How to Stop Liking Someone

Catching feelings can be exciting - but sometimes, those feelings don’t serve you. Maybe the person isn’t available, doesn’t feel the same way, or the situation simply isn’t healthy. In those cases, letting go is the best thing you can do for your emotional well-being. But how do you actually stop liking someone? Here are practical steps to help.

1. Accept Your Feelings

The first step is acknowledging that you like them. Don’t try to deny or suppress your emotions—it only makes them stronger. Acceptance helps you move forward.

2. Limit Contact and Triggers

If possible, reduce how often you see, text, or interact with them. Unfollow or mute their social media if it constantly reminds you of them. Distance creates space for healing.

3. Focus on Their Reality, Not the Fantasy

Sometimes, we hold onto an idealized version of someone. Remind yourself of why it wouldn’t work, or qualities that make them less compatible with you. This grounds your feelings.

4. Fill Your Time with Other Things

Distraction helps - spend time with friends, try new hobbies, or focus on work or school. Keeping busy makes it easier to detach emotionally.

5. Talk It Out

Sharing your feelings with a close friend or journaling helps process emotions. Keeping it bottled up often prolongs attachment.

6. Focus on Yourself

Invest energy in self-care, fitness, personal growth, and goals. The more you prioritize yourself, the less space your crush takes up in your mind.

7. Give It Time

Feelings don’t disappear overnight. Healing is gradual, and it’s okay if it takes weeks or months. Be patient with yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why is it so hard to stop liking someone?

Because emotions aren’t logical. Your brain creates attachment through time, routine, and hope, which makes letting go difficult.

2. Does ignoring someone help you stop liking them?

Yes, creating distance helps weaken feelings. But it should be done gently, without being rude or hurtful.

3. Can you stay friends with someone you like?

It depends. If your feelings are strong, friendship may feel painful at first. Sometimes space is needed before friendship can work.

4. How long does it take to get over someone?

It varies—days, weeks, or months. It depends on how deep your feelings were and how much you interacted with them.

5. Should I tell them I like them before moving on?

Not always. If telling them won’t change the outcome, it might make moving on harder. Focus on closure within yourself.

6. Why do I keep thinking about them even when I want to stop?

Because habits take time to break. Your mind is used to associating them with happiness, and it takes effort to replace those thoughts.

7. Can liking someone too much be unhealthy?

Yes. If it affects your mental health, self-esteem, or daily life, it’s important to step back and focus on yourself.

8. How do I stop checking their social media?

Mute or unfollow them. If that feels too hard, set time limits or ask a friend to keep you accountable.

9. What if I see them every day (school, work, etc.)?

Set emotional boundaries. Be polite, but avoid unnecessary closeness. Redirect your focus to tasks and other people around you.

10. Will I ever stop liking them completely?

Yes. With time, effort, and self-focus, feelings fade. One day you’ll realize they don’t affect you the same way anymore.