Let’s be honest: having a crush can be exhilarating… until it’s not. One day you’re fantasizing about romantic coffee dates and inside jokes, and the next you’re deep-stalking their Instagram at 2 a.m., wondering why they haven’t liked your last post. The emotional rollercoaster is real — and when the crush starts to feel more like a burden than a thrill, it’s time to move on. The good news? You can get over a crush without turning it into a drama, and without losing your dignity in the process.
Here’s how to do it with your pride intact.
1. Acknowledge It — Privately
First things first: admit that you have (or had) a crush. Say it to yourself. Don’t romanticize it or downplay it — just be honest. It’s not weak, it’s human. You liked someone. That’s okay. But now, you’re choosing to move on.
No need to make a public declaration. This isn’t the time to send them a 3-paragraph confession or a mysterious Instagram story. Keep it low-key and internal.
2. Cut the Fantasy Loop
The hardest part of a crush is often not the person — it’s the made-up version of the person you’ve built in your head. You’re not just crushing on them, you’re crushing on the idea of them.
Start catching yourself when your mind wanders into “what if” territory. Replace the fantasy with reality: What do you actually know about them? Do they even meet your standards? Do they know how to spell “you’re”? Break the spell with facts.
3. Create a Little Distance
This doesn’t mean ghosting or blocking them dramatically (unless that’s what you need). It just means gently dialing down the obsession. Don’t go out of your way to see what they’re up to, and if you’re checking their stories more than your own text messages — maybe mute them for a while.
Distance gives clarity. You can’t move on if they’re front-row in your mental theater every day.
4. Find a Distraction That’s Actually Fun
“Distraction” doesn’t mean forcing yourself to hang out with people you don’t like or pretending to be over it. It means putting your time and energy into something that makes you feel alive again.
Pick up a new hobby, hit the gym, binge a show that has zero romance, or take a weekend trip. Find joy in your own life without waiting for someone to validate it.
5. Talk It Out (With the Right Person)
You don’t need to make this the plot of your group chat for the next month. But talking to one trusted friend can help. They’ll probably remind you of your worth, make you laugh, and maybe even remind you of that one time the crush wore crocs with socks. (Perspective!)
Avoid venting to people who will feed the drama. Choose someone who’ll help you move forward, not dwell.
6. Let It Be Unfinished
Sometimes there’s no closure, and that’s okay. Maybe they never liked you back, maybe the timing was off, maybe nothing ever really happened — and that can be hard to accept.
But you don’t need a perfect ending to write a new beginning. You can leave the chapter open and still walk away with your head high.
7. Remind Yourself of the Bigger Picture
One crush doesn’t define your worth or your ability to find love. It’s just a blip — a lesson, maybe. You’ll like people again. And the next time, you’ll be a little more grounded, a little more self-aware, and a lot less likely to spiral over someone who doesn’t text back.
Getting over a crush isn’t about pretending you never liked them. It’s about choosing your peace over obsession. Do it quietly, confidently, and without making it a whole production — because your dignity is more powerful than any fantasy could ever be.
What’s one thing that’s helped you move on from a crush in the past?
