Do you regularly block people? While the topic of blocking can bring up strong emotions, it’s often a good way to set boundaries and maintain peace.
We asked our readers why they recently blocked someone, and the answers are revealing.
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Blocking means something different for everyone.
Blocking. We’ve all done it from time to time. Some of us more often than others. Most of us have also been blocked by other people, which can be a bit jarring. There are many reasons to block someone, but what are some of the most common?
Some people find blocking allows them to heal.
Commenters like Erika Marglin used blocking as a way to move on. She said this of blocking someone: “So I’d quit wondering/hoping I’d hear from him. It’s given me a lot of peace.”
Others blocked because of political disagreements.
People have many opinions about politics and whether political differences are a good enough reason to exclude someone. While everyone has their own thoughts on this matter, sometimes, arguing over politics just isn’t worth it.
Blocking over disagreements can be a good idea with people you don’t know well.
As Kathleen Lombarodo said about someone she cut off for political reasons:
“Listen, it was an acquaintance, not a friend or family, so really not worth the aggravation…I respect others’ opinions and try to keep an open mind, but this person was just vile and so angry I could feel it through the screen.”
This seems like a good call!
Other people had to block people they used to be close to.
Dealing with exes is rarely fun, especially when you’re trying to co-parent and it’s not going well.
That’s why Rebeccia Santez had to block her ex. “Last person I blocked was my baby daddy, long story short I’m not allowing any negative mindset and unstable people near my child no matter who you are.”
People didn’t always block because they wanted to.
Staci Codini Nevell said she blocked someone she knew “Because I love him….”
While it can be difficult, blocking someone you love who isn’t right for you anymore is the best way to focus on yourself. It can be necessary, even if it’s painful.
Keeping sane when dealing with toxic people was a common reason.
Toxic, draining people can be anyone: a family member, a former friend, or an ex-spouse.
When someone doesn’t respect boundaries or wants to argue all the time, it’s just not worth the energy. So, many people said they would block to protect their peace of mind.
Blocking is a great way to send a loud and clear message: Leave me alone.
Jen Sanfilippo summed it up nicely, saying, “Because controlling manipulators don’t respect boundaries or blink at the pain & destruction they cause.”
It’s sometimes not worth arguing with people or trying to get them to respect you.
Many women had to block to avoid harassment.
Unfortunately, many women commented that they blocked men who were harassing them.
Gloria K. Corbeille said, “It was a man I didn’t know or want to know that wanted me to friend him.”
This is a completely valid reason to block someone!
For some people, the reason for blocking was short and sweet.
Some relationships deserve conversations and difficult goodbyes, while other people don’t even deserve that. People were more likely to block acquaintances over disagreements.
Many individuals found blocking a great way to ignore immature people. Valerie Ferrara-Capobianco said, “I don’t have time for high school drama.
Others prefer not to block at all.
Some people said blocking wasn’t the only way to get back at their haters. When asked about blocking, Laura Myers posted, “I don’t anymore. I’d rather them see me and hate me.”
Letting someone see you thrive can indeed be the best revenge!
Some themes began to emerge.
While there are numerous reasons to block someone, the comments from our readers revealed some trends.
Many of the answers fell into a few categories: Setting boundaries with toxic people, moving on from someone you used to care about, or disagreements with political and moral views.
Do you use blocking as a tool?
Blocking definitely has its place, especially when it comes to your safety and happiness. Everyone’s tolerance is different, though. Some people are more likely to block while others hardly ever do. How do you feel about blocking?
