Should I Block Him? The Modern Guide to Protecting Your Peace

You’ve stared at that little “Block” button longer than you'd like to admit. Maybe you hovered over it last night at 2 a.m. after he watched your Story for the fifth day in a row, without texting. Maybe you’ve already typed “should I block him” into Google, Reddit, TikTok, or—yep—here.

You're not overreacting. You're not crazy. You're trying to make sense of a situation that feels both way too personal and somehow completely universal.

Let’s talk about the psychology, strategy, and soft power move that is blocking. Sometimes, healing starts with a swipe and a boundary.

What Does “Blocking” Really Mean?

Blocking means no longer allowing someone to have digital access to you. Whether it's just through text message or includes disabling access to your Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc., blocking can prevent a wide range of digital access.

For many people, it’s the only way to stop reopening old emotional wounds and could be a way to stop and prevent digital bullying.

Still think it sounds a little extreme? You’re not alone—but stick with me.

“Should I Block Him?” Let’s Look at the Real Reasons You’re Even Asking

You’re not asking this for no reason. Something led you here.

Maybe he ghosted, then resurfaced like nothing happened. Maybe he liked your bikini pic but left your “hey, wanna grab coffee?” text on read. Maybe he’s in a new relationship and decided to soft-launch it on your birthday (rude). Or maybe you just… can’t stop looking at his profile.

All of these are valid reasons to reevaluate his access to you.

Here are some of the most common situations where blocking becomes not only justifiable, but necessary.

10 Times It’s Absolutely OK to Block Him (Yes, Even If You Still Care)

1. He ghosted you… and now he’s back like nothing happened

Breadcrumbing isn’t cute. It’s confusing, manipulative, and designed to keep you hanging. If he couldn’t text back for two weeks but suddenly remembered your existence the moment you moved on? Block.

2. You broke up, but he’s still watching your every Story

Passive presence post-breakup is a thing now. But here’s the truth: people who genuinely want to be in your life don’t lurk—they show up. Watching your content without engaging is a power move. Take the power back.

3. He started dating someone new… and made sure you saw it

Did he tag her on purpose? Post the “she’s a 10 but…” meme with her name? Look, healing doesn’t mean pretending it doesn’t sting. If it hurts to see it, you’re allowed to step back. And that might mean blocking.

4. You’re tempted to drunk-text him way too often

If your impulse control disappears after two cocktails and a Lana Del Rey playlist, blocking might save you from yourself. You don’t need to reread those “wyd” messages the next morning.

5. He hurt you, and never apologized

You don’t need to leave the door open for closure that’s never coming. Sometimes the apology you need is the boundary you set.

6. He posts subtle jabs or attention-seeking captions

We see it. The “I guess some people never change” tweets. The “living my best life” Reels two days after your breakup. You deserve peace—not petty posts aimed at you.

7. He manipulates your emotions when it’s convenient

Suddenly love-bombing you when he senses you pulling away? Classic avoidant-attachment behavior. Don’t fall for the cycle. Exit it—with a block.

8. You feel addicted to checking his profile

We’ve all been there. It’s a hit of dopamine to see what he’s up to. But if it's hurting more than helping, it’s time for a detox.

9. You’re not healing because of him

If his digital presence is slowing your healing, you don’t owe him visibility. Blocking isn’t about punishment—it’s about recovery.

10. He was toxic, manipulative, and/or harasses you over text

Is he sending you too many double texts that you don't even reply to? Is he just being a flat-out jerk. This one is non-negotiable. Comfort > etiquette. Always.

Why Blocking Feels So Final (And Why That’s the Point)

Here’s why blocking feels huge: it forces a kind of digital “death.” It’s a clean break. It severs the possibility of breadcrumbing, creeping, and late-night “u up?” messages.

Blocking forces clarity. And for a lot of us, that’s scarier than the pain of staying attached.

But remember this: you don’t owe anyone unlimited access to you. That includes your ex, your almost, your situationship, and the guy who’s still trying to FaceTime after ghosting you three times.

“But What If He Thinks I’m Being Dramatic?”

Let him.

If someone thinks it’s “dramatic” to protect your mental health, they’re probably part of the reason you need to protect it in the first place.

Blocking isn’t about revenge. It’s about your well-being.

“What If I Regret It?”

Here’s a beautiful truth: you can always unblock him.

But healing often requires distance first. Give yourself the gift of silence, and see what grows in its place.

And if you miss him? Miss him without opening the door. You’re allowed to have feelings and boundaries at the same time.

Not Ready to Block? Try These First

If blocking feels too intense right now, here are softer steps:

• Mute their Stories or posts

• Restrict them (especially on Instagram)

• Hide your Stories from them

• Delete their number

• Journal the message you want to send (but don’t send it)

Think of these as emotional scaffolding. They support you while you build toward detachment.

✅ Final Check: Should I Block Him?

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel calmer without his name in my notifications?

• Am I checking his socials more than I’m caring for myself?

• Is this connection adding anything positive to my life?

• Do I feel tempted to break my own boundaries just to keep him around?

If the answer to any of these is “yes,” the decision might already be made.

Final Thought

Blocking isn’t cruel. It’s clarity. It’s you choosing stillness over static. It’s recognizing that peace sometimes comes at the cost of connection.

So if you’ve been wondering, “Should I block him?” — maybe the better question is:

What happens if I don’t?

Not sure what to do next? Let Teatime help you figure it out.

Get real-time input from strangers who aren’t emotionally attached to your situationship. Whether it’s a screenshot of the text he just sent or your 3-paragraph

Notes app draft…💬

Download Teatime and get support that feels like a group chat (but better). Learn about What is the Teatime app.