How to Get Over a Guy Who Doesn't Care About You

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Did you have a crush on someone who didn't like you back or did you discover that your boyfriend didn’t care about you the way you cared about him? While romantic rejection is common, it can be a painful and difficult experience to get over. Whether you had a crush on someone who didn’t like you back or you found out your boyfriend didn’t care for you, mending a broken heart can take some time. Read through these tips about getting over a guy to change your perspective and keep moving forward.

1

Acknowledge your own feelings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Tell-Your-Family-That-You-Are-Gay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-Your-Family-That-You-Are-Gay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Tell-Your-Family-That-You-Are-Gay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Tell-Your-Family-That-You-Are-Gay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try confiding in a trusted friend or writing down your feelings in a diary to let it all out. Regardless of how serious your relationship with the guy was, this is an important step in the grieving process. [1]
    • Don’t pretend that it didn’t happen or act like you are unfazed by the situation. To effectively get over someone, according to psychologists, you need to recognize and admit what you are dealing with.
    2. Advertisement
2

Don’t blame yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Come-Out-to-Your-Friends-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Come-Out-to-Your-Friends-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Come-Out-to-Your-Friends-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Come-Out-to-Your-Friends-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It can be easy to look at yourself and find fault; however, try to remember that there’s nothing wrong with you as a person. If the guy you’re having trouble getting over didn’t care about you, it just means that you two weren’t a good fit. [2]
    • It can be helpful to use affirmations to remind yourself that you are not to blame. You could say things like, “I am worthy of love,” or, “This was not my fault.”
3

Embrace your independence.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Be-an-Open-Person-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-an-Open-Person-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Be-an-Open-Person-Step-6.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Be-an-Open-Person-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take yourself out for ice cream, go for a drive around town, or spend some time in nature. Being on your own can be a fun time, and you don’t need anyone else to enjoy life. [3]
    • Take note of all the things you do on your own, and the many ways in which you are independent. For example, are you financially independent? In what ways do you take responsibility for your own happiness?
    2. Advertisement
4

Make a list of your positive qualities.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sit down and write out 10 things you love about yourself, no matter how small. It could be anything: sobriety, fashion sense, kindness toward others, friendships, or being a great cook. Take a look at the list whenever you’re feeling down to pick yourself back up again. [4]
    • Feeling rejected can lower your self esteem, and this exercise is designed to help you remember what a catch you are.
    • Sometimes it can be helpful to ask a good friend for their input. We sometimes have a hard time recognizing positives in ourselves.
5

Give yourself time.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Meditate-for-Beginners-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Meditate-for-Beginners-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Meditate-for-Beginners-Step-15.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Meditate-for-Beginners-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although you may feel frustrated that it’s taking time to get over someone, avoid being hard on yourself. If you try to force yourself to move on quickly, you might make yourself feel even worse. [5]
    • Even if you were not in an official relationship, you have lost someone who you thought was important to you. As a result, you need to give yourself time to recover without feeling like you should be making more progress.
    2. Advertisement
6

Distance yourself from the guy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Be-in-Your-Happy-Place-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-in-Your-Happy-Place-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Be-in-Your-Happy-Place-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Be-in-Your-Happy-Place-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To speed up your recovery, it's a good idea to keep your interactions with the guy to a minimum. You don’t have to avoid the person at all costs and it may not be realistic to cut him out of your life, but you should do what is needed to help you feel better. [6]
    • This might mean spending time in new places or hanging out with different friends if you travel in the same circles. You may also want to block him on social media accounts or delete contacts in your phone.
7

Delete old photos that bring back memories.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-a-Cool-Teenager-Step-17-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Cool-Teenager-Step-17-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-a-Cool-Teenager-Step-17-Version-6.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Be-a-Cool-Teenager-Step-17-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Of course, you don’t have to get rid of everything (some memories are nice to look back on). However, if your camera roll is full of pics of the two of you, it might be time to clear it out. Consider putting them on a USB drive and keeping them in a drawer if you don’t want to delete them. [7]
    • The same goes for any pictures you have of him hanging around your home. If you don’t want to get rid of them completely, compile them all and put them in a box or a drawer in your closet.
    2. Advertisement
8

Get some exercise in.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Forget-Your-Ex-Girlfriend-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although working out may be the last thing you want to do when you are feeling down, research shows that exercise can help you feel less depressed and more confident. Try going for a run, going swimming, going biking, or practicing yoga. [8]
    • Exercising also gives you a sense of control and power over your situation. Imagine that you are taking charge of your life in the same way you are taking charge of your physical activity.
9

Hang out with your friends.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Ask-a-Girl-to-Be-Your-Girlfriend-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Ask-a-Girl-to-Be-Your-Girlfriend-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Ask-a-Girl-to-Be-Your-Girlfriend-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Ask-a-Girl-to-Be-Your-Girlfriend-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don’t feel up to doing much, invite a few friends over to hang out and watch movies. Or, go out to a bar and have a few drinks with them. Isolating yourself will probably make you feel worse, so it’s important to lean on your support network. [9]
    • Your family members can be helpful, too. Reach out to your parents, siblings, or anyone else you’re close with for some advice and comfort.
    2. Advertisement
10

Organize fun activities and outings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Deal-With-Your-Dad%27s-Girlfriend-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-With-Your-Dad%27s-Girlfriend-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Deal-With-Your-Dad%27s-Girlfriend-Step-13.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Deal-With-Your-Dad%27s-Girlfriend-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go out to dinner, see a movie, plan a trip, or take a spa day. Try out a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try, whether you’re with your friends or on your own. [10]
    • If you’re having trouble taking your mind off things, bring a friend or two along. They can help distract you from your thoughts so you can actually have a good time.
11

Meet with a mental-health professional.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Find-a-LGBTQIA-Friendly-Therapist-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-LGBTQIA-Friendly-Therapist-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Find-a-LGBTQIA-Friendly-Therapist-Step-5.jpg\/aid686430-v4-728px-Find-a-LGBTQIA-Friendly-Therapist-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mental health professionals are trained to guide people through the grieving process and help them move forward with their lives and future relationships. [11]
    • If you are depressed and having a hard time getting past the guy who doesn’t care about you, a trained mental-health professional may be able to recommend therapy options, support-group meetings, or even medicine that can help you feel better.
    2. Advertisement


Get Over Your Crush with this Expert Series

Crushing over someone you can't have is both draining and distracting. Learn how to move past these feelings and take back control of your life with this expert series.
1
Stop Being in Love With a Person You'll Never Meet
2
Effective Ways to Get Over Someone You Love
3
Get over Someone Who You Know You Can't Date
4
Stop Loving the Girl of Your Dreams
5
Stop Liking Someone
6
Overcome an Infatuation

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I move on from an ex?
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    I would recommend making a list of the top 10 problems you had in the relationship. If you're having trouble remembering anything bad, try asking a friend for help. They'll be able to give you some perspective. While it may be hard, realizing why you broke up will help you heal and move on with your life.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      • Write down your feelings in a journal or diary. This can help you get out all of your emotions and better process your feelings.
        Thanks

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you're tempted to contact him, turn off your phone for a couple of hours each day. Or, distract yourself by hanging out with your friends or doing a fun activity.
      • Think about his quirks, flaws, or little things he did that annoyed you. Seeing him as a whole person can help you stop idealizing him and get over him.
      • If you're religious, try praying or meditating. Praying helped me feel better and get over the guy.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you are depressed and thinking about hurting yourself, seek help as soon as possible so you can feel better. You can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 if you're in the United States or Canada. If you're outside of the United States or Canada, please call your country's suicide prevention helpline for assistance.
        Thanks
      • Avoid self-destructive behaviors such as drugs, drinking, and casual sex. These are not effective ways to get over someone, and they can cause more problems. [12]
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Man Fall in Love with You
      19 Ways to Quickly Move On & Let Go of Your Ex
      How to
      Get Over a Break Up
      How to
      Respond to a Date Rejection Text
      How to Suppress Feelings for Someone Who Doesn't Feel the Same
      How to Get Over Someone You Love: 20 Ways to Move On
      Do You Feel Like Your Boyfriend Hates You? Signs, Reasons, and Ways to Move Forward When Your Boyfriend Doesn't Like You
      How to
      Communicate With a Guy After He Rejected You
      How to Accept That He’s Not Into You
      How to
      Get Over Someone You Have to See Every Day
      How to Heal from Family Rejection (While Building Strength and Resilience)
      13 Ways to Move On from Your First Love
      How to
      Cope With a Heartbreak
      How to
      Comfort Your Daughter After a Break Up
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/broken-heart.html
      2. ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/dating/breaking_up.html
      3. ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/dating/breaking_up.html
      4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-tips-to-mend-a-broken-heart#2
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/996edc30-d6e9-480b-b4a8-15b626f0aa76
      7. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/996edc30-d6e9-480b-b4a8-15b626f0aa76
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/i-hear-you/201804/six-psychological-strategies-getting-over-bad-breakup
      9. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/dating/breaking_up.html
      2. ↑ https://www.mhanational.org/separation-and-divorce
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      it can be hurtful to learn that a guy you liked doesn’t care about you, but by addressing your feelings, enjoying your independence, and getting support from friends, you can get over him. Write your feelings about the guy down in a private journal or simply take some time to think about them, since you won’t be able to move on until you’ve acknowledged how you feel. Try to come up with a list of positive things about yourself, like things you’ve achieved or good character traits you have, as this will help boost your self-esteem. Make time each day for activities you enjoy doing alone, like reading or taking a bath. Reach out to friends and family members to plan fun activities together, since having a good social life with those close to you will help you move on. For tips on how to stay optimistic about the future after someone has rejected you, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,861,256 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Feb 15, 2017

        "It really helped to see the different perspective of things and realize that you will get over it at some point. It ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement