I used to agonize over whether I should delete someone’s number and block them on social media or give them another chance if I felt like I was being mistreated by them. It has become so much easier after only doing it a couple of times.

I’ve been talking to a guy for a few months. I haven’t seen him in weeks as he’s finishing up a pretty rigorous grad program and I’ve been working a ton of inconsistent hours. Regardless, I have always been very good about messaging back or answering FaceTime calls if he wanted to chat.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t have high hopes about him. That was a big mistake on my part. I made it clear from the jump that if I ever feel a lack of effort from a person I’m dating, I will make my feelings known once AT MOST. After that, I’m out with no warning. He told me he admired that.

Anyways, a couple of weeks ago he received the J&J vaccine. Days after that, he stopped texting me. The last thing in our text conversation is me responding to him asking how my day went, and then asking about his. No answer. Days passed. Once I saw that he was active on social media without texting or calling me I decided that was it.

In the past I think I would’ve tried to create excuses about his absence by reasoning that perhaps he’s going through something, he’s really busy, or just forgot to respond. But when I think of myself, I would never leave someone I’m truly interested in high and dry. If someone can go days without remembering that we haven’t been communicating, they’re not as enthusiastic about me as I need them to be. Plus, even if someone is going through a particularly busy period, it takes 15 seconds to send a courtesy text saying that they won’t be responsive for a few days. Simple as that.

Anyways, I mentioned he stopped reaching out to me after he got vaccinated. Both of us had been taking the pandemic pretty seriously, but I suspect that now that he’s protected from COVID-19 he’s trying to meet other people. Go figure.

Ultimately, it felt good not to fret over my decision. I’m shocked that I’m not more hurt since usually these things bum me right out. Credit to all of you ladies for sharing your stories and helping me learn I deserve more respect.