Many people have a hard time finding love. This often has to do with their love blocks.

While blocking features are essential for personal safety, they can be misused. This is problematic because it can prevent users from finding genuine connections. Here are some therapist-approved tips for overcoming dating blockages.

1. Focus on yourself

A common love block is believing that you don’t deserve love. This can stem from feelings of shame or resentment from past experiences or even the trauma of childhood abuse. It’s important to work on overcoming this mindset because it will allow you to prioritize yourself and attract people that are truly right for you.

You can start by focusing on your hobbies and taking care of yourself, including mentally and physically. It’s also important to spend time in solitude so that you can get to know yourself on a soul level. This can help you clear any intrusive thoughts that might arise and allows you to begin to feel a sense of completeness.

You can also practice mindfulness, which helps you to notice when a self-limiting belief is occurring and replace it with an empowering one.

2. Take a break

If you and your partner are having relationship challenges, but you don’t want to break up just yet, taking a break may be the solution. During a break, you and your partner can take time apart to reevaluate the relationship, and it can also allow you to explore other dating options.

However, it’s important to communicate clearly and agree upon the terms of your break. For example, decide together how long the break will last and whether or not you will be able to stay in touch during this time. Also, decide how you will navigate life admin responsibilities and if sex is allowed during your break.

While many people criticize breaks in relationships, they can work if both partners are on board. Click through for more signs that it’s time to press pause, plus expert-backed tips for successfully doing so.

3. Go on a date with someone else

If your date doesn’t reciprocate feelings of mutual exclusivity, try going out with someone else. This will help you evaluate whether you want to continue a relationship with them. It also gives you a chance to see if you like someone else more and pursue them.

Meeting new people is a fun, exciting experience with butterflies in your stomach and a light spring in your step. It can make workdays easier and your Fridays feel less like a grind because you know that you’ll get to see your date at the end of the week. However, intrusive thoughts and anxieties can interfere with dating and lead to a lack of enjoyment. Fortunately, these dating blockages can be overcome. The key is to focus on your experience and be safe.

4. Take a break

If you’re stuck in your relationship out of fear or catastrophizing what your life would be like without the person, it may be time to take a break. This can be a powerful tool for combating the second love blockage, pessimism.

Relationships inevitably have problems, and you don’t necessarily need to take the break route as a last resort. Instead, see if it helps you get clear about the direction of your relationship and resolve any issues. Ultimately, a break can help you overcome dating rejection and make a healthy decision for your future.