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How do I get over wanting to contact my ex?

43 Answers
Last Updated: 08/30/2021 at 4:53pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Kelly Brast, MA, LPC-S, LSOTP, CART

Licensed Professional Counselor

Life can be overwhelming sometimes. I specialize in helping people organize their thoughts, getting rid of the things holding them back, and finding a path to a better future.

Top Rated Answers
menjy
September 29th, 2014 1:43pm
Just remember the reason of your seperation.that will resist you to think of him and just move on with your life.
Emlou
November 10th, 2014 4:57pm
Once you've gotten to the stage were you want to stop contacting them that's half the battle won already! Firstly take any steps that make it impossible for you to not contact them - delete numbers/social media/pictures of you both, anything that reminds you of him get rid! As long as you're still in contact with your ex you're never going to be able to stop so once you've taken all steps to make this impossible things can only get easier. Find distractions, surround yourself with family and friends as long as your time is spent doing something your mind won't wander to thinking about them too much. When you do think about your ex remind yourself of the reasons you broke up, hopefully this will reinforce your decision not to contact them and help you move forward. Not contacting your ex is a difficult thing to do it's going to take time and a lot of will power from you but just think how much weight will be lifted the day you don't feel the need to contact them. Time actually does heal all wounds, it just takes some wounds a lot longer to be healed but don't be disheartened because it does get easier, everyday you stay strong it a day closer to feeling better.
ElsieRae
September 27th, 2014 2:31am
Wanting to contact your ex is such a normal thing to deal with. I think the easiest way to keep yourself from not wanting to contact them is to keep busy. Connect with your friends more. Find new hobbies you enjoy. Don't exile yourself from life because the relationship didn't work. You will get through it and if you need more support aside from your family and friends there are tons of listeners on 7 cups willing to help!
VeeXO
October 20th, 2014 9:01am
Getting over an ex is NEVER easy, They were the person who knew your problems, they knew everything. BUT they are your ex for a reason, always keep that in mind. ALWAYS. first off is to delete those text messages, voicemails, call log, & phone number. Dwelling over old messages & such will always make you want to run back. Second, Keep yourself busy, go out with the girls, the guys. Keeping yourself occupied helps more than you think. Don't ever be afraid to miss them. it's not wrong, just when you miss them, run to a friend for help to avoid wanting you to contact them. PATIENCE. you won't get over them in a day. Just keep trying as each day will become easier.
Anonymous
January 9th, 2018 7:26pm
This one is very difficult, especially within the first couple weeks/months after a breakup. What I have found to work for me, might not work for everyone else. Either way, I will say this, keep your hands busy so your mind has less time to wander. Be social, make new friends & learn what makes you happy again. Your ex is just that, a part of your past, not your future & possibly so for a reason.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2014 9:21pm
The most important thing is a clean break, get them out of your life, constant reminders about them will only keep them on your mind.
Anonymous
September 7th, 2015 2:42am
Delete all your ex contact.Block or unfriend them in social media.Do something else that can take your mind when you want to contact your ex.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2014 5:39pm
You have to decide if contacting your ex will be beneficial for you or not. If it is, then you have to make sure contacting them won't further hurt you.
SallGoodYo
November 3rd, 2014 2:00am
I have had the same problem before; and the best thing that I was able to do was distract myself. Play some video games, read, put my mind into a state where I'm solely focused on something; and when that didn't work, I'd text or call my friends or a family member instead of my ex. They would always calm me and keep me from making that mistake. I know its hard when you miss someone, but I would always end up reminding myself that there were many reasons why we weren't together anymore, and over time, that want for me to contact them stopped.
Anonymous
October 23rd, 2014 6:01am
I am really happy that you are asking this question, since it means you are trying hard to move on. Try limiting social media with newsfeeds about them, if you think they would understand feel free to let them know you need space for a while. You are going to want to contact them for any reason you get, but when you feel that just talk to yourself, would you contact any other friend about this and feel the same way? And is this really that spectacular to talk to them about? Sometimes its just us trying to contact them for whatever reason just to be with them for a while. So, Stop, talk to yourself, analyse.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2017 5:38am
Distract yourself with something you really like doing. For example, watch your favorite TV show or talk to your best friend about the latest news. However, it couldn't hurt to ask your ex how they're doing; it shows them that you have gotten over them but you still care about them in a friendly and polite way. But if you would rather not contact them, you can stick to baby steps - distracting yourself. Then you can surround yourself with people who care about you and have a fun time with them.
Daviama99
June 21st, 2016 5:47am
Block them on any media, delete their number, any photos. Call a friend when you think of them and talk to them to get your mind off of them and focus on your friend.
Anonymous
June 14th, 2016 4:27pm
Make new friends. Listen to music. Master a new skill. Try dating new people. Get a life. Love yourself.
Kxlsxy
August 30th, 2021 4:53pm
This can be a difficult thing to deal with. First perhaps think about why you still want to talk with them? You are strong and capable of being independant. Perhaps immerse yourself in a new hobby or club, work or academics. Becoming a better version of yourself can remind you that there is so much more to experience in life. What triggers the thoughts to message your ex? Can you avoid or change these things? For example unfollowing your ex’s social media accounts. Remember why you separated. It’s never easy to get over a relationship especially if you weren’t ready for it to end but it’s the perfect time to enjoy your own company and even make some new friends.
ChooseHappiness1992
December 5th, 2017 4:29pm
Always remember that sometimes we need to look for happiness in new relationship. There is simply no point of going back if he or she is not going to make any changes for the better.
smileforawhile
April 25th, 2016 2:07pm
Wanting to contact ex is totally normal and to be expected as they were a big part of your life for a given amount of time. It takes time to heal and you have to allow yourself to feel emotions that may not exactly be the most pleasant. Distract yourself, keep yourself busy, do things for YOU.
tranquilSerendipity
June 25th, 2018 8:10pm
Continually doing something good for yourself. This could be going to the gym, going on a walk around the neighborhood, putting on a face mask, getting your nails done. Taking care of yourself makes you feel good. Surrounding yourself with wonderful company, people that make you feel important are the best ones.
calmingKitty41
January 12th, 2016 6:17am
Block your ex on everything! Their number, facebook, instagram, tumblr, twitter, I mean everything. Go out with friends, pick up a hobby, try and better yourself. Keep yourself occupied. When you are ready to move on, start going on dates and meet new people.
Anonymous
December 22nd, 2015 1:31am
You just think bad things about them. You totally change your routine and you change your route you go.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2015 6:06pm
In most cases, there's a reason why things didn't work out. You're both better off. The clue is to move on. It will get easier to forget about your ex with time. You've just gotta be patient.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2015 5:37pm
You can block his or her number and or start going out hanging with friends meeting new guys and or girls and enjoy yourself
silverSoul66
November 24th, 2015 3:15am
Try to move on by concentrating on new hobbies or activities. Keeping yourself busy is one of the best ways to get over someone.
Anonymous
October 26th, 2020 7:36pm
Every time I would want to text my ex, I would do two lists in my journal: the first one, a list of all the things I didn't like about our relationship, and second, a list of all the things I am grateful for in my friendships and family. Texting a friend when you feel this way can help too! Sometimes we just feel lonely and need some support through this time. By recognizing why you broke up, you're reminding yourself why you shouldn't contact them, and the gratitude journal boosts confidence and helps you find resources to work through any emotions you are feeling at the time!
Anonymous
August 25th, 2015 4:09pm
This want should fade over time. When you first breakup the common reaction tends to be wanting to stay in contact with someone and that is perfectly normal. When you have a good relationship with someone it is hard to break it off all of a sudden. With time this will get better and hopefully both of you will be able to move on with your life.
Anonymous
August 10th, 2015 4:26pm
Remember why they're your ex in the first place. Allow yourself to remember but not live in the past.
TheLonelyLover
November 3rd, 2014 10:37am
Put The Phone Down Get Your Self Fixed Up And Have An Amazing Time With Friend have a little fun flirt with the world who cares whos watching and or judging you understand that you are you and no one can stop you from being yourself love yourself embrace it!
Sammmx
October 10th, 2014 7:35pm
I had to get over wanting that also when i was in a long distance relationship for a year, I eventually excluded him from my life and kept myself busy and it eventually worked.
Anonymous
October 18th, 2014 10:12am
Hang out with another girl , try to fill ur day with things you like , but dont spend alot of time alone this would make u feel like u wanna talk to her .. and mainly tr to find some one else
DPate16
October 22nd, 2014 2:12pm
The first step is to accept that it is over. Express whatever you are feeling. Do not keep it bottled up inside you. Its healthy to express yourself in positive ways. Set goals for yourself and realize that you have gotten through bad situations before.
DarinF
October 27th, 2014 3:42pm
instead of contacting your ex, try talking to your best friends instead! Tell them what's been going on with your life lately and you can also share things that's troubling you. By doing so, you can avoid contact with your ex and build a closer relationship with your friends :)