Time to step away from the laptop.
It may only take Joey Tribbiani a shower to get over a relationship but for most people, there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to splitting up with your partner.
There’s always the inevitable limbo period which is usually followed by a small slump but then again, maybe you’re one of those people that are happy to be free and just head straight to the bar. Each to their own.
I’d bet that most of us though have all had a little creep on the Facebook page of our former flames at some point, it’s only human nature, but it appears that there’s a legitimate scientific reason for this inquisitive behaviour.
The University of Hawaii and Ohio State University have conducted some research into this area and concluded that, “individuals most traumatized by a breakup are most likely to monitor their ex-partners online, which previous research indicates may further postpone their emotional recovery.”
Well duh!
The research also states that, “this finding indicates that individuals experiencing a high level of distress from a breakup should consider disconnecting from the ex-partner on social networking sites, either temporarily or permanently. At this point, there is no clear clinical definition or boundary for what is considered psychologically healthy and unhealthy levels of online surveillance of one’s partner, particularly after a breakup.”
It’s a vicious circle really, the more fecked up your ex made you feel, the more you want to see what they’re up to.
My advice, tell your ex that you’ve won the lotto, you’re moving to Puerto Rico with a gorgeous model and that you can’t stay in contact with them because you’re tired of the online world.
Either that or you know…move on.
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