Whether it’s sending them a pop-up message when you know you shouldn’t or giving them a lecture that will unquestionably press their buttons, I know that anxious, unsettling feeling: ‘will they/won’t they respond’ is all you can think about.

Hearing the ‘ding’ on your phone, wanting to look but not wanting to look.That wave of excitement when it’s the one you’re dating or disappointment when it’s just your mum’s daily ‘How are you? X’ (sorry, Mum).

The feeling of not hearing from them sucks, and knowing when you have been left on read and the message has been seen leaves you feeling totally rubbish and

Insecure          Lonely             Rejected          Embarrassed

Sadly, social media plays a huge part in this. You may see them post an Insta pic or a story, or see when they are online and blatantly ignoring you.Either way, they ignite the above feelings and have a huge impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

The truth is this:Only when you are ready to accept, let go, and move on can you do the following:

• Ask a friend whether they would mind receiving a message from you be it out of the blue or some place to vent, other than that Just to hit send is enough for that addiction to go by.

• Take a deep breath and hold it in for three seconds, close your eyes, and then breathe out for four seconds and ensure you take that moment in. Do this four times. My psychotherapist used to say the most important breath you take is this very one! Your breath is something which is always with you, so embrace it. You will notice you feel better instantly with the large intake of oxygen.

• I don’t know you, so maybe this is a little easier for me to say, but it’s not hard to message someone you are seeing, even if you’re really busy. I mean, there’s even prepared texts they can send you if they are so If they don’t respond, they are likely to have other ‘distractions’ or just not be hugely interested in you (sorry). One thing I can tell you is this: If they’re making you an option and not a priority, do you think your grandparent would approve of them?

We all have ideal expectations of how scenarios should run. Sadly, the reality can be totally disappointing. Especially when you are feeling frantic and seeing red, you may get blindsided because of your emotions which will lead to you—and only you—being the one left hurt.

We here at The Blue Ticks are here. Prioritise yourself first and foremost. For more guidance watch this clip.