9, 2021
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Temptation.. could be hard to deal with. I’ve been through this and sometimes I still have moments when I want to call my ex, but I remind myself why we were broken up in the first place. And if you’re in a current relationship, imagine how that would make your partner feel if you contacted your ex.. and also put the show on the other foot. You wouldn’t want the person you’re dealing with to contact their ex. Sometimes contacting your ex could rekindle a relationship that you don’t want to happen. It’s just best to lay off sometime.
Anonymous
on
May 15, 2021
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It can be very hard for some people. The connection you have with someone doesn't instantly go away, so you start to miss them. That's natural. But it' s important to remember the reason he/she is your ex in the first place. It's better to contact a close friend before going that route. Talking to someone you trust. Distracting yourself with other activities such as going on a hike of the park or walking your dog. Watch a movie. But try not to do things that remind you of that person. Explore other or new hobbies that you can enjoy by yourself.
hearingyouout1912
on
May 16, 2021
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I have had very serious breakups and thus have never had the urge to contact my ex. But whenever i felt so i reminded myself why we were not together anymore. I am cool with a some exes but not with everyone. Some are so old that there is no bad blood between us anymore. But some have been traumatic enough for me to never have tried to contact me. Also calling your bestfriend when you feel like contacting your ex is also a good way to get yourself to clearly see what is wrong and riGHT AND REFRAIN YOURSELF.
Anonymous
on
May 23, 2021
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Think about the reason why would you want to reach out? Will it be positive? There might be so manny reason to want to do it, while experimenting withdrawing for a separation, be kind to yourself if you somehow know it might not be positive to reach out try and go out with friends, focus on your self in a loving, caring way do the things you love to do and makes you feel good, learn something new, practice some sport/ exercise, volunteer, read a book you always were curious about this will help you feel a sense of control, and help you feel you are in your way to gain balance in your life again.
Anonymous
on
May 28, 2021
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I try to reach out to uplifting friends or family. I don't even have to tell them what's going on, but just making a real connection can remind me that I have good people in my life and that I decided not to have certain people in my life for a reason.
Also being gentle with yourself is important. It's not easy to get over emotions and even if it's been a long time those can still come back and that's okay. It's hard not giving in, but when you feel confident in yourself and your choices, it's just a little less hard.
brilliantAngel1538
on
May 30, 2021
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Thank you for reaching out!
I understand from personal experience that having this urge to message an ex can be very difficult to resist. The temptation to contact your ex is like rewatching the same movie and expecting a different end. You ask yourself, Is it going to end the same way? It’s really easy to say move forward from your life and do not go back to that pathway. Emotions after a break-up can be really raw. Your ex may have been the one that had broken up with you which is why it’s difficult to forget what you feel for them and move on from the feeling or perhaps there was some regret on breaking up if you both broke up on your terms. You may want to ask yourself how you both handled the break up.
Were they your first relationship and so that’s why it’s a challenge? Did things end in bad terms, things were said that were mean and you want your ex to forgive you or you want your ex to apologise? What about your ex is tempting you to contact them? Looking into your ex’s social media is very unlikely to do you any favors emotionally as it will just remind you of how much you miss them or how awful of an impression they have given you. They may be dating newer people and this can leave you having trouble with accepting this as you did not choose to break up with them. So unfollowing them on social media can help with your healing process and also having a chat with friends too that have been in relationships that did not go well. You need to feel you are not alone in your emotions!
There are support organisations you can look into such as Relate which provides support on relationship stress and breakups for more information. You are also welcome to communicate with one of our amazing listeners and therapists on our site for a listening ear.
Imhereanytime
on
Jun 4, 2021
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I really understand the pain of going through that. If I had really loved My ex his happiness should always be my happiness too and if they are feeling happy without me in their life I think they should be set free and moreover I feel I need to respect my self respect. consider my mental health and peace as my first priority. I should also learn from this lesson of life and correct my mistake and strive to be a better person. Remembering that these are all a part of life it might be really seems hard right now but definitely it is making me a stronger and better person
Actuallynobody017
on
Jun 19, 2021
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You have the urge to contact your ex which I can understand. It can be difficult. After a break up or separation, you have feelings for them and that is completely natural. It may be a good idea to ask yourself, what are the reasons you want to contact them. It can also be a good idea to talk with someone about this who understands you. If you think you are unable to move on, you can read some books on break up or see a therapist. Please know that what you are going through happens in most post-relationships. If you have some questions to ask them to clear some matter or issues, you may contact them as well. You can even imagine having a imaginary discussion with your ex alone with yourself. I hope it helps. 😊
greysonn
on
Jul 1, 2021
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I remember how far I have came. I reflect on the pain that has shaped who I am today but I do not allow temptation to define me or define my progress. I remember to stay in the moment and keep myself busy. It is hard to overcome temptations in general and temptation in terms of contacting an ex.. well.. remember they are an ex for a reason. I think something that really helps me get through those low moments or times I feel temptation or impulsive is journal writing. Journal writing allows me to be free and myself.
Ukiyothepeace
on
Jul 23, 2021
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To deal with the temptations you have to get logical about them. Firstly, these temptations strongly comes from the fact that the ex were part of your life just yesterday and now your mind and emotions and even routine has a void space that needs to be filled in. These temptations urge you to feel the emotions or feelings that were part of good days. You might want to check up on them because it had become a habit to do so. These emotions and time are void mostly because the way we feel about each individual is different and thus people are always told to ACCEPT and heal. Those emotions and moments cannot be relived with someone else with the same frequency but to deal with these temptations you have to bring back why are you here in the first place. Because if they did care and were good for you, you wouldnt be here thinking all this.
Hiraith
on
Aug 14, 2021
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When I experience the temptation of wanting to talk to my ex, I remind myself that we broke up and no longer chatted for a reason. Things didn't work out in the relationship and that's okay, often there will be heartbreak before you meet the one. Think about why you have the urge to talk to your ex. Are you feeling lonely? Are you lacking affection or attention? Do you miss being in a relationship? Reasons like these to your urges can be cured by one thing: self-care. Being single, or alone, is not a curse, it is a blessing. Use the time you have to nourish yourself and learn how to enjoy your own company. You cannot rely on a partner to take care of you or to make you feel happy, only you can fulfill yourself.
Anonymous
on
Sep 4, 2021
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usually when you have a temptation to contact your ex, just distract yourself from contacting them by doing what hobbies you like or going out with friends or watching shows. this will help you from contacting your ex and keeps your mind occupied with other things. if this doesn't help out, delete their phone number or any social media so that you don't have any other way to contact them at all. this would help you deal with contacting your ex and stuff. another thing you can do is to talk to a friend about what is going through your mind and why you want to contact them.
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