I went a whole week without checking his social media

Dear Delyara, I know that may sound small to some people, but it was not small in my life. For months after the breakup, checking his accounts became a private ritual of self-harm. I’d tell myself I only wanted closure, or information, or proof that I was moving on better than he was. But every time I looked, I felt worse. Last Monday, I deleted the bookmarks, unfollowed the mutual accounts I was using as side doors, and told my closest friend to hold me accountable. It has been seven days now. Some days I still reach for my phone automatically. Some days the curiosity feels almost physical. But I haven’t looked. I didn’t realize how much mental space that habit was occupying until it stopped. There is more silence now. Not always pleasant silence, but mine.