Stop Chasing People Who Won’t Even Look For You

A torn photograph reminding daters to stop chasing people Stop chasing people who won’t even lift a finger for us.

Many of us have a lot of love. But unfortunately, we sometimes give it to the wrong people. They won’t even lift a finger for us in return. They can’t be bothered. The lesson? We should stop chasing people who don’t deserve our time and effort.

Some of us believe extra effort can turn the tides in our favor, but that’s not how it works. Love isn’t something we can manipulate or force.

We can’t make someone love us by loving them harder. There’s no changing that, so let that fact sink in.

Why Do We Chase People?

Often, we want someone we can’t have and pursue them anyway. It’s a tale as old as time. Sometimes, it’s due to our desperation. Other times, we’re hunters looking for elusive prospects. If not, we’re the ones running away from the pursuit.

Why do we engage in this chase?

First, it’s thrilling. Our brains release feel-good hormones like adrenaline and dopamine, ushering in euphoria. Call it a chemical romance, if you will. For some, this rush is something they can’t find in secure relationships.

Second, we mistake limerence for love. Our intense feelings make us think we’re in love. A person lives rent-free in our minds, and we can’t seem to get them out. We don’t know why, but we’re starting to relate everything to our object of affection.

However, our predicament may only be a result of infatuation. As much as this sucks to hear, our feelings may not be as deep as we think.

And lastly, we seek validation. We pursue people regardless of their obvious red flags because we believe they can make us feel seen and heard.

How to Stop Chasing People

While we can’t control who we like, we can get a grip on our actions.

Cutting the tendency to chase will be hard, but it’s not impossible. Change your habits with these steps:

#1: Get to the root of your habit

You can’t fix an issue if you don’t get to the bottom of it. Why can’t you stop chasing people who don’t value you?

The reasons covered in the previous section should help you reflect. Will it be pretty? No, but sobering wake-up calls like this are necessary.

#2: Stop putting people on a pedestal

People aren’t prizes. Daydreaming about them is fine, but overidealizing them isn’t. Like you, your object of affection has their faults. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by holding them to unrealistic standards.

#3: Don’t become someone you’re not

When you like someone, it’s normal to want them to reciprocate your feelings. But you don’t have to subscribe to their standards to win them over. Keep doing what pleases you.

#4: Carve space

Distance will do you good. There’s no point in pursuing someone if they won’t bother moving an inch just for you.

#5: Focus on existing relationships

Why waste time on someone who doesn’t feel the same way? Your existing relationships remain for a reason. Cherish those who are around.

I hope you stop chasing people who don’t deserve your heart. I promise you—you’ll find the right person in due time. It may not be now, but they’ll come around soon.