The social media sphere post break up can be a downright minefield. Breakups can be painful, and having to contend with your ex's social media presence (along with your own) doesn't make it any easier. As well as not wanting to be pained by seeing your ex's face all over Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, it's common to suddenly get extremely conscious of how you're coming across on your own profiles.
In order to save you the grief, we've made a short guide in order to help you battle your social media demons after that ugly breakup...
The best top tip for surviving the first week of a breakup?
Avoid all social media…like.the.PLAGUE.
Although this can be difficult, it's seriously beneficial after a messy breakup. No more stalking your ex, or feeling obliged to post pictures of yourself looking happy, totally flawless and filtered up. Delete your apps, get your friend to change your passwords and stay away for a week or two. This may seem hard, but remember, a dignified silence is always best.
It seems brutal, but once you're back online, it's often wise to unfollow your new ex on twitter and Instagram to avoid heartache. Unfriending, although extreme, is also recommended.
Top tip? Just don't do them
When you're in the height of happiness it's easy to get carried away wanting to inform your "friends" about your latest love affair (gush, gush). But fast forward to however many weeks, months or years later post breakup and it just makes things even messier.
If it's already too late, handle with care; unless the breakup ended badly a FB relationship status can be a pretty sensitive issue. A courtesy text to let your ex know you're taking yours down is ideal. Leave it too long though and one of you will take action, leaving the other 'in a relationship' with, er, nobody. Awkward.
Unless your ex is a total shit, hold off on getting rid of old snaps- you'll just look bitter.
When a new relationship arises, however, it might just be time to get deleting.
Torturing yourself over that model-esque new female who's wrapped around your former beau on Instagram will not help matters. Social media isn't reflective of real life, and so should never be dwelled on for too long. Just because an ex looks like he's having a ball, doesn't mean he's not secretly ball-ing his eyes out later when the iPhone goes away.
Avoid posting any of the following for a while unless you want to look back and cringe:
Inspirational quotes (especially those about bad relationships and boyfriends)
Filtered selfies in large quantities
Tweets about how much fun you're having in your newly single life
Blog posts about fresh starts and new beginnings
