Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the no contact rule.
Mostly this one,
When does the no contact rule actually start to work?
To date, I’ve written over 400 articles for this website and I’ve talked about the no contact rule a lot. So, my immediate response to someone asking me this question yesterday was, “Hey, I think I’ve written an article on that let me get you a link to it.”
The problem was that I hadn’t written an article on it.
So, that’s what I’m going to be doing today.
I intend to make this article the most comprehensive article you could possibly find on understanding when the no contact rule starts to work.
Let’s begin!
When Does The No Contact Rule Begin To Work?
There are two big questions that we have to answer to ensure that you see the whole picture.
I know that you probably came here wanting me to give you an exact time frame of when it will work but it doesn’t work that way. Think of it like this, you’ve probably had more than one romantic relationship throughout your life.
Were each of those relationships identical?
No, each was unique and presented different challenges.
With that logic it would make sense that the no contact working is going to be different for every person and every situation they find themselves in.
But with the two big questions I am going to unpack for you today you should be able to diagnose and get an idea of how long it will take in your situation.
So, what are the two questions?
- What does the no contact rule “working” actually look like?
- How long will it take for it to work?
I’m going to spend quite a bit of time unpacking these two questions.
So, let’s get started.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Your Ex Boyfriend Back?
Take the quizQuestion #1: What Does The No Contact Rule “Working” Actually Look Like?
The no contact rule “working” is actually quite difficult to measure.
Pretend for a moment that you are going to use the no contact rule on me.
But I’m stubborn.
You decide you are going to do a basic 30 day no contact rule but I don’t reach out or let you know that I’m annoyed you are ignoring me at all.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Your Ex Boyfriend Back?
Take the quizI’m sitting there thinking,
(Fun Fact: I’ve literally done this after a breakup before so you know I’m not just blowing sunshine out my a$$.)
However, while I’m being stubborn deep down I’m actually very bothered by the fact that you haven’t reached out to me after the breakup.
I start to worry that somethings happened to you.
Or worse…
You’ve found someone else.
I know I have to keep my “stubborn front” up to look like the big strong man that I am but deep down inside your no contact rule is making me recognize just how much I miss you.
(Fun Fact: I’ve actually done this before as well after a breakup.)
Here’s my ultimate point.
How would you tell if the no contact rule is working if I don’t let on that it’s bothering me inside?
Half of the success stories that I’ve gotten have admitted to me that they had no idea if the no contact rule was working on their exes.
So, you can’t always rely on what your ex actually does with this.
Instead, I’d recommend you look at two data points.
- Your ex reaches out to you during the no contact rule with text messages, phone calls or even tries to show up in person
- Your ex is very responsive after the no contact rule when you talk
Let me spend a minute unpacking these two things for a minute.
Data Point #1: Your Ex Reaches Out To You During No Contact
You are typically looking a couple of things here.
- Annoyance that you are ignoring them
- Begging of some form
Now, I can tell some of you are reading this and probably wondering why we would be looking for annoyance.
Isn’t that a bad thing.
In this case, no.
Think for a moment about an ex who is annoyed that you are ignoring them.
They are annoyed because they recognize that they have had a certain behavioral freedom removed, the ability to talk to you.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Your Ex Boyfriend Back?
Take the quizThe “Theory of Reactance” teaches us that when human beings have behavioral freedoms removed we will fight and claw to get that behavioral freedom back.
That kind of means that the no contact rule is doing it’s job, right?
If it makes our exes chase us?
Data Point #2: Your Ex Is Responsive After The No Contact Rule
I’m a bit of an outlier when it comes to my clients.
Most coaches recommend to use the no contact rule and wait for their exes to contact them during it.
I don’t believe in that nonsense.
Half of the exes I’ve dealt with don’t contact during the no contact rule.
So, are we supposed to just wait on the sidelines forever and play on our exes schedule?
No thank you.
Besides, what about the situation I outlined above where an ex stays quiet during the no contact rule even though it’s killing them because they want nothing more than to talk to you.
So, here’s where I’m an outlier.
I actually recommend texting an ex after the no contact rule.
That way you get to control when you talk to your ex and it allows you to do a litmus test and check to see how responsive your ex is.
Here’s a general rule of thumb to live by,
The more responsive your ex is after the no contact rule the more effective that no contact rule usually was.
Question #2: How Long Will It Take For The No Contact Rule To Work
Quite frankly this is a complicated question to answer because there are so many layers of complexity.
For example,
- How long it takes to work is a function of the no contact time frame you chose
- You need to learn about the wave chart on the no contact emotions
By peeling back these layers of complexity we can get a better idea of how long it’s going to take for your situation.
So, let’s start peeling.
How Long It Will Take To Work Is A Function Of The No Contact Time Frame You Chose
In my book, Ex Boyfriend Recovery PRO I talk about how there are really three time frames to use with the no contact rule.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Your Ex Boyfriend Back?
Take the quiz- The 21 Day Rule
- The 30 Day Rule
- The 45 Day Rule
Now, I don’t want to get so bogged down by the details of which one you should be using.
You can get my book to answer that question.
What I want to talk about is the fact that your the length of success with the no contact rule is going to depend on which time frame you chose.
Obviously, someone who determines that the 21 day rule is perfect for their situation is going to see it working for them a lot quicker than someone who is using a 45 day rule.
Again, this only assumes that you correctly paired yourself with the right time frame.
I have designed the time frames of the no contact rules to work perfectly assuming you are honest and pair yourself with the right time frame.
Again, pick up my book to learn which time frame you be implementing.
The time frames were made using something called a wave chart.
What Is The Wave Chart?
If you’ve ever had the no contact rule implemented on you then you probably understand what I’m about to teach you than someone who has never been on the receiving end.
When someone who you really want to talk to ignores you on purpose your emotions go through a trajectory like this,
Immediately upon recognizing that you’ve been ignored you want nothing more than to talk to the person ignoring you.
Of course, when they don’t respond or when you can’t go through you go through a bit of a pouting stage where you grow angry or annoyed with the person “playing games,”
After pouting they kind of live in a new reality without you and try to be ok with it,
Of course, trying to not think about you causes them to think about you which causes them to want to talk to you again,
This is where things become important.
This is the point where you want to re-establish contact.
This is also why I have three different no contact time frames.
Not all situations are created equally.
If you use my book to properly diagnose your situation I have done all the work for you so that by the time you re-establish contact after the no contact rule you should be doing it right at the point above.
Doing this will create the maximum circumstances of success.
You see, you started this article trying to answer the question on when the no contact rule works.
The answer is complicated because technically it works right when you implement it.
But let’s say that instead of ending it where I recommended you end it prematurely right here,
The issue here is that you are ending it and trying to get back in touch with your ex when they don’t want to talk to you.
Timing really matters here.
Luckily, I already did the work for you based on my extensive experience working with people and seeing what works and what doesn’t work.
If you diagnose your situation as needing a 45 day rule then I’ve designed the 45 day rule to end right at this point,
If you diagnose your situation as needing a 21 day rule then again, it’s going to end right at the point you want it to end.
Timing is the most important thing to consider here.
Oh, also diagnosing your situation which you can do with my book.
Dustin Hudema
November 22, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Hey, I begged and pleaded.
She was telling me she out partying hung over and it some makeup on and straightning her hair and on to the next event the last time we talked, I told her to block me. I’m off social media to do my self and focus on my son. She alot younger and was clear this can’t work and she’s repeatedly said she’s gone.
I just started no contact and while doing me build a better self respect, I know I have issues I went through a custody battle and ended it just as we met.
Michelle
September 17, 2021 at 12:18 am
Been with this guy for 14 yrs n had an argument n I was told to go back my place. So unsure if it is considered as a break up n if u can confirm it. Since I went back my place, there has been no contact rule between us n it has been 52 days now n no response from him till now. Should I take it it’s over between us? Would appreciate yr feedback plse. Thks
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
September 23, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Hi Michelle I would not suggest following the NC rule unless you are 100% broken up.
Theo Silva
November 1, 2020 at 6:17 pm
Hello there.
Many Thanks for your information is really vital.
As well really hard we are been together for 8 years. In my Site I liked to resolve problems by comunicate to the other person.
We are been on no contact for 2 weeks the time frame we set up to ended in January 3 months
Please I need some support.
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
November 1, 2020 at 7:16 pm
Hi Theo, I would suggest that you reach out at the end of 30 days no contact not 3 months that is too long! Read some articles, work on yourself and prepare your first reach out text using information given in Chris texting articles
JY
September 18, 2020 at 8:00 pm
Hi Saunna, I’m in my 4th year of college and my ex is just starting her 2nd year. We’ve been dating for nearly 2.5 years before the breakup happened. We were getting happier, at least I thought we were: less arguing, more communication, being super comfortable around each other. However, she confronted me seemingly out of nowhere one day and wanted to break up. One of her main reasons was the fact that she was still young and wanted to explore what else the world had to offer outside of a long-term relationship, even though she claimed that she still loves me. We tried to stay friends (text only) for about a week but she finally made it clear that texting was not helping her as it would bring about all the memories we had and make it difficult for her. After that, I implemented NC and its been about 4 days since. I love her so much and have tried to take this time to improve my mental health but I really don’t know where to go from here.
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
September 25, 2020 at 9:13 pm
Good job starting your NC JY. Keep with it and make sure that you spend the time working on yourself, reading articles and following the program
Kia
May 11, 2020 at 8:31 am
Hi Saunna. Thank you for your replay. Actually I wasn’t gnatting him to make more effort since the only thing I wanted was to keep the communication the same level as it was in the first months of our relationship. And I wasn’t even wanting it that way back than. He was the one who insisted on being in constant contact with me… And I guess at one point I just felt for it. An in the last one month before the break up things were so lame that I didn’t even want that. Anyway, we will be back at the office in about a week. We will spend all day together and will be forced to end the NC (although on work related topics mainly). So I am kind of confused about it. Does that substitute the reaching out in that case since we will be communicating in person. Or communicating in person but just as a colleges is not the reaching out that is supposed to happen after NC. Honestly, I find it kind of out of place to text him after the way it ended. Especially having in mind he will be standing few meters away from me. I think he should be the one to contact me first but is he ever gonna feel the need to do it if he will receive the satisfaction of communicating in person. I find this situation quite risky of being friend/college zoned and I am not sure how to act in order that not to happen.
Kia
May 1, 2020 at 8:50 am
Hi. I had a relationship with a colleague of mine for about 8-9 months. In the beginning it was so intense (fiscally and emotionally). We were overwhelmed by eachother, constantly texting, calling, speaking eachother’s presence. To be honest he was doing it more than me. I was a litlle bit withhold in the very beginning because the initial plan was to keep it strictly phisical because of the more complicated situation. Relationships between colleagues are not well accepted where we work. And he is the one who has aways stood against such type of relationships at work. The other thing is, he has a higher rank of position than mine (one of the highest in the company) although he is not my direct supervisor or anything. He’s other department. So in that situation we kept it secret from the rest of the team. And for a while it was great! As I mentioned very intense. I guess in time we have crossed the line of keeping it phisical because we had some small jealousy manifestations and caring for eachother more than that. Then in few months I kind of felt a change in him. He started texting and calling less and I kind of felt him not that in to me anymore. I have asked several times if things have changed for him and he would say no, he still feels the same to me, just that he was very busy having issues to deal with at work etc. Since it didn’t sound realistic to me I would argue and dig in… And it usually would end up in a fight. After one of this fights in February we decided to end it. But it didn’t really happen. For a month it was weird. He would occasionally text me and act as if we are still together, then he would withhold again… And after exactly a month in that situation I decided to move on and it was the first day when I finally got that state of mind that I am over him, went to the office and he contacted me right away, very intense as he was before and worried why I am being cold. When I told him I was surprised by his behaviour because I thought we wer over since he’s been cold for a month he said we weren’t over, he was out of shape the last few weeks and that’s why he acted this way. So… Because that day and the few days after he was acting so hot on me, as it was before I decided to continue it with him. But guess what…. It lasted few days and he started acting cooler again. It nothing was as before. Actually it overlaped with the coronavirus situation and all of us working homeoffice. So we actually stopped seeing each other just about few times when we had some stuff to pick up from office and we would make plans to go at the same time to meet there. In the rest of the time we had this very lame, vane communication with him just saying hi how are you and then I would continue the conversation and we would text few more lines but that was it. Nothing intimate, no valuable communication. And it was because of him. He was distant and when I would text something personal (purposly did that few times to see how he reacts on it) he would be kind of avoidant not letting the conversation go that direction. At the same time if I don’t replied to his messages he would get worried, ask what’s happening, etc. When we met at the office those few times he was very passionate, attracted, etc but afterwords I was feeling as if he was kind of irritated by himself being this way. As if he couldn’t hadle it… A lot of mixed signals. It was clear he had some inner fights about it although he never I also could not stand this hot and cold (mainly) situation. So after the last time we met at work and once again we were so passionate for each other I told him directly that I am getting the impression that he didn’t want that anymore. He said he does want it but he thinks we have to stop because things were getting “out of control”. When I asked how exactly are they getting out of control (since as I said for about a month after we got together again things were so lame, hot and cold, and not personal) he said he can’t explain it, it is just how he feels it. I said OK. He suggested that we will continue joking, talking, etc in the office just not on that topic but I told him I am not his buddy. He got kind of upset asking “so you are not talking to me anymore”. I said I will talk but only as coleagues/work topics. He agreed. He didn’t even gave me a reason for that break up coz I really don’t know what was out of control. So right after that I went no contact. I even stopped texting in the group chat of our team where I was pretty active but he is active there as well so I guess if I chat it will be some kind of indirect communication. Also I even muted the chat because I get mad reading his jokes and smiley faces etc with the colleagues as if nothing had happened. It has been two weeks now since that happened. To be honest I am surprised he didn’t reach out. I was expecting he will text with some type of “just friendly” message but he didn’t. Truth is I still have emotions for him and if things can get back to where they were few months ago with the attention, intensity, positive attitude, etc I would rather start it over again. I don’t think he has lost his attraction for me but I guess there is something else bothering him (he never shared). But not reaching out for 2 weeks does it mean he had moved on and not being bothered at all by my no contact? Also how do you think the homeoffice would influence the situation? We don’t see eachother at all now but I guess in a month maybe we will be back to office. Is he going to forget all about me till we meet again? And when we do meet how am I supposed to act towards him keeping in mind that we spend all day together and up to now we were in the same group of close colleagues joking, laphing, going to lunch together. But as I said I don’t want to be in the friends zone. Do you think there is a chance to get back together?
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
May 9, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Hey there Kia, so you would need to do a 30 day No Contact before reaching out to your ex. However the issue is that you had a friends with benefits relationship as you were never official. This is where he may have said things got out of control as you are gnatting him to make more of an effort even though you were not officially in a relationship. During this time you need to work on your Holy Trinity and make sure when you go back to work in end that you make him regret losing you. I would suggest that you do not be intimate with him until you are in an official relationship the second time around
Kiki
April 6, 2020 at 6:44 am
Hello, I did the No Contact Rule and I avoided talking to him, but when the 30 days came I felt unprepared. I started to question if I even wanted to date him again. I now realize I would like to try just being friends. But it has now been 40 days. Should I just message him or should I wait till the 45 day mark if I just want to be friends? Does it really matter if I message him after 40 days or 45?
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
April 6, 2020 at 8:11 pm
If you only want friendship then it does not matter when you reach out
Medmommy
February 15, 2020 at 2:14 pm
I was dating this guy and he told me he was moving for a job opportunity next month which is now this month . I thought he was trying to find a way out of the relationship because it happen to me numerous accounts before with another guy. So instead of feeling hurt and avoid rejection I told him let’s be friends. He later told me that the job was in the next city over I told him ok that’s fine I can work with that but he got upset and block me completely. When I did reach out to him I told him why I really reacted the way I did I told him I really was happy for the job opportunity I really was. I told him I was afraid at the moment and I really wanted a relationship with him I was just afraid of the same thing happening he told me to stfu and leave him alone I left him alone and it’s been 14 days now with no contact. I would hate to move on knowing everything was perfect between us this was our first disagreement. But he is so stubborn but I completely understand how he feels. My question is should I let him go completely or contact him one last time
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
February 16, 2020 at 10:08 am
Hey Medmommy, I suggest you keep with your No contact through to 30 days. Reaching out at the end of 30 days with a text like Chris suggests, one that is going to catch his attention and make him want to speak to you
TM
January 19, 2020 at 11:24 pm
Hello, thanks for your response. I am staying away from him to allow him time. In fact, in the class we have together, we usually sit together with another friend. Sometimes this friend sits in the row in front of us but we sit together. So a few days back, to avoid forcing him to sit with me I sat in the row in front so he could sit behind with the common friend. But he came and sat next to me. We did not speak at all though. I am not sure if he wanted the connection or he sat by me to maintain his and/or my image with classmates as no one knows we broke up. Can you help me interpret this? Also, should I tell people that we are no longer together? Maybe it would increase fear of loss if he had to publicly feel broken up?
I am trying to work on myself by being more active in class and being more put together in terms of clothes. I have restarted my reading habit. It was something he was attracted to when we started out but it had gotten away from me with time. I have also posted on fb..but he is never active. We were never very active on social media but has now taken to instagram where I havnt an account. Making one now would be too obvious. Can you suggest any other way to work on myself?
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
January 22, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Hey TM, so you are doing great things, as for social media as he has just joined I would spend some time in No Contact and then start an account but DO NOT FOLLOW HIM. As for telling people you are broken up, yes you can tell people who you are friends with and word will get around.
TM
January 9, 2020 at 8:50 am
My ex and I were together for 4.5 years. It has now been 14 days since he broke up with me.
We went to the same undergrad college. Thats how we got together. Now we attend the same postgrad college. We opted for the hostel facility. But since the breakup I have been commuting from home (the college is in the same city as our individual homes) while he has remained in the hostel.
After our exams got over on 18th dec, I went away on a holiday with my family. On 21st I thought he had gotten really quiet (we are usually always calling or texting) and suspected he was upset. But he refused to say anything. On the evening of 22nd, he called to say that he had doubts about our relationship and would speak to me about it when we met. On 26th (we hadn’t communicated all this while and I sensed he wanted to end it) he came to see me in my hostel room and told me that he felt he could not be my partner anymore as he has been having recurring doubts and negative thoughts about us and I dont deserve to be in this situation and so he was putting me out of my misery. I asked him to leave as I had nothing more to say to him. But he kept sitting quietly watching me break into a mess and cry. He teared up too and asked me to say something but I had nothing to say as I was numb. After this he left. He asked to have dinner together as usual but I refused. He called later and we chatted for some minutes but I said that we couldn’t talk like this if we were broken up and we couldn’t be friends. The call ended. On 29th and 30th I broke down and sent him emotional texts but he replied saying he loved me but the love was fading and so he had done this. I called him, pleades, tried to logically reason with him, but his stance did not change. He said we were not as we had started out.
It is especially terrible as we had decided to maybe think of marriage in the near future as we have just landed jobs in the same city.
On the 1st I texted him happy new year and he wished back. I have not contacted him again since then and tried no contact. Apart from a couple of word exchange on 2nd at our common class.
He has not told our mutual college friends and I have only told my closest friend. Its painful when others assume we are together and ask me anout him. We had one more common class on 7th but did not speak. He seemed very quiet but he is a quiet person in general. I feel the hostel life together and his new responsibilities as a student council member added to the stress. Also now that everything was ready for us to finally plan out future together he may have started having cold feet?
Im having a really hard time as he has broken off all contact with me. I dont know what to do to reclaim the relationship. Please help.
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
January 16, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Hey TM, you need to allow your ex some time without you around as much as possible, following the limited no contact rule where you stay amicable in public but do not reach out to him or text him. You ideally would not have sent a new years message either as there was no need for this. Working on yourself during this time is essential as he is going to be seeing you in person a few times week means your Ungettbale work needs to be noticeable
Danniela
December 10, 2019 at 5:12 am
Hi, I was dating an older guy for almost 4 months that I know from awhile back. He was moving out to CA though so most if this relationship was traveling together. He ended it with me just a few days ago while I was out in CA visiting him. The distance was an issue for him and this path he is on traveling all over the place with no set home. He is a nomad. I have not heard from him since I left and I am doing NC. He said I love you as he left me at airport and walked away. WTH? If he reaches out while I’m doing NC am I supposed to respond to him or ignore him and for how long? Thanks!!
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
December 11, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Hey Daniela if he reaches out to you in No Contact you ignore, do not reply unless he says the words “I want to get back together” other than that you ignore him completely
Lisa
October 7, 2019 at 9:08 am
My Ex boyfriend and i lived together for 2 years he broke up with me 2 weeks ago the first week I was in shock so i called him once a day and he would always answer hes such a loving guy he said he couldnt take it anymore that i would worry him more than i had too, i was too much for him, i wasnt good for his mind, he stopped feeling the same BUT he was always gonna love and that he was never ever gonna come back to. I know it all sounds confusing because im not sure which one it is. Im in NC for 5 days now and its super hard for me because we use to have such a great relationship he also told me he wants his old life back and that the only way he would get it was without it..during those 2 years he never drank maybe one beer or 2 but every 3 months after the break hes been drinking every day i know because he has my brother on snapchat. I dont know if hell come back it makes me sick to the stomach thinking about it
Megan
September 23, 2019 at 5:11 am
Hi Chris!
I dated a guy for a month and he recently ended things. It was a very intense month and things moved quickly. We were getting along great and had tons of things in common. He told all his friends about me, his mom and even asked me to meet his son (I didn’t though). About a week before he broke up with me, he told me he was falling in love with me, said that we should plan a trip together and asked me to be his girlfriend.
We ended up getting in a disagreement on a Wednesday night — he said that he thinks I want a baby (I’m not sure I do) and he’s afraid he can’t have any more kids (health reasons). As well as he thinks I don’t want him spending money on cars (I don’t care). Then he kind of ghosted me for a weekend before ending things on Monday. He gave those reasons as well as said that he wasn’t quite over his ex and just wasn’t sure how he felt about me.
I immediately started the NC and have been doing that for the past 13 days. What the heck?! Do you think the NC will work in this situation even though it was such a short dating timeframe? Thanks!
EBR Team Member: Shaunna
September 23, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Hey Megan, so yes definitely NC him, and I would say that you’ve moved too fast in a short space of time so when you get back in touch after your NC that you slow it down and control your emotions and impulse thoughts.
Kelsey
September 10, 2019 at 6:10 pm
My boyfriend broke up with me a few days ago after about 4 years together. Overall we’ve had an amazing loving relationship but this summer was very hard for us because we kept fighting over the same things non stop. He said he’s still in love with me and can’t be around he because it will hurt too much. He just said we aren’t happy anymore but that I’m perfect. How long should I be doing no contact for and will of work in this type of a situation. After the break up he passionately kissed me so my hopes are up.
Shaunna
September 12, 2019 at 8:40 pm
Hey Kelsey, because of the arguments, 30 days NC 🙂
Len
June 4, 2019 at 10:34 am
Hi Chris,
I was seeing this guy for 4 months (we have never been officially boyfriend and girlfriend). I was weary at first and held back because I didn’t want to be hurt again but he reassured me that he wanted me all the time. He asked me on holiday 2 months into seeing him and I had nothing to lose so I went. When we got back things were great but about 6 weeks later I could feel him being different. He wouldn’t make as much time for me and got annoyed at me quite easily. I asked to see him and he would make excuses until he came out with ‘I’m not looking for anything serious’. Obviously annoyed at myself because this was exactly what I was scared would happen and why I was weary at first. I want him back though. Would no contact work if he’s ‘not looking for anything serious’ as this is a different mindset? Also would no contact work if we were never actually officially together?
Thanks in advance.
Len
Erin P.
May 17, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Hi Chris,
My boyfriend and I broke up 31 days ago. I went straight into NC after he drove home from our last date. I only contacted him to cancel an outing he still wanted to go on “as friends;” I was able to be/sound polite and friendly because I had a fever and could cite that as my reason. His responses were so sweet, caring, and eager to please. I was polite and used smiley emojis. I think he peaked around Day 25, the day after we had been in a Skype group meeting the night before for a church we both used to attend. I used the Push/Pull Theory to dictate when I would lean towards the camera and when I would back away/leave to get a snack. His Skype “active time stamp” showed him as “active now” a lot the next day.
He broke up with me because I was scared and emotionally unresponsive to him and because I didn’t have my life together. My counseling got scheduled for day 44, and I think I need extra time to kick my procrastination habit. He apparently hasn’t been active since yesterday, so I think a productive 45-day rule could get him another peak.
Is this probably right?
Thank you so much,
Erin
Chris Seiter
May 17, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Hi Erin… I think you are on the right path. There are many elements to the NC process, so if you are not employing my Program blueprint, then you might want to take a look at picking up my EBR Pro Bundle.
Ashley
May 11, 2019 at 12:19 am
Hi Chris!,
I just recently started NC with my ex of 5 months after staying in contact and communication and even intimacy. He has messaged me a few times and even my sister to see if I’m okay! I’m thinking he did this because he thinks there’s something wrong with me not because he thinks I’m ignoring him.. it’s only been a week, I assume after next week I’ll start being active on social media again so this way he’ll get the memo… we broke up because he said he wants to be free and young for a while. I guess we’ll see where it goes!
Chris Seiter
May 11, 2019 at 10:59 pm
HI Ashley…feel free to tap into my Program, EBR Pro Bundle as it is designed to optimize your chances and help you with your recovery!
Laura
April 10, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Hi Chris,
I had a very intense 4 month relationship. No arguing, lots in common and said often said he could see a future. The day before we ended he said “he missed me millions” then after a disagreement on the phone, I hung up and haven’t heard anything for 2 weeks…
I immediately went into no contact.
As it was only a short relationship do I have any chance of the no contact working ?
Chris Seiter
April 11, 2019 at 3:50 am
Hi Laura…so I think you did the right thing by going into No Contact, even if its just for “you” and your healing. Yes, I do think NC has applications for even shorter term relationships.
maylismom
March 11, 2019 at 5:02 am
so me and my boyfriend were together for 4 years. we have a daughter together and I am currently pregnant with our son. we are both pretty young 21 & 20. he left us because he wants to live his life and be young and have freedom. ive been looking at almost all your articles because in reality I want us to be a family again. ive been doing the no contact rule for 2 weeks now. but the thing is he already moved on. I don’t know what to do. will the no contact rule still work if hes with someone else?
Chris Seiter
March 11, 2019 at 9:51 pm
So 4 years is a good amount of relationship traction and those roots you both have put down together will likely come into play in helping you navigate thru all this. He may be in some denial about what his role is in the life of his family. Sometimes guys will have a rebound relationship. If you are doing NC, you should finish your plan and then do the things I teach during and after NC is over.
Wendy
November 24, 2018 at 3:02 pm
Hi,
My bf and I were seeing each other for 7 months. We were really happy, didn’t have one fight or cross word in that time. Everything was perfect. We booked a holiday together and the day before we left I told him I couldn’t wait to wake up with him for 8 days in a row. His eyes went all wide, you could see the fear in them. However, he still went ahead and through with the holiday. His children came with us. (He’s divorced 8 years) it was awful. I was crying by day 3 because he just pushed me away, the love was gone, there was no affection. It was like being with a stranger. When we got home I told him he’d treated me terribly and I didn’t deserve it and said if he didn’t want to be with me he should have had the balls to tell me. We finished that day. We spoke by text only over the next few weeks. He wouldn’t meet me. He told me he has problems with confidence and problems with letting anyone in and I deserve better. He spent 3 weeks on and off again until I couldn’t bear any more and told him to make a decision or leave me alone. I’m on day 11 no contact and he’s made no attempt to contact me. I’m doing my best to be UG hair change, gym, etc.. I unfriended him on FB, my mistake. I don’t know where to go from here. We finished 34 days ago. It’s driving me crazy.
Chris Seiter
November 25, 2018 at 1:53 am
Great job Wendy with your efforts to be UG. Be proud of what you are doing. Your efforts to do things for yourself are so important. Continue with your NC, but be reminded that a large part of the bigger picture of where you want to be in the future. You will carry that forward no matter what happens.