PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Education and Communications
Communication Skills
Phone Skills
Texting
How to Avoid Texting Your Ex Download Article Co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW
Last Updated: May 4, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Changing Your Phone Habits Post-Breakup
|
Limiting Thoughts of Your Ex
|
Moving on after Heartbreak
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 127,263 times.
Are you worried about caving in and texting to your ex? You may not have superhuman willpower, but there are some steps you can take to make sure that doesn't happen. Minimize your chances of pressing “send” by asking someone else to talk you out of it. Getting some distance from your ex--literally and figuratively--and keeping yourself busy can also help you avoid texting them.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Changing Your Phone Habits Post-Breakup
Download Article
1 Delete your ex's number. Erase your ex's number from your phone completely and you'll be less likely to send a text. If you try, you'll scan your contacts, not see their name, and instantly be reminded that texting them is a no-no.[1]XResearch source
You can also try putting the person's number on your phone's block list, especially if there's a chance they may reach out to you.
2 Call or text someone else. When the urge strikes to text your ex, reach out to a friend or family member instead. Let this person know what's going on and have them distract you from the impulse.[2]XResearch source
Say something like, “Today would be our anniversary, so I'm tempted to text. Convince me to change my mind, please!”
Let your friends know that you may need their help with this while you recover from the breakup. For example, you can say, "I often want to text my ex. Can you help me when I'm feeling tempted?"
You and your friends might even devise a code word that you can text them when you're upset. For example, you might text them "ex alert" or a certain emoji.
Advertisement
3 Give your phone to someone else. If you're feeling particularly weak at any given time, surrender your phone completely. Hand it over to a friend or family member until the urge fades.[3]XResearch source
4 Install a breakup app. Thanks to technology, you can call in reinforcements to help you stop texting your ex. Scroll through your smart phone's app store to check out the available breakup apps. Download the app and use it until the urge to text your ex fades.[4]XResearch source
Certain apps, like Ex Lover Blocker, are designed to limit your ability to reach out to your ex by calling your friends whenever you try to make contact.
5 Power off your phone in the evenings. You might find that you are able to keep thoughts of your ex at bay during the days when you're otherwise busy. However, you might be tempted to reach out at night when you're bored or lonely. If this is the case, shut off your phone for a few hours each night and spend time doing nourishing self-care activities instead.[5]XResearch source
Watch your favorite movie, study, read a book, or paint your nails to occupy yourself each evening instead of using your phone.
Let friends and family know of others ways they can reach you if they need to, such as through email or instant messaging on your computer.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Limiting Thoughts of Your Ex
Download Article
1 Unfollow your ex on social media. Get distance from your ex by unfriending or unfollowing them on all your social media accounts. Doing this will help you think about them less because you won't have to see updates about their life on your news feed.[6]XResearch source
In some cases, like on Facebook, you don't have to delete them as a friend entirely, but "unfollow" their feed instead.
2 Avoid triggers. Gather all the movies, clothes, photos, and other mementos of your relationship. Trash or pack them away until you're emotionally ready to deal with them. Also, steer clear of songs, TV shows or other situations that might make you feel nostalgic.[7]XResearch source
Avoid taking any walks down memory lane for the time being. Doing so may only bring up old feelings that leave you itching to contact your ex.
3 Put money in a jar when the desire strikes. There's no better way to break a bad habit than having to pay out of pocket whenever it happens. Each time you think about texting your ex, put a set sum of money in a jar. Donate the money to a friend or a good cause.[8]XResearch source
Over time, you'll notice yourself wanting to text them less and less because you naturally don't want to lose money.
4 Stay away from your ex's hangouts. If you're still running into your ex every now and then, you might give in to the temptation to text them. Don't frequent any of their usual stomping grounds until you've fully moved on.[9]XResearch source
Try to avoid seeing your ex as much as possible.
If you can't help seeing them, keep the encounter short and sweet--never stop moving. For instance, say “Hi” while continuing to walk in the opposite direction.
5 Skip the alcohol. Drinking alcohol loosens your inhibitions, so try to avoid alcoholic beverages for a while. If you go to a bar or restaurant, stick to seltzer water or soda.[10]XResearch source
That way, you won't have to worry about giving into temptation and possibly texting or even hooking up with your ex in a drunken haze.
There's also an app that can help you cut down on drunk-texting called Drunk Mode. You input contacts that are blocked for a specific amount of time. To disable the app prematurely, you'll have to successfully answer a series of math equations.[11]XResearch source
6 Remind yourself why it's over. Make a list of why things ended with your ex. Each time you feel tempted to text them, pull out the list. Reading it should remind you why texting them isn't such a good idea.[12]XResearch source
For instance, maybe this person cheated on you. When you feel weak, remember that betrayal so you don't contact them.
Reader Poll: We asked 537 wikiHow readers who've considered rekindling a relationship with their ex, and 52% of them agreed that their biggest concern was *repeating the same mistakes and getting hurt again. [Take Poll] Remembering what went wrong in the relationship can help you make the decision not to text them.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Moving on after Heartbreak
Download Article
1 Hang out with friends more often. The more time you spend alone, the more likely you are to want to reach out to your ex. So, occupy your time with your closest pals who are guaranteed to take your mind off your ex.
Go out to lunch or dinner with your buddies. Or, plan a low-key movie night with a few friends at home.
If you need some alone time to process the breakup, that's okay. Take the time you need. At the same time, don't isolate yourself completely. You can achieve a balance that works for you.
2 Pursue a hobby. Sharpen your current talents or get started with a new passion to keep yourself distracted. Try playing a sport or a musical instrument. Or, express yourself creatively by writing, painting, sculpting, or crafting.[13]XResearch source
3 Join a club. Meet new people and take on new responsibilities by participating in a club or organization relating to your school, work, or hobbies. Filling your calendar with constructive activities will make you forget about texting your ex for a while.[14]XResearch source
Can't locate an interesting club? Find Meetups in your area for people with similar interests.
4 Learn a new skill. Try your hand at something totally new. This will not only help you forget about reaching out to your ex, but it also helps you build new memories that don't include this person. Think about a skill you've always wanted to learn and get started.[15]XResearch source
Take a class in a foreign language, cooking, or wood crafting.
Learn your new skill by participating in a group course, getting one-on-one mentoring, reading books, or watching YouTube tutorials.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toResist the Urge to Call Your ExHow toGet Over an Ex You're in Love WithHow to Go No-Contact & Resist the Urge to Reach Out to Your ExHow to Stop Stalking Your Ex Online: Helpful Tips for Moving OnHow to Stop Looking at Your Ex’s Social Media AccountsHow toAvoid an Ex Boyfriend or GirlfriendHow toLet Go of a Failed RelationshipHow toForget Your Ex Girlfriend19 Ways to Quickly Move On & Let Go of Your ExWhat to Do When You Can’t Stop Missing Your ExHow toTell Your Ex You Don't Want to Be FriendsHow toSurvive a Bad Breakup11 Important Reasons Why You Shouldn't Text Your Ex-GirlfriendHow to Be Strong After a Breakup Advertisement
Co-authored by: Klare Heston, LCSW Licensed Social Worker This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 127,263 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 14Updated: May 4, 2025 Views: 127,263 Categories: Featured Articles | Former Relationships | Texting In other languages Spanish Portuguese French
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 127,263 times.
Reader Success Stories
Benny
Jan 18, 2018
"I no longer feel alone on this earth. I just blasted House of Memories (highly suggest you listen to it, bu no promo) by Panic At the Disco for the last 72 hours. Thanks for the advice! :-) "..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Klare Heston, LCSW Licensed Social Worker Click a star to vote Co-authors: 14Updated: May 4, 2025 Views: 127,263
Benny
Jan 18, 2018
"I no longer feel alone on this earth. I just blasted House of Memories (highly suggest you listen to it, bu no promo) by Panic At the Disco for the last 72 hours. Thanks for the advice! :-) "..." more
Anonymous
Jan 24, 2018
"Unfollowing option of social media is greatly helpful, since the more I have time alone, the more time I opened social media and see the posts of ex."..." more
K. T.
Jan 16, 2018
"Very helpful, I'm grateful!"
Colleen Schneider
Feb 20, 2018
"It helped to know that." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Am I Clingy QuizTake QuizShould I Text Him or Not QuizTake QuizWhy Am I Single QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizShould You Get Back With Your Ex?AnalyzeWill I Ever Find Love QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toResist the Urge to Call Your ExHow toGet Over an Ex You're in Love WithHow to Go No-Contact & Resist the Urge to Reach Out to Your ExHow to Stop Stalking Your Ex Online: Helpful Tips for Moving On
Featured Articles
What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake Out
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Have I Met My Soulmate Yet Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Should My Name Really Be QuizRandom Fortune Generator
Quizzes & Games
Emotional Detachment QuizTake QuizAm I Falling Out of Love QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizApology Language QuizTake QuizHow You Can Discover HappinessTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Education and Communications
Communication Skills
Phone Skills
Texting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Klare Heston, LCSW Licensed Social Worker This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 127,263 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 14 Updated: May 4, 2025 Views: 127,263 Categories: Featured Articles | Former Relationships | Texting In other languages Spanish Portuguese French 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Analyze
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
565 
1 Delete your ex's number. Erase your ex's number from your phone completely and you'll be less likely to send a text. If you try, you'll scan your contacts, not see their name, and instantly be reminded that texting them is a no-no.[1] 
2 Call or text someone else. When the urge strikes to text your ex, reach out to a friend or family member instead. Let this person know what's going on and have them distract you from the impulse.[2] 
3 Give your phone to someone else. If you're feeling particularly weak at any given time, surrender your phone completely. Hand it over to a friend or family member until the urge fades.[3] 
4 Install a breakup app. Thanks to technology, you can call in reinforcements to help you stop texting your ex. Scroll through your smart phone's app store to check out the available breakup apps. Download the app and use it until the urge to text your ex fades.[4] 
5 Power off your phone in the evenings. You might find that you are able to keep thoughts of your ex at bay during the days when you're otherwise busy. However, you might be tempted to reach out at night when you're bored or lonely. If this is the case, shut off your phone for a few hours each night and spend time doing nourishing self-care activities instead.[5] 
1 Unfollow your ex on social media. Get distance from your ex by unfriending or unfollowing them on all your social media accounts. Doing this will help you think about them less because you won't have to see updates about their life on your news feed.[6] 
2 Avoid triggers. Gather all the movies, clothes, photos, and other mementos of your relationship. Trash or pack them away until you're emotionally ready to deal with them. Also, steer clear of songs, TV shows or other situations that might make you feel nostalgic.[7] 
3 Put money in a jar when the desire strikes. There's no better way to break a bad habit than having to pay out of pocket whenever it happens. Each time you think about texting your ex, put a set sum of money in a jar. Donate the money to a friend or a good cause.[8] 
4 Stay away from your ex's hangouts. If you're still running into your ex every now and then, you might give in to the temptation to text them. Don't frequent any of their usual stomping grounds until you've fully moved on.[9] 
5 Skip the alcohol. Drinking alcohol loosens your inhibitions, so try to avoid alcoholic beverages for a while. If you go to a bar or restaurant, stick to seltzer water or soda.[10] 
6 Remind yourself why it's over. Make a list of why things ended with your ex. Each time you feel tempted to text them, pull out the list. Reading it should remind you why texting them isn't such a good idea.[12] 
1 Hang out with friends more often. The more time you spend alone, the more likely you are to want to reach out to your ex. So, occupy your time with your closest pals who are guaranteed to take your mind off your ex. 
2 Pursue a hobby. Sharpen your current talents or get started with a new passion to keep yourself distracted. Try playing a sport or a musical instrument. Or, express yourself creatively by writing, painting, sculpting, or crafting.[13] 
3 Join a club. Meet new people and take on new responsibilities by participating in a club or organization relating to your school, work, or hobbies. Filling your calendar with constructive activities will make you forget about texting your ex for a while.[14] 
4 Learn a new skill. Try your hand at something totally new. This will not only help you forget about reaching out to your ex, but it also helps you build new memories that don't include this person. Think about a skill you've always wanted to learn and get started.[15]