Ctrl, Alt, Delete... Him!

Your digi break-up survival guide Because there are some things your 478 Facebook friends don’t need to know.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Your digi break-up survival guide Because there are some things your 478 Facebook friends don’t need to know.
Corbis/Click Photos
Corbis/Click Photos

Do...

Change your FB relationship status

This is quite possibly one of the most awkward public moments of a break-up. To keep it private, click “Update Info” on your profile, select the “Family and Relationships” tab, then select the “--” option as your relationship status.

Refrain from contacting your ex when you’re on a big night out

Never post, comment, “like”, message or call him if you’re viewing the world through raspberry daiquiri-tinted glasses. You’ll sooo regret it once the glasses come off.

Put yourself on a social media diet

Why? You’ll inevitably stumble upon pictures and status updates that will bring up all the hurt. Finding it tough to kick the social media habit? “If you know you can’t be trusted to self-regulate stalking his online profile, call a close friend when you feel the urge,” says relationship psychologist Sabina Read

Don’t...

Feel you need to untag all evidence of your relationship

Your relationship did exist at one point, so don’t think it’s essential to go through all the photos with your ex and untag yourself (especially when you look totally hot!).

Put your arguments on the Interwebs

Remember that even if your ex’s online posts are grating on you, he is entitled to speak his mind. Delete him or “hide” his updates for the moment. “Hiding his status updates is just a “Band-Aid” solution. At some stage, you’ll need to talk it out,” says Sabina.

Say it online if you wouldn’t say it IRL

“When we feel hurt or angry, we often want the person who has caused the pain to know how we’re feeling,” says Sabina. “Try to resist saying something online that you wouldn’t dream of saying face-to-face.”

YOUR PERFECT MATCH

Yes, there really is an app for every relationship status.

IN A RELATIONSHIP? Couple, free

Want to keep your mushy love posts off Facebook? Couple is like YouTube, Facebook and Viber just for you and your guy.

SINGLE? Bad Date Rescue, free

This handy app lets you schedule a fake phone call that will rescue you if your date starts talking about his huge doll collection.

IT’S COMPLICATED? Pick-Up Lines!, free

We don’t usually endorse cheesy pick-up lines, but showing these ones to a guy you’re crushing on is sure to get a laugh from him.