It’s a phenomenon many of us have faced – crushing on someone we’ve never dated. Perhaps it was a fleeting connection, a friend-zone situation, or just someone you’ve admired from afar. The heartache of unrequited love can be as strong as any breakup. But worry not, here are 13 ways to get over someone you never actually dated.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in healing is to acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel hurt or disappointed about a missed opportunity, even if you haven’t been outright rejected.

2. Give Yourself Time: Healing takes time. Don’t try to force yourself into feeling better right away. Allow yourself to process and grieve.

3. Focus on Self-Love: Turn your attention inward and focus on loving yourself. Engage in self-care activities like exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones who make you feel good about yourself.

4. Distract Yourself: Keep busy with hobbies, friends, and other interests to keep your mind off the person you were crushing on.

5. Limit Social Media Stalking: Avoid the temptation of checking their social media profiles and lingering on their photos or posts – it only prolongs your attachment.

6. Change Your Perspective: Realize that your crush is just another human being, with their own faults and imperfections, not an unattainable deity.

7. Accept That You May Not Have Been Compatible: Remind yourself that not every crush is destined for a relationship. Sometimes it’s better to realize early on that you may not have been a perfect match.

8. Create Boundaries If Needed: If your crush is part of your friend group or daily life, set boundaries for yourself so you can minimize contact and reduce emotional turmoil.

9. Identify Lessons Learned: Reflect on what this experience taught you about yourself, your preferences, or your approach to relationships. Grow and learn from it.

10. Stop Romanticizing: Keep in mind that since you never dated, what you’re feeling is based on an imagined version of the person and relationship, not the reality.

11. Talk It Out: Share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or therapist. Sometimes just verbalizing our emotions can help ease our pain.

12. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and be grateful for the experiences and relationships you do have.

13. Be Open to New Romantic Possibilities: Finally, be open to meeting new people and forming new connections. Don’t let this unfulfilled crush keep you from finding love elsewhere.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that while it may feel devastating now, it’s possible to recover from the hurt of a crush gone unrequited. Give yourself time to heal, learn from the experience, and move forward with renewed resilience.