The No Contact Rule: Everything You Need to Know post image

The No Contact Rule: Everything You Need to Know


If you’ve read any of my articles or books you know I’m not a fan of rules when it comes to relationships. I think rules treat the symptoms, not the disease, but that’s a tangent for a different time!

The only “rule” you might hear me reference is the “no contact rule.” This is something I’ve discussed when I write about how to get your ex back and is a concept I get asked about frequently, but I noticed it often gets misinterpreted and done completely wrong so I figured it was worth writing an article exclusively on this subject.

The no contact rule is exactly what it sounds like. After a breakup, you resolve to not contact your ex for a determined amount of time. Easy in theory, not always easy in practice.

When done right, the no contact rule can get you the exact relationship you’ve always wanted (and not always with your ex, sometimes you’ll be surprised where it takes you). When done wrong, you just end up wasting even more of your precious time pining away for someone who isn’t meant for you.

So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about everything you need to know about the no contact rule.

So What’s the No Contact Rule All About?

When I say no contact, I mean no communication whatsoever.

No calls, texts, G-chats, Facebook messages, snapchats, tweets, nothing. Also, this doesn’t really count as “contact,” but I would add no stalking or checking in on him on social media or by any other means.

OK, that sounds easy enough … that is until you try to put it into practice. It ain’t so easy when you see something that reminds you of him … when you finally remember the name of that book you were telling him about that he would love … when something happens that only he would find funny … when it’s his birthday … when you just want to hear his voice.

MORE: 6 Ways to Get Over Even the Worst Breakups

It’s hard, I get it. I’ve lived it. But no contact means no contact and it will ultimately bring you exactly where you’d like to go. But we’ll get to that in a bit.

A lot of women mistakenly think the purpose of the no contact rule is to get him back. This can happen, but that’s not really the point and it shouldn’t be your focus. The point is to help you get to a better place emotionally and mentally. It’s to give you the space to detox from the relationship because let’s face it, relationships can be emotionally intoxicating and draining, especially when they’re on the decline. And it takes time to plow through all the emotional rubble.

There are a lot of feelings to sort through, there is a lot of pain to process, and there are many layers of hurt. It takes time to peel back those layers, get to the core of that pain, and heal. The no contact rule is for you; remember that first and foremost.

Why It’s So Important

The no contact rule is important and effective for several reasons.

First, you need to remember that you can live without him, and that will only happen once you’re without him. I know that this can feel impossible, especially if you’re fresh out of a relationship. I remember that feeling all too well, the feeling you physically won’t be able to exist without him in your life. You will. You’ll be fine. You’ll be so fine.

If he’s the right guy for you he’ll be back, and if he’s not, then you’ll find someone who is. In the meantime, you need to learn to stand on your own two feet without him there to support you, and it can be done.

 

no-contact-rule-everything-you-need-to-know-2Not only that, breaking through that feeling of “I won’t be able to survive without him” and then discovering that you can will make you realize how strong you are, and as a result, will help build your self-esteem and give you that amazing “I can get through anything” feeling.

Another reason this rule is so important is because if a relationship didn’t work, then it won’t begin to work unless something significant changes, and change takes time.

You can’t expect to just get back together and magically have this perfect relationship that you’ve always dreamed of. You broke up for a reason, probably a lot of reasons because breakups don’t usually happen on a whim.

When you get a little bit of distance from the situation, you’ll gain clarity about where it all went wrong, and you may learn that things simply can’t be fixed. Or maybe you’ll find the solution to the underlying problems in the relationship. Clarity is probably one of the greatest gifts in life, so whenever you have the opportunity to get some, grab it!

With a little distance, you can decide if he’s really the right guy for you and if you want to get back together with him for the right reasons.

If you get back together because you miss him or feel like you can’t live without him or you don’t want to be alone, then you are setting yourself up to circle back to exactly where you are right now, in relationship no-man’s-land.

Missing someone doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be with that person. And wanting something doesn’t mean it’s good for you. We can want plenty of things that are terrible for us, like Krispy Kreme donuts.

Distance gives you perspective. It gives you clarity and if you can really rein in your emotions, a dose of objectivity (which is almost impossible to have when it comes to matters of the heart). Once you’re in this place, you can assess whether the relationship is right for you. You’ll be able to see things more clearly and won’t be blinded by your emotions or ego. You will hopefully be able to see where and why things went wrong and will be able to know if it’s salvageable.

MORE: 5 Signs He’s Not The One 

The biggest mistake people make is refusing to let go of dead-end relationships. It doesn’t matter how abundantly clear it is that the relationship isn’t going to last, they keep jumping back into the toxic waters and hoping this time they won’t get wet.

This is what happens when you let your emotions guide you, when you don’t let yourself detox and come down from the high. This is what causes people to waste months, years, or decades of their lives, with nothing but feelings of hopelessness and despair to show for it.

So Will My Ex Come Back If I Do This?

Yeah, yeah so I need to focus on myself … but will I be able to get him back?? I can hear what you’re thinking as I write this article and I will address it because I know you want him back, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this.

no-contact-rule-everything-you-need-to-know-3If you spend your period of no contact working on yourself and building up your self-esteem, if you are able to really realize that you can live without him and you can find happiness in your life, then yes, there is a good chance he will want you back.

Men are attracted to independence and confidence. They are also drawn to a woman who wants them, not one who needs them. (See this article on neediness to learn the difference between the two.)

When you follow the no contact rule, you give him the time and space to miss you. This can only happen in your absence, not in your presence. By reaching out too soon, you risk falling into a post-relationship relationship. Meaning you talk on occasion and you hang out from time to time, but your relationship stays in a state of no-man’s-land.

You will also remain on the emotional hook, investing time and energy in a man who may not be right for you, only you can’t see it because you haven’t stepped back far enough to see the full picture.

Knowing what someone is up to isn’t alluring, wondering is. So let him wonder about you, let him fret over how many guys have been pursuing you now that you’re on the market, let him miss you and all your little quirks.

All humans have the tendency to idealize the past, and most of us don’t realize the true value of something until we don’t have it anymore. The only way to trigger these feelings of nostalgia and yearning are to not be there.

But again, don’t make it about him. Him wanting you and thinking about you and wondering about you is a byproduct, not the goal. The goal is to gain clarity and better yourself. Learn to love yourself, to love your life, to be happy.

Like I said, change takes time. And the no contact rule is meant to serve you, it’s meant to help you become your best self. By doing this, you may realize you don’t even want him anymore and you can do much better. Or maybe those inner changes will help you be more equipped to be in a healthy relationship. No matter what, this is in your best interest.

QUIZ: Can I Get My Ex Back Or Is He Gone Forever? 

How to Be a No Contact Rule Success Story

Getting through the day without the one person who was once practically the sole center of your life can feel daunting. At first, you might feel a little lost and empty. But I promise once you power through those first few days, it will get easier.

Here are some things you should focus on instead of him:

1. Get moving. I don’t need to tell you about the transformative power of exercise; you already know that exercising is good for you on many levels, including physically and emotionally. And these days, breaking a sweat is more fun than ever thanks to all the new types of classes out there: soul cycle, zumba, barre method, SLT, yoga, pilates, pick your poison. Or you can go the old-fashioned route and run on the treadmill or outside when it’s nice. Just do something to get those endorphins pumping!

Exercising can improve our mood, reduce stress, boost metabolism, and increase our self-esteem because it feels good to push ourselves to new limits. And of course, in addition to feeling good, exercise will also help you look really good!

2. Take care of yourself. Yes, it’s tempting to lie on the couch with a gallon of ice cream watching sad movies and feeling sorry for yourself post-breakup, but this will not make you feel any better. Just the opposite, actually. It will send you down a negative, self-loathing path.

Punishing yourself isn’t the answer. And wallowing and obsessing over him will not bring him back; it will just drive you deeper into the depths of your misery.

Remember when you were a teen and feeling sad and angsty over some issue or other and your mom told you to take a shower and get dressed and put yourself together and get out of the house, and then somehow you kind of snapped out of your funk? Just as how we feel on the inside shines outward, the way we adorn ourselves on the outside also radiates inward.

Beyond just getting dressed and making an effort to look better than you feel, take this time to nurture yourself. Get a massage or a manicure or a facial (or all three!)

Be kind to yourself. Breakups are hard and there is no way around it. Even clean breaks are painful. So go easy on yourself and use this as an excuse to load up on me-time.

no-contact-rule-everything-you-need-to-know-43.  Spend time with friends. As humans we are social beings, and having relationships is essential to our mental health. We need people. This is why solitary confinement is considered the cruelest punishment and can literally drive people insane.

Call your friends or family and spend time with them, a lot of time. You need people right now. And you need fun. So call up the funnest people you know and get out there!

I am also a big proponent of getting out of town when things get rough, especially after a breakup. For one, it’s helpful knowing there is no chance of running into him. You can also escape all the reminders of him lingering in your house and spread around town like emotional landmines.

If you can’t swing a full-on exotic vacation, try to at least plan a weekend trip somewhere, anything just to get away for a bit.

4.  Pursue your passion. We all have that something that makes us feel alive, that puts us in touch with our essence, that makes us feel worthy and competent. Do that thing. Maybe it’s painting or writing or dancing or singing or traveling or photography.

Whatever it is, make the time to do more of it. This is a major building block for self-esteem, something everyone can use more of post-breakup (and in general, actually).

5.  Is he really what’s best for you? Above all, you should try to gain clarity during your period of no contact to avoid making the devastating mistake of getting back together with a guy who is wrong for you.

About a decade ago I experienced a gut-wrenching breakup with a guy I thought I loved. We were entangled in a codependent, toxic relationship and it needed to end. I knew it and he knew it, only I was too weak to do it. After our sad, tear-filled breakup conversation, we decided not to speak for a week and then touch base.

It was the longest, most agonizing week of my life. I literally couldn’t walk in a straight line; it felt like my entire world had been knocked off-kilter. I’ll spare you the dramatics; suffice it to say it was bad.

Then we got together and he seemed … fine. So fine. I was not. And him being so fine just obliterated me. I couldn’t hold it together. After seeing me in this sorry state, he suggested we have no contact for three months. Three months?! Just getting through this one week had been complete torture!

I resolved not to let myself sink into a black hole for the next three months; I had to move forward somehow. The only thing that kept me going was the hope that he would be back eventually. So I got my act together. I did all the things I’m telling you to do in this article.

I went to the gym, I spent time with friends, I wrote, I read, and I even started dating someone new. It was very unexpected, he was a guy I’d had a crush on in my teens when we worked at the same summer camp.

We were off to a strong and healthy start and then, of course, my ex resurfaced one night completely out of the blue. He was the one who suggested three months yet there was his name flashing bright on my cell phone after only three weeks. And despite my better judgment, I answered.

It didn’t take long for my hard work to unravel and I took him back even though I’d been so much happier without him, even though our time apart had made me realize he wasn’t the right guy for me. Soon enough our relationship devolved to the toxic mess it had been before, and the end (the second end) was so brutal it took me over a year to recover. Don’t make my mistake.

MORE: What You Need to Know About the No Contact Rule 

The no contact period is about getting yourself into a good spot and also about discovering if he’s the right guy for you. Don’t ignore your better judgment and respond to contact from him during this no contact period; the ramifications can be devastating.

“Okay, I won’t contact him … but for how long?”

In terms of how long it should last … I say the no contact rule should be fully in effect without exception for at least three weeks. If after that you feel you absolutely must reach out to him, then throw something casual out there and see how he responds.

Keep your expectations low so you don’t set yourself up for another round of heartbreak and disappointment; you don’t want to undo all the progress you’ve made. It is always best to let him be the first to reach out, though, so try not to cave.

What if he contacts me?

no-contact-rule-everything-you-need-to-know-5One of the most confusing breakup scenarios is when he dumps you, but then continues to contact you. What’s the deal? Does he want you back or not? You can’t read into it. The simplest answer is usually the correct one: if he wanted to be back together, he would get back together. Him reaching out doesn’t mean that’s what he wants.

Why is he doing it? He probably misses you and is feeling lonely. And he still cares about you, that doesn’t evaporate after a breakup. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with you, and that is the only fact that matters.

MORE: How Guys Deal With Breakups 

Something you must realize is that it’s up to you to draw the line in the sand, as hard as that will be. You don’t want to do it because you want him in your life and you want him back and you’re afraid if you cut him off then he’ll be gone forever. That’s a possibility, but if he doesn’t come back then it means the relationship was never going to last anyway, and at least you cut it off early instead of letting things drag on for an indefinite amount of time.

Just remember, why would you ever want to be with someone who doesn’t want to be with you? Why would you want to invest in someone who no longer wants to invest in you? You’re worth way more than that!

If he keeps contacting you, just kindly tell him you need space to focus on yourself and your own life. Don’t be cruel or nasty about it, be casual, calm, and composed. He will probably be taken aback by your new attitude, but don’t let that change things. Remember, take time for you. Make yourself the priority during this time.

MORE: The Truth About the No Contact Rule 

That’s what the no contact rule is all about—helping you get to a better place emotionally and mentally. It’s about getting the necessary perspective that can only come with some distance from him and the relationship. The no contact rule can get you the exact relationship you’ve always wanted because it gives you time to focus on yourself and your relationship needs and decide who is really right for you. Maybe it’s your ex, but more likely it’s someone new.

I hope this article helped you understand the no contact rule and why it works. But there is more to the story. It is possible to get your ex back, but it won’t happen because you want it to. You can get him back, but you need to know a few things. Do you know what makes your ex desperately miss you and realize you were the “one”? If not, you need to read this article next: Do You Want Your Ex Boyfriend Back? Use This to Get Him Back...

Written by Sabrina Alexis

I’m Sabrina Alexis, the co-founder, and co-editor of A New Mode. I love writing relatable, insightful articles that help people understand relationship dynamics and how to get the love they want. I have a degree in psychology and have spent the last 10 years interviewing countless men and reading and studying as much as I can to better understand human psychology and how men operate. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Instagram.

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Katherine

But what do you do once you re-establish contact and he says he wants to get back together? I want to take it slow and make sure we address the issues that came up earlier and not jump back right in where we left off, so how do you navigate this? Do you start over with dating and working up to a relationship?

Reply September 19, 2021, 9:27 pm

Kristy

This is all well and good but I feel nothing meets what I am going thru.
I was with my sons father from 17-27. We had out son when I was 21 he was 24. He was ready to settle down and I was “his world”. I didn’t know this as work and his family always seemed to come first. After years of feeling like 3rd on the totum pole – which he told me I was, I cheated. I KNOW!! I was an idiot. We stayed together after several times of me cheating. Finally the last 2 years he was cheating I was cheating… the last year we were basically roommates. I left… it was hard but I left … its been 3 years and I miss him everyday. We are still in contact for our son and i see him weekly, we even still do family outtings. I have been with someone for the past 3 years — STUPID agian I KNOW! … but now he is dating someone and is happy and I hate it!! — kicker?? We never stopped sleeping with each other! I look at our son and feel soo guilty how could we do this to him?!!? I want him back but I feel he has moved on — s**t he has said I dont feel the same anymore … but then WHY is he still sleeping with me? He is with someone who he is into soooo am I just being used? We were toxic — fighting alot … but it was always soo dumb and we were young… I have grown soo much as a person and I wish he could be there for it ,, I want all the things he wanted when we were in our early 20s and was not ready for…. he is so stubborn — I feel like its the end but I just cant let gooo — WTF!!!

Reply February 27, 2020, 9:26 am

kathleen

My ex ended things out the blue due to work stress
I tried to call him and talk about it or even meet him and he wouldn’t
So i went no contact and 19 days he contacted me apologising. It was a nice apology however i don’t want to come across needy and too much so iv completely backed off and hoping his actions will speak louder than words. I have text him back but not said too much and iv been polite and explained i did feel mugged off.
Am i doing the right thing here? And do i wait for him to reach out about phoning me or about meeting up? or do i ask?

I feel very over whelmed

Reply August 21, 2019, 3:11 pm

Roxy

Would it be a bad idea if you block his number so he thinks your phone is out of service for this period of time and unblock after the 4 weeks pass? Or should you just leave as it is and just don’t respond back? Which option would be better if you might want him back after this period of time?

Reply March 9, 2018, 4:22 am

Jenna

Hi Sabrina/Monique,

I get the essence of this article. It’s true. Change takes time and when we get rid of all the assumptions, anticipations, expectations, and future predictions, we are left with two, extremely simple outcomes. A. Either I realise that I CAN live without him, so I move on and get a new life or B. He realises that he DOESN’T want to live without me and comes back.

But when you say “spend time with friends”, I feel kinda… scared. There are memories, lots and lots of them. These are the ones I want to put into a box, wrap it up and throw it out for good. But meeting my friends… well, they all know and they all want to talk about the only thing I want to never talk about. They want to tell me I’m going to be ok (which is really sweet of them), they want tell me that if he is gone, I’ll find someone better.. some, very few, even give me hopes (which I absolutely should not encourage if I want to make this journey about me recovering)… The point is, everyone wants to talk about him and me and I find it absolutely uncomfortable. Telling them won’t help, because let’s face it.. we all know that in the end, that’ll be the hottest topic to discuss and I’ll be left nostalgic, even more lost and hopeless than before.

But being without friends, being alone.. that’s too negative for my own good, and quite honestly, I am the anti-social kind. My family and specially my dog keep me relaxed for a bit, but then I get back to feeling lost again.

So…What do I do?

Reply June 20, 2017, 12:53 pm

Meek

Hello this is exactly what I needed to help me get through my no contact period. Every time I want to contact my ex I look up the things on no contact to help me push through it. Truth is I fell in love with this man that I have known for over 12 years. We dated briefly in the beginning but nothing serious. We remain distant friends for years but not close. Any time I would see him we showed great interest in each other. He would even message me on facebook asking if we could speak or hang out but I never really took the bait. Eventually we started talking and seeing each other. We fell in love with each other, and when I needed to move from my place he stepped up and said lets do it together. He is paralyzed, finding a place to accommodate him was not easy but I tried and did the best I could. I ended up staying with him a lot so he never really stayed in the apt I found for us. I overlooked it because of his disability and the location of the apartment. Then there was talk of getting a car together but the first car we did not get because he had to send money to his son to prepare for college. My co-worker sold me a cheap car and it sat in my driveway because I do not drive. I asked him if he still wanted to do it together knowing I don’t drive I won’t expect him to be my chauffer or anything but we are together and I don’t drive so just make sure I am straight. He agreed, he registered the car and was responsible for the upkeep and insurance even though I did pay a couple tickets and put a few dollars into it he has maintained the car entirely. He has also changed completely towards me in a real foul mean like way. I am very considerate I don’t drive so I only called if I needed him to bring me home but I would ask way in advance. I would also ask what he was doing to be sure that I was not compromising anything he had going on. Also I told him he did not have to get me from work due to traffic during that time, I get in town faster on public transportation. He would forget to pick me up but end up home in his bed not bothering to think about where I am at. Then he would get flighty on me when he had to acknowledge something that was wrong. Like forgetting me after agreeing to get me and things way bigger than that. At first I am thinking maybe he don’t realize it but then the more and more I left cheek the mean behavior the worst it got. Then I had to say enough and walk away, well try to. He still has a house full of my things and my house keys. I have used those things as an excuse to keep contacting him. The reality is I want so badly to know that he actually care about me and my feelings even if things didn’t work between us. I cared so much for him that my emptiness feels like the stages of death which is why I know he is not for me. I never want to revisit a feeling like this so I will keep revisiting this site every time I get the urge to contact him.

Reply May 31, 2017, 4:26 pm

Brnbeautie

This is the first article that has gotten the NC RULE CORRECT!!! TRULY A GREAT READ. There are so many articles taking this rule trying to use it as manipulation to get an ex back, instead of self improvement. I’m so happy I finally ran across one that doesn’t promote manipulation, but self awareness, and self growth. Thank you so much for the insight.

Reply May 11, 2017, 11:13 pm

MC

I was seeing this guy for about two months. He is really sweet towards me, really nice in comparison to the other guys I dated before him. I didn’t have the “talk” with him because I know that usually changes things and at that time it’s all fun and I didn’t want to risk chances of freaking him out. He went on a trip with his family for a week and even when he was away he found time to FaceTime me 3 times over the course of his vacation which was a pretty good sign for me of course. When he came back and we saw each other he took me out to dinner, was really sweet towards me, kissing me every red light we hit, holding my hand while he’s driving, and even mentioned about what we should do for our next date. But that night before we went out for dinner, something literally tells me that something has changed. My gut tells me that this might be the last time I’m seeing this guy but of course, I ignored it. And of course, just as I suspected, he disappeared on me. No calls, no messages and I know for sure that he has a working phone (100000% sure). I am pretty happy that he doesn’t have any social media otherwise I would probably be looking into that all the time. Of course I was really upset about it, I tried calling him one night, and of course no answer. And this is when I let my emotions take on the wheel. I sent him an essay telling him that all he has to do is say so if he is no longer interested (in a very respective manner) in seeing me. It’s been almost two days since I sent him my message and not a word from him. I decided to delete him off my contact list, all pictures in my phone, and basically everything and anything that will remind me of him. (So even if I do want to call him, I literally CAN’T). This article made me gain perspective in the situation. Of course it sucks, it hurts and they are basically leaving you all confused and broken, but it says more about their personality. i wouldn’t want someone like him in the long run. When I overcome this, and I know I will, I will probably wonder why I even have him a chance.

Reply March 8, 2017, 3:14 pm

Yvette

Hey, how are u? I was dating somebody for about a 2 months and i decide to sit down with him and asking how we were doing? He told he wasn’t ready for a relationship ( he got out of a bad relationship 6 months ago so would like take it slow) but wouldn’t wanted to lose me… I went throw a horrible situation that effected my emotions and I over reacted in a couple of circunstances after the “talk”. So the last time i become emotional he started cutting me off… He will send msg and will replay immediately if I send one… But its not with the same frequency … He’s home sick and sounds very confused… Should I just move on your be patient?

Reply March 6, 2017, 10:30 pm

Yvette

I’m using the no contact rule for 2 days… And been working on my self for the past 2 weeks…

Reply March 6, 2017, 10:34 pm

Jenny

What if he contacts me? Thanks!

Reply February 3, 2017, 7:40 pm

Monique

You can 1) not reply or 2) just request he gives your space so you can work on yourself

Reply February 25, 2017, 7:59 pm

nancy

I need advice. My boyfriend and I have been seeing each other for a little over 3 yrs. It’s been good and we plan on getting married. One day he ask me if material stuff was more important then him. Of course I said no, he than ask me to prove it. I ask how. He ask me to delete any and all pictures and videos and anything that pertains to him. I quickly told him no I couldn’t do it. He was upset and told me that it’s proven that material stuff is more important then him. He says my love is not love just because I didn’t delete the pictures. What do u think?

Reply February 2, 2017, 9:29 pm

Monique

This seems like a strange request and this in no way proves that material things are more important to you. Honestly, this sounds like he is testing your boundaries. If you do not feel comfortable, deleting the pictures, then don’t. Having boundaries/ saying no is important in relationships.

Reply February 25, 2017, 7:58 pm

Katherine

A guy I’ve dated for about 4 weeks said he felt things have been moving way to fast (this was after I asked him about getting into a relationship) I told him I’d be happy to slow things down and he said he would think on it. A few days after hearing nothing I told him I agree things were moving fast and it was a lesson learned but I wished him the best and to let me know if he ever wanted to catch up or take the time to properly get to know each other and that I would leave it in his court to reach out to me. I still haven’t heard anything and that was days ago, should I still do the no contact for a few weeks and see after that if he would want to grab a drink?

Reply February 2, 2017, 6:07 am

Jenny

I think you need to move on.

Reply February 3, 2017, 8:04 pm

Monique

No. Do not reach out to him. You asked him for a relationship and he could not commit. Don’t chase this guy. If he wants it, I promise he will reach out to you. In the mean time, go on a date with someone else (maybe a few someone else’s!). It doesn’t have to be serious.

Reply February 25, 2017, 7:51 pm

Brnbeautie

I know I’m late, but why were you asking for a relationship after only a month? Why not just date and let things naturally evolve. Women put way too much emphasis on this title and commitment. You screw yourself by doing things that require commitment before you actually have one, then want to put the pressure on the guy. Stay within a safe emotional boundary until you know what he wants from you, then you don’t have to ask for the commitment. Date, have fun, if you can’t have sex without getting attached, then don’t. But in my opinion, a woman never has to ask as long as she’s keeping herself at a safe emotional distance until the guy shows her that he’s serious about her OR establishes the relationship. In other words, stop giving up relationship benefits until you’re in a relationship if you can’t handle it. And FYI you don’t always have to breakup if a guy tells you he’s not ready yet, keep dating within your limits, and keep your options open. And to answer your question….and it’s probably already too late. NO …..UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU HAVE REACHED OUT. YOU SAID YOU WOULD LEAVE IT UP TO HIM, SO DO THAT!!!!

Reply May 11, 2017, 11:29 pm

Dora

Hello,
I need advise on a situation I have found myself in. I dated a guy for about 5 months in 2015. During the time we dated he found a mole on his hand that was cancerous. He had an operation that got the mole removed but during that time he cut me off. Texting me on a few occasions but then didn’t hear from him for a year. He recently contacted me apologising for his behavior saying he was in a bad spot at the time and he should done things a lot differently. We texted constantly for a few days.
Texting him recently brought back the hurt I had experienced and I didn’t reply to one of his messages for 2 weeks. I contacted him recently of which he has ignored my message for 4 days now. I am upset and I don’t know what to do.
I grew so much in the time I didn’t hear from him. I had actually moved on with my life.
I’m not sure what to do now. Please advise me

Reply January 18, 2017, 5:54 am

Lorraine

I broke up with my boyfriend two weeks ago. I have texed him. But in a casual manner. In which he replied casually. We dated for 4 months. 7 months after his wife passed away. He was happily married for 19 years. She was also a friend of mine. He realised he wasn’t ready for a relationship and still grieving for his wife. He moved fast to begin with in our relationship, then became distant. I was always there for him and very understanding when he talked about his wife. He said he was falling in love with me. Then suddenly his feelings changed. I’ve decided to now use the no contact rule. Should I wait for him to contact me or move on ?

Reply January 9, 2017, 8:36 pm

Monique

I would move on. He isn’t emotionally ready for a relationship and it’s hard to say when he will be ready. You should definitely go date other people and if he comes back around, great. But you don’t want to be sitting around, not knowing and basically spinning your wheels trying to figure things out.

Reply February 25, 2017, 7:53 pm

maricelado2

Gay blogging rite, Common photos
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Reply December 24, 2016, 4:23 am

Chime

I am going try this no contact rule coz right now that’s how I feel to stay away n get my head together. Also if it’s meant to be it will be I suppose.

Reply December 9, 2016, 6:34 am

Ally

I have been through the No Contact during 2 months, it’s over this week. I definitely feel better. I understood that what I missed the most was not him but the feeling of having someone who cares for me. So I am not sure now that he is ment for me. Probably we can stay friends or just acquaintants. I offered him to be in no contact so should I contact him first after no contact is over?

Reply December 8, 2016, 11:31 pm

Zanobia

Honesty, Truthfulness, and Communication are very important, but when you aren’t getting that in return its time to focus on yourself and leave him/her alone.

Reply December 8, 2016, 5:41 pm

Karen

The timing of this article is almost spooky. I just emailed an ex to tell him I needed space to get my head together. I was very calm and honest. When he emailed me back, I answered his questions, he said thanks for explaining, and now I am busy working on me. I am pursuing some new career goals and hiking and running a lot. It isn’t easy because I still want to talk to him but he is pursuing a new relationship and him contacting me was not to my benefit. Great article and keep up the good work.

Reply December 8, 2016, 2:26 pm

Kathy

I believe the no contact rule makes people bitter. It’s a childish mind game. You don’t focus on you, you focus on the situation. I was heartbroken for three years from no contact. It all could of been eliminated with honesty. I have no respect for people who do this. Just be honest and give closure. You will be more respected in the end.

Reply December 7, 2016, 8:27 pm

Emma

I respectfully don´t agree with you. I was in a relationship with a guy for over two years, although we never give the boyfriend/girlfriend tittle to each other, we were a couple. Even if neither of us said it, when we were together, we were really a couple. We had some problems before, but we always kept contact through whatsapp and Facebook, this made it all worse. I always felt tempted to check his Facebook to see what he was doing and this attitude drove me insane, what is he doing? is he with another women? has he replaced me already?, it really wasn´t a nice place to be. I always knew he was childish and immature, some friends even told me that, and because our relationship wasn´t “serious” he abruptly stopped talking to me and started to put things in facebook saying things about love and how two people can fall in love, obviously he wasn´t talking about me, he broke my hurt in a million peaces. That night I checked his facebook like an insane person, didn´t sleep even an hour, I cried my eyes out, and felt jealous, disappointed, heartbroken and a fucking mess. Now I miss him like crazy, but i know that cutting all contact with him is the best thing I could do. He might come back to me, he has done this already, he always (al least until now) come back to me, but is that really what I want??, when I´m with him I cant think with clarity, I never listen to my guts (that warned me about this), and I always act according to my feeling that are always influenced by the fact that all I want is to be close to him. So, now I wonder what is wrong with me?, Why?, me a strong independent woman, who already was capable of leaving a toxic long relationship before, waste her time on a men-child that its incapable of recognize a good relationship??, why I waste my time and energy in a men that treats me like I wasn´t good enough?, the answers to all this questions are only gonna be answered if I cut all contact with him, It´s is not a game, it is not dishonest, It is just what I need to do if I want the best for my life, and if I want to stop acting like I wasn´t good enough, even if it hurts like hell.

Reply January 13, 2017, 9:28 am

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