Getting dumped sucks. But it’s even worse when you’re rejected by someone you didn’t even date.

You never had a “real” relationship with them, which seems like it would make it easier to forget about ’em—but that’s far from the case. We feel your pain. It happens to the best of us.

If you’re currently going through this type of heartbreak, scroll below for our tips on how to get over someone you didn’t even date.

Allow Yourself to Be Upset

Because it was never a legit relationship, many people put the idea into their heads that they can’t be upset. They think that because they didn’t date this individual, they shouldn’t accept these feelings of heartbreak. But that’s totally wrong. You’re more than allowed to be frustrated at how things played out, mainly because rejection is painful no matter how tough you are.

Be upset. Cry. Scream. Eat a bunch of ice cream. Do whatever you need to do—within reason, of course—to make sure you get over it. The only thing to watch out for is that you don’t allow yourself to wallow in self-pity for too long. Give yourself a week max, and then let it go.

 

Rely on Your Friends

There is strength in numbers, so don’t feel bad if you need your besties by your side during this difficult period. If they’re really your friends, they’ll want to make sure you’re living your best life. Plus, when you can’t help but mope about over this dumb person who rejected you, they’ll be there to remind you how incredible you are and that you don’t need this person in your life. That’s what friends are for!

(Pretty Little Liars via Freeform)

 

Avoid Them

It’s very likely that the person who rejected you will want to remain friends, mainly because they do enjoy spending time with you. That’s all fine and dandy, but don’t force yourself into a friendship with them right away. You had real feelings for them that they just flushed down the toilet. Spend as much time as you need away from them, before you decide if you’re willing to keep them in your life. Seeing them as often as you did is only going to make you feel worse about the whole situation, especially as you watch them go about their days like nothing ever happened between the two of you.

 

Distract Yourself From Social Stalking

Post-breakup social staling is something we all do. Even if someone says they don’t, they’re lying. It’s all part of who we are now.

After your ultimate rejection, you’ll wonder what they’re up to and if they found anyone new, but don’t let those feelings take control. Whenever you feel the urge to stalk, put the phone down and go for a walk. Or, text your BFF instead. Find ways to keep yourself from thinking about them. We know it’s easier said than done, but you’ll think of something. You’re more clever than you know.

(The Kissing Booth via Netflix)

 

Delete Their Text Messages

Yes, this is entirely dramatic and inspired out of pettiness, but who cares? Doing this will most definitely help you get over them.

We like to reminisce about the past and the better days, so you’re likely to over-romanticize what went down when you were with this person. You’ll read your exchanges and start to question where it all went wrong, but don’t do it. Instead, delete them all.

It’s also kind of like a fresh start, if the two of you remain friends afterward. It’s the digital version of wiping the slate clean. Where’s the harm in that?

 

Don’t Close Yourself Off to Potential Suitors

After a breakup, the last thing you want to do is put yourself out there again. We hate to break it to you, but that’s actually one of the best things to do. It doesn’t have to happen right away, but it’s good to go on dates with other people. Just because it didn’t work out with this individual, doesn’t mean it won’t work out with whoever comes along next. Give it another shot with someone new, because letting the sting of the rejection get to you is only going to make it that much more difficult for you to move on.

(Midnight Sun via Global Road Entertainment)

 

Don’t Blame Yourself

You’re going to spend some time walking through every detail of your history with this person. You’ll reminisce about how you first met, that initial spark and so on. Then you’ll question what you did to ruin what the two of you had. Newsflash: You didn’t do anything wrong. It was not all you. Sure, take responsibility when you should, but don’t blame yourself for the end of your little fling. It takes two to tango, so don’t feel like you should take all the blame.

 

Everyone gets over people differently. Some of us do it quicker than others. If you have a tougher time getting over your exes, HERE’s everything you should do.