Closing the Ex Files: Choosing Digital Distance for My Sanity

I genuinely love being happy for people.
But when it comes to an ex or someone I once dated?

I’d rather not see their happiness—unless I’m blissfully in love, living in my own little bubble.

I know that sounds selfish. But honestly? It’s not about them.

It’s about my sanity.

I’ve never been great at dealing with emotions, so I tend to do the next best thing:

Pretend they don’t exist.

It’s not that I don’t wish them well. I do—from afar.
But watching someone I once cared about take their new girlfriend on a magical vacation or post an engagement photo...

That stings.
And it often comes with a little whisper in my head:
“That could’ve been me.”

Of course, that’s if I had actually wanted that person at the time—or managed to get past my own superficiality (especially in my younger days). I’ve always believed I have the right to be a little picky.
But sometimes I wonder…

What if I wasn’t?

Thank God for Technology

Luckily, the internet gets it now.

I can hide someone’s posts on Facebook and still technically remain “friends,” so I don’t look like the crazy one. (We’ve all done it.)
Even better? I recently found browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that let you hide an ex’s name altogether.

That’s right—the ex filter.

The internet is out here doing more emotional damage control than some therapists.

My Breakup Rule

After a big breakup, I have a personal rule:

I fall off the face of the earth.

No texts. No social media. No curiosity-fueled profile visits.
I block the temptation before it blocks my peace.

Facebook? Hidden.
Instagram? Muted.
Search engine results? Erased like we never met.

I’ve often wondered—if technology keeps improving, will it lower the demand for therapy?
Because honestly, clicking “mute” has done more for me than some long, drawn-out breakup convos.