When you’re infatuated — perhaps with someone you matched with on Tinder or discovered on your Instagram explore page — it can be thrilling. However, as reality sets in, a jarring, soul-crushing sensation can accompany the term “crush.”

Now you’re here, likely on the same device where you attempted to charm your now-past crush…or at least admired their pictures. And while it’s not a complete relationship breakdown (though Mashable also offers guidance for moving on after a breakup), getting over a crush can still feel overwhelming. Mashable consulted relationship experts on effectively erasing your crush from your thoughts, just as you (ideally) erased their contact.

SEE ALSO: Why social media algorithms can be detrimental after a breakup

Cease idealizing your crush

“Someone once remarked that ‘a crush is merely a lack of information,’ and that’s the principle I share with clients,” noted life coach and sexologist Elle Chase. “A crush appears potent because it’s filled with potential, yet scant in reality. It’s founded on curiosity and imagination, rather than compatibility and truth.”

Once you acquire more knowledge about this individual, including their values, behaviors, and how they conduct themselves in relationships and navigate life when they’re not in the spotlight, the crush may dissolve immediately, Chase added.

However, if it persists, recall the times you felt perplexed, anxious, or uncertain. It’s easy to overlook those and hold on to the few delightful moments you shared, advised dating expert and host of the podcast Seeing Other People, Ilana Dunn. She recommends listing the facts, whether with pen and paper or in your Notes app. Consider these questions:

– How frequently did they actually appear?
– How reliable were they?
– Did you feel at ease, or were you always checking your phone, awaiting reassurance?

“Seeing it in plain text helps shatter the illusion,” Dunn told Mashable. “Additionally, having this list is useful to refer back to during times when you begin to spiral.”

Block, unfollow, or mute

There’s no embarrassment in using these social media functionalities to help you forget this person.

“Every time you view their Instagram or revisit an old text conversation, your brain processes it like new contact. That’s why it remains so challenging to move on even if you’re ‘not communicating,'” Dunn explained. “Mute, archive, block, or conceal anything you need to so your nervous system can finally exhale.”

And avoid creating fake accounts to bypass your decision and check their updates anyway. It’ll only prolong your fascination with them.

Redirect your focus

We inhabit an attention-driven economy, and everything online is vying for our concentration. So why grant yours to an unreciprocated affection?

“Redirecting your focus to something that brings you joy can assist you in moving forward,” psychologist and intimacy coach Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey advised.

“If they became your habitual shower thought or commuting distraction, you need a new obsession,” Dunn said. Consider exploring a new hobby, like jogging or puzzles. Start watching a new TV series (Mashable has several recommendations) or podcast.

Distract yourself in moderation, but do so if necessary.

Mourn if you must

Heartbreak is tough, even if it’s about something fleeting. It may even amplify the pain since you didn’t have sufficient time to see a relationship fully develop. The “what ifs” can linger. Allow them to persist and don’t hasten to move on.

“A significant amount of heartache stems from losing what might have been, rather than what actually occurred,” Dunn elaborated. “It’s okay to feel sorrowful about that alternate narrative, but once you process it, ask yourself sincerely: do I genuinely want someone who caused me to doubt their feelings? Or do I desire someone who makes me feel valued without needing to guess?”

Don’t hesitate to rely on your friends as well. Dunn mentioned they can provide the reality check you might struggle to offer yourself. They recall the anxious voice messages and screenshots.

Just like overcoming someone you never officially dated, moving on from your crush will require time, but it is achievable — even in an era when the internet seemingly “lasts forever.” Leverage technology to your benefit and transition to a different area of social media, one that doesn’t inflict that “crushing” sensation.