Taking a Break from Someone on Facebook: How to Do It Right

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Ted Stinson

Taking a break from someone on Facebook is a feature that allows you to temporarily unfollow a person without unfriending them. This means their posts won’t show up in your feed, but you’ll still be connected as friends. It’s a handy option when you need some space from someone’s content without completely cutting ties.

Step by Step Tutorial to Taking a Break from Someone on Facebook

Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what "taking a break" means on Facebook. Essentially, it’s a less drastic option than unfriending or blocking someone. You can mute their posts and limit their interactions with you. It’s a great way to maintain peace of mind while keeping your friend list intact.

Step 1: Go to the profile of the person you want to take a break from.

To start, you need to visit the profile page of the person you want to take a break from. You can do this by typing their name into the search bar or finding them in your friends list.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Friends’ button.

Once on their profile, you’ll see a button labeled ‘Friends’ near the top of the page. Click on this to open a dropdown menu with several options.

Step 3: Select ‘Take a Break’.

In the dropdown menu, you’ll see an option that says ‘Take a Break’. Choose this to proceed with customizing your interaction settings with this person.

After you complete these steps, you’ll have successfully taken a break from the selected person on Facebook. Their posts won’t appear in your feed, and you’ll have control over how much they can see of your content.

Tips for Taking a Break from Someone on Facebook

  • Remember that taking a break is reversible. You can always change the settings back if you decide to.
  • Consider using this feature instead of unfriending if you think the break might be temporary.
  • Use the ‘See Less’ option for a softer approach – you’ll see fewer of their posts rather than none.
  • If you’re taking a break for mental health reasons, explore other Facebook features like ‘Snooze’ or ‘Unfollow’ for additional peace of mind.
  • Be mindful that the person you’re taking a break from won’t be notified by Facebook, but they may notice if they pay attention to your interactions (or lack thereof) on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person know I’ve taken a break from them?

No, Facebook does not notify someone when you take a break from them. However, they might notice less interaction from you if they are observant.

Can I still message someone I’m taking a break from?

Yes, you can still send messages to someone you’re taking a break from. The feature mainly affects what you see in your news feed.

How long does the break last?

The break lasts until you decide to change it back. There’s no set time limit – it’s entirely up to you.

Can I still see the person’s profile if I’ve taken a break from them?

Yes, you can still visit their profile and see their posts there. The feature only affects your news feed.

Is taking a break the same as unfollowing someone?

No, unfollowing someone removes all their posts from your feed permanently (until you decide to follow them again), while taking a break is a temporary measure with more customizable options.

Summary

  1. Go to the person’s profile.
  2. Click on the ‘Friends’ button.
  3. Select ‘Take a Break’.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Taking a break from someone on Facebook doesn’t have to be a big deal or a final goodbye. It’s a flexible and user-friendly feature that helps you control your social media environment without the drama of unfriending or blocking. Whether you need a temporary reprieve from someone’s posts or you’re looking for a way to dial back interaction without severing ties, this tool is a great option. With these simple steps and tips, you’re now equipped to manage your Facebook connections in a way that suits your needs and peace of mind. Remember, social media is there for your enjoyment and convenience, so don’t hesitate to customize your experience to maintain a happy and healthy digital life.