National Text Your Ex Day: Should You Spin the Block or Leave the Past Alone?

National Text Your Ex Day is celebrated on October 30th as a playful opportunity to reconnect with a former partner, but should you actually celebrate it?

While the originators of this day are unknown, it seems to have begun as a social media tradition in the early 2010s. However, what was likely meant to be a playful stunt to get reactions, spinning the block even in an innocent text form, could trigger mixed results.  There are some positive reasons to consider reaching out to an ex, especially if closure is needed.  Sometimes, relationships end without clear explanations, and a respectful message can provide answers. For those who parted on friendly terms, a casual “Hope you’re doing well,” or check-in might rekindle a friendship, allowing both parties to feel good about the past even if they have no desire to revisit it romantically.  Offering an apology for past mistakes can show maturity and potentially inspire the same from the other person. In some cases, reaching out could even open the door to an Ashanti and Nelly-style rekindling, though not all spin-the-block stories have happy endings.

Reaching out to an ex has its downsides. Contacting an old partner might lead to emotional backsliding, stifling the progress you’ve made in moving forward from a painful breakup. Revisiting past conversations could stir old wounds that both parties may have worked hard to heal.  Also, it’s easy to fall into the trap of false hope. If the intent behind your message is to explore the possibility of getting back together, but the other person doesn’t feel the same, it could lead to a letdown like no other. If this may be the case, the best course of action is to practice the teachings of Toni Braxton and “Let It Flow.”

While National Text Your Ex Day can be a fun and lighthearted concept, it’s important to think through your intentions and how things ended. In the end, it may not be worth it.