Getting blocked by an ex on WhatsApp can be confusing and hurtful. It often leaves people wondering why it happened, if their ex is trying to send a message, and what they should do next.
Why Would an Ex Block You on WhatsApp?
There are several possible reasons why an ex might block someone on WhatsApp:
- They want space. Your ex may feel overwhelmed and wants to take a break from communication for a while.
- They’re trying to move on. Blocking an ex can sometimes be a way to help detach from the relationship.
- You’re texting too much. If you’ve been texting frequently, they may feel smothered.
- They’re in a new relationship. A new partner may have asked them to block exes or make them uncomfortable.
- They want a clean break. Blocking can signal they want no further communication or ties.
- There’s conflict. Ongoing tension or arguments may have led them to want to sever contact.
- You’ve been overstepping boundaries. Repeatedly texting or calling when asked for space can cause an ex to block.
While blocking can feel jarring, it’s often not meant as an outright insult. Rather, it’s your ex trying to establish distance and boundaries for their own well-being. However, in some cases, hurt feelings or passive aggression can also play a role.
How Being Blocked Might Make You Feel
Discovering that your ex has blocked you on WhatsApp can stir up many difficult emotions, such as:
- Rejection. You may feel a sting of rejection from being cut off.
- Anger. Some feel righteous anger at being blocked.
- Confusion. It’s normal to find it baffling if you don’t know the reason.
- Sadness. Some feel profound grief over losing access to their ex.
- Hopelessness. You may worry the relationship is now impossible to reconcile.
- Obsession. Being blocked can fuel constant thoughts about your ex.
These feelings are normal, but try not to get stuck in them. The blocking often isn’t a commentary on you, but rather about your ex needing space. Focus on caring for yourself at this time.
Should You Reach Out Some Other Way?
If your ex has blocked you, it’s best not to try circumventing that by reaching out through other means. Some alternatives people consider include:
- Texting or calling from a different number
- Contacting them on a different messaging platform
- Using a friend’s phone or social media to contact them
- Sending them an email, letter, or gift
Avoid taking these measures, as your ex will likely see them as disrespecting their clearly established boundary. It comes across as desperate and will likely only push them farther away.
Healthy Ways to Respond to Being Blocked
While it isn’t easy, here are some healthy ways to respond when your ex blocks you:
- Give them space. Respect their boundary and don’t pursue contact.
- Reflect on the relationship. Think about what may have led to this point.
- Lean on friends. Turn to close friends or family for support.
- Avoid social media stalking. Looking at their profiles will only worsen feelings.
- Practice self-care. Focus on your mental and physical well-being.
- Get professional help. Seek counseling if you’re struggling with obsessive thoughts.
- Be patient. Try to accept this new reality of distance from your ex.
Having productive distractions like work, hobbies, exercise, and socializing can also help lessen the blow and pain of the blocking. Maintaining your dignity and not lashing out is also crucial.
Will Your Ex Unblock You?
It’s possible your ex may unblock you at some point, but there’s no guarantee. The outcome depends on variables like:
- Why they blocked you in the first place
- How much time has passed
- If the issues leading to the blocking have been resolved
- If you’ve both had space to move forward
- Whether they’ve entered a new relationship
- How negatively they associate you with past pain
If your ex unblocks you, it may signal they’ve gained perspective and are open to being in contact again. But proceed cautiously and let them dictate the pace.
Can the Relationship Be Salvaged After Blocking?
Whether it’s possible to reconnect and rebuild the relationship after an ex blocks you depends on several factors:
- Why you broke up initially
- How long you were together
- If the blocking was a single incident or part of a pattern
- Level of animosity between you
- Willingness to understand their perspective
- Dedication to resolving underlying issues
- If you both still have feelings for each other
With effort from both people, it is possible for a relationship to recover. But it will take patience, compromise, and the desire to make it work above all else. Lack of trust from the blocking can also be difficult to overcome fully. Proceed slowly if you do reconnect.
When Blocking May Be a Sign It’s Over
In some circumstances, getting blocked can be the ultimate way your ex shows the relationship is over, including:
- They immediately block you on all platforms and accounts
- They block without explanation after a long period of silence
- They block you right after the breakup
- They get into a new relationship shortly after
- Prior attempts to set boundaries failed
- The relationship was short-lived or informal
- They express firmly that they’ve moved on
If the blocking aligns with other definitive signs the relationship has ended, it may be best to accept that it’s over. Continuing to pursue contact will likely only drive them further away.
Signs Your Ex May Unblock You
There are certain clues that your ex may be considering unblocking you in the future:
- A friend hints they’ve cooled down and miss you
- Their social media shows they’ve been nostalgic about the relationship
- They’ve made contact through indirect means
- Enough time has passed for emotions to settle
- You’ve made positive life changes and growth
- They seem to be intentionally reminding you of their existence
- A special occasion like a birthday is approaching
These signs indicate there’s a possibility of your ex unblocking you and reopening the door to communication. It’s not guaranteed, but it may suggest a shift in their feelings.
How to Know if You Should Reconnect if Unblocked
Before reaching out if your ex unblocks you, reflect honestly on these considerations:
- Do you genuinely miss them, or just the feeling of connection?
- What has changed within you since the blocking?
- Are you open to understanding their perspective?
- Are you still holding onto anger about the blocking?
- Will reconnecting cause you to backslide in getting over the relationship?
- Are you prepared if they only want friendship?
- Have you both had enough time and space apart to heal?
Reaching out may feel intuitive if you’ve been unblocked, but examine your motives. Make sure you’re doing so for the right reasons and in the right emotional state before making contact.
How to Communicate If Your Ex Unblocks You
If your ex unblocks you and you want to reach out, here are some tips:
- Don’t rush. Give it a few days to process your emotions before connecting.
- Send a thoughtful, but brief message. Long emotional missives are not a good idea right away.
- Acknowledge the blocking in a mature way. For example, “I know things got difficult and you needed space.”
- Highlight any personal growth you’ve made since the blocking.
- Suggest meeting in person to catch up, if you feel ready for that.
- Don’t assign blame or dwell on the past.
- Gauge their receptiveness before opening up emotionally.
The goal is to re-establish a baseline connection in a calm, mature way. Don’t dive headfirst back into intense emotional intimacy or hostility right off the bat.
What to Do If They Re-Block You
Getting blocked again after your ex initially unblocked you can feel like whiplash. It likely means they still need more time and space. If re-blocked:
- Resist the urge to pursue contact through other means.
- Don’t take it personally or spiral into negative thought patterns.
- Identify if you may have pushed past their boundaries.
- Seek support from close friends or a counselor.
- Immerse yourself in hobbies, interests, and self-care.
- Accept that reconciliation may not be possible right now.
Being re-blocked stings, but don’t let it derail your progress. Nurture yourself as you navigate this difficulty on your healing journey.
When to Seek Help for Obsession Over Blocking
It’s normal to have a strong reaction if an ex blocks you. However, if the blocking consumes your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for weeks on end, it may be time to get help by:
- Speaking to a counselor or therapist about underlying reasons for the obsession, and learning skills to stop fixating.
- Joining a support group to gain perspective and reduce isolation.
- Consulting a life coach to create an action plan focused on your own goals and fulfillment.
- Enlisting trusted friends and family to check in on you and gently detour rumination.
- Avoiding platforms like social media that enable obsession.
- Channeling your energy into healthy outlets that absorb your focus constructively.
With consistent effort, many find they can release unhealthy attachment over time. Be compassionate with yourself throughout the process.
Conclusion
Getting blocked by an ex on WhatsApp can be difficult to endure. But try not to perceive it as a commentary on your worth. Often blocking is not meant to harm you, but to protect your ex’s mental well-being and ability to move forward. View it through that lens, and respond in mature, dignified ways. If your ex unblocks you, proceed cautiously and assess if reconnecting is truly healthy and appropriate for both of you. With time and self-care, the hurt of blocking will pass.