6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

We all have had a crush and for some of us, we’re crushing hard right now. What is worse, is when you have a crush and they are taken. It’s sweet-bitter pain. How can you avoid this hard blow of fate? Your poor, poor heart, because suffering from a crush is almost as bad a breakup. The pain is real. There’s no magic solution for unreturned love but here are 6 ways to cope when your crush is taken.

1. Avoid any social interaction

6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

Avoid going to places where you know your crush is going to be at. You just don’t want to spend your time looking at your crush and suffering through every minute of the night wondering ‘what could have been’. It’s emotional torture.

Go out to a place where you can let loose and totally forget about your crush. Get some of your friends and go out dancing or drinking. Dance, laugh and drink the night away, have a good time and learn that life is sweet without the presence of your crush. This self-imposed avoidance strategy will allow you the emotional distance you need to move on.

2. Limit your social media

6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

If you are friends with your crush, yes you guessed it, either unfollow or mute them or avoid social media for a while. Seeing your crushes Instagram stories, Facebook updates will only magnify your sadness and your emotional attachment. Don’t feed your mind with impossible fantasies and project ideas that are unrealistic it’s just plain unhealthy. You have a life and you need to go out there and live it.

3. Stop looking for excuses

Your partner’s crush is not an evil conspire who only rocked up to ruin your chances at love. Stop fantasising and looking for excuses. Casting your crush’s partner as some villain tricks you into thinking you are better for your crush. This unhealthy fixation will perpetuate the unrealistic fantasy that you will end up together. Accept that your crush chose someone other than you.

4. Enlist your friends to help or plan activities

6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

Hang out more with your friends. Go out with them and have fun. Get into a few sports; rock climbing, bike riding, or hiking. Why not go on a date? Do anything to remind you that your crush is not the only way to happiness, that there are so many things out there that make you happy.

5. Establish firm boundaries

6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

If your crush knows you like them it’s no big deal. It’s flattering to find out someone likes you but be careful. Some people might see this as an opportunity to use and manipulate you. Your crush could string you along to have their own ego flattered. It’s important to set up some firm rules to avoid doing something you may end up regretting. Certainly, you are opening up to getting hurt. If you can’t eliminate social interactions altogether, make a rule not to physically touch your crush. If you go out for drinks, pace yourself as you do not want alcohol to cloud your judgement.

6. Accept that your crush is taken

6 ways to cope when your crush is taken

This is the kindest thing you can do for yourself, accept that your crush is taken. Your crush has chosen to be with someone other than you and although your heartaches it’s time for you to gaze elsewhere for love and affection.

 

Unrequited love sucks, but it’s not meant to be and moving forward with your life will open opportunities and new love into your life. So, stay busy and fill your life with activities. Hang out with friends who will show you fun and lend a listening ear when you need it and hopefully give you sound advice too.

 

How do you deal with it when you’re into someone who is taken? What are your strategies and your theories?