Should I immediately delete and block all contact information of the other person?

Friend, seeing this question of yours, I can imagine your mind must be in turmoil, feeling really awful. I get that feeling—it's like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path is truly best for you. Regarding "whether to block and delete immediately," there's no one-size-fits-all answer because it entirely depends on your own feelings and your specific situation.

Let's break this down and look at it from a few angles, hoping to help you sort through your thoughts.

## When is "blocking and deleting" a good idea?

Many people might advise you to "cut the knot quickly," and there is sound reasoning behind this. It’s often a powerful form of self-protection.

1. For "out of sight, out of mind"
If every time you see their updates (whether on WeChat Moments, Weibo, or Douyin), your heart skips a beat and you start overthinking—"Are they doing better than me?" "Who are they with?"—this repeated emotional torment will make your healing process painfully slow. Blocking and deleting creates a "sterile environment" for yourself, forcing you not to look or dwell, allowing your heart to gradually settle.
2. To cut off unrealistic hopes
As long as the contact remains, many can't resist the urge to send a message or keep hoping they might reach out. This state of "waiting" actually drains you. Blocking and deleting is a highly ritualistic act—it’s like telling yourself: "Alright, this chapter is closed. It’s time to move forward."
3. If the relationship was deeply unhealthy
If your breakup was filled with arguments, hurt, or even involved controlling or belittling behavior from them, then don’t hesitate—block and delete immediately! This isn’t pettiness; it’s setting boundaries to protect yourself from further harm. Your safety and mental well-being come first.
4. When you need to reclaim control of your life
Heartbreak can make you feel out of control, as if your life is being dictated by someone else. Taking the initiative to block and delete is the first decision you make for yourself. This act alone can give you a sense of empowerment—"This is my life, and I decide who leaves."

## When might it be better to "wait and see"?

Of course, not every situation calls for such a drastic step. Sometimes, a less extreme approach might feel more manageable.

1. If you parted amicably
If there were no major conflicts, and you separated rationally and peacefully—perhaps even wishing each other well—keeping the contact is like moving a once-important person back to the position of an ordinary friend. As long as you’re sure you can maintain a calm mindset, keeping them there isn’t necessarily a problem.
2. If there are practical ties
For example, if you share work projects, mutual friends, a pet, or unresolved financial or personal belongings. Blocking immediately in these cases could create unnecessary complications. Handle the practical matters first, then decide whether to "clean up" your contact list.
3. If you’re emotionally resilient enough
Some people have strong inner resilience. Seeing an ex’s updates doesn’t faze them; they might even give a sincere like. If this describes you, and you’re sure you’re not just "faking strength," then keeping them is fine. It shows you’ve genuinely moved on.

## A "middle ground" approach: Digital "soft distancing"

If blocking feels too final, but keeping them causes distress, try these methods:

Mute, but don’t delete: On WeChat, you can set "Hide Posts from This Friend." This prevents passive exposure to their updates, but you can still reach them if truly necessary. It gives you a buffer period.
Mute/Archive chats: Set their chat to "mute notifications" or "archive." This removes it from your main chat list, reducing the urge to open it.
Give yourself a "cooling-off period": Tell yourself, "I won’t look at anything of theirs or contact them for one month." After a month, your emotions may have settled, allowing for a more rational decision.

## The most important thing: Listen to your heart

Ignore what others say—the final decision is yours. Take a few quiet minutes to ask yourself:

Why am I keeping this contact? Is it to check how they’re doing? Hope for reconciliation? Or simply feeling deletion is unnecessary?

What’s my immediate feeling when I see their updates? Heartache? Anger? Or calm indifference?

Is blocking/deleting an act of revenge, or self-protection? (Remember: Decisions made to protect yourself are always right.)

If I don’t delete, can I resist the urge to stalk their online activity?

Clarity on these questions will reveal your answer.

One last thing:

Whatever you choose, your only goal is to heal. Blocking or not is just a tool, not the end goal. True closure happens within you.

This process is tough, but it will pass. Give yourself time and patience. Talk to friends. Do things that bring you joy. Time is a great healer—it will gently smooth things over. Hang in there!