I was someone who was resistant to blocking men who I had previously been in love/lust with. I thought things like... "Forever? So I'll never see another pic of them? I'll never be able to talk to them again, even if I want to in years?" I considered it multiple times, and couldn't do it in the end, settling for half measures such as preventing their posts from coming in newsfeed. I would block from other social medias, but keep Facebook as a last resort, I couldn't bear to remove all contact potential and witness to at least the most basic facts of their lives.

Then I was exposed to the wisdom here on FDS, and the pandemic happened. The pandemic made me realize...damn. There's a global emergency happening and neither one of us are checking up on the other. We are literally never going to talk again.

Here are 2 benefits I found from finally doing it (block and delete):

1) You will not feel the slight social anxiety when YOU post YOUR stuff, thinking he is going to see it. That ever so slight posturing you do in your comments or posts, for "his" perceived/imaginary benefit. I realized I became much quieter on social media over the years, and I think it was due to some sort of vague embarrassment that he/they would see these comments.

2) Hiding access to your life, reducing his witness to it, is so empowering. You are a privilege. Why do you allow anyone you've been disrespected by to access your life? I thought it might feel sad knowing he won't be able to see the glimpses I choose to share. No, it feels amazing knowing he doesn't see them.

Blocking feels good. SO GOOD. It is such a relief. It brings relief in such subtle ways. It removes mental pressure that's been there for so long, you don't even notice it until it's gone. It's hard to describe, until you've done it. For anyone who was like me, a bit sentimental and nostalgic, I urge you to consider.