the little book of BLOCKS

Chapter 4: The Emotional Rollercoaster

Being blocked on social media can plunge us into an emotional whirlwind, a rollercoaster that twists and turns through the shadows of confusion, anger, sadness, and the stark light of rejection. This chapter navigates these turbulent emotions, offering a hand of understanding and validation to anyone who has felt their stomach drop as they realize, "I've been blocked."

Exploring the Range of Emotions

    •    Confusion: Often, the first emotion to surface is confusion. "What happened?" "Was it something I said?" This maze of questions with no immediate answers can be disorienting, casting a fog over our digital interactions and leaving us questioning our own actions and the stability of our online relationships.

    •    Anger: As the confusion begins to clear, it may be replaced by anger. This anger can be directed at the person who blocked us, at ourselves, or at the situation as a whole. It's a fiery response to feeling sidelined, an emotional defense mechanism that kicks in when we feel wronged or misunderstood.

    •    Sadness: Beneath the anger often lies a deep pool of sadness. This sadness stems from loss—the loss of a connection, a friend, or a loved one. It's the mourning of what was and what might have been, a quiet acceptance that something has irreversibly changed in our digital world.

    •    Rejection: Tying these emotions together is the sharp sting of rejection. Being blocked is a clear message: "You are no longer welcome in my digital space." This can feel like a personal indictment, a verdict delivered without trial, echoing deep in the chambers of our self-esteem.

Validating Your Feelings

To anyone riding this emotional rollercoaster, know this: Your feelings are normal, and they are understandable. Emotions, in their essence, are not right or wrong—they simply are. They are valid responses to the experience of being blocked, a testament to the fact that you care, that you feel, and that you are human.

    •    It's Okay to Feel Confused: Confusion is a natural response to an unexpected situation. It reflects your attempt to make sense of a sudden change, a step towards processing and eventually accepting what has happened.

    •    Anger is a Part of the Process: Feeling angry doesn't make you a negative or vindictive person. It's a part of the healing process, a sign that you are moving through your emotions and not stuck in the inertia of confusion.

    •    Sadness Means You Valued the Connection: Sadness is the heart's way of acknowledging the depth of the lost connection. It's a sign of your capacity for deep relationships and a reminder of the importance of grieving what's lost.

    •    Rejection Does Not Define You: The sting of rejection is profound, but it is not a measure of your worth. Being blocked by someone does not diminish your value; it simply marks the end of one chapter and the potential beginning of another.

Conclusion

The emotional rollercoaster that follows being blocked is a journey through the heart of our digital lives. It challenges us to confront our feelings, to sit with them, and to understand them. This process is not easy, nor is it quick, but it is necessary. And as you navigate through each twist and turn, remember that your emotions, in all their complexity, are a testament to your ability to connect, to care, and ultimately, to heal.