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7 Ways to Stop Obsessing Over Someone Who Doesn’t Want You Back

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17.09.2026

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7 Ways to Stop Obsessing Over Someone Who Doesn’t Want You Back

From muting their social media to letting go of the fantasy, relationship experts share seven ways to move on from an unrequited crush.

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Getting over a crush should be easy. It’s just a crush. But then you’re lying in bed rereading a three-week-old text and wondering if that emoji meant anything.

It didn’t. Unfortunately, your brain would still like to dwell on it for a hot minute.

There’s a reason crushes can hang around even after you know better. Romantic attraction activates dopamine systems involved in reward and motivation, and research on limerence shows how obsessive thoughts can keep feeding themselves. Every profile check, imaginary conversation, and debate over whether to text gives your brain another excuse to go back there.

Here’s how to let go and move on.

1. Accept That It Hurts

Just because it wasn’t an official relationship doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel bad that something you wanted didn’t happen. Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge and author of How to Not Die Alone, told........

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