Don't Do That.

the Unfollow.

The Unfollow can be a hurtful thing, causing some people to rail against the heavens and even theaten to expose unfollowers by means of some kind of spreadsheet. But hysterics aside, the unfollow can be a delicate issue. 

For the unfollower, it can be a sort of dance (will they notice? will they unfollow me if I unfollow them?) but ultimately their dilemma is not as etiquette-worthy as the unfollowee.

For the unfollowee, there is usually a natural instinct to check the followers list when one is lost. Of course, if one has a multitude of followers, this is probably less pressing. But for those who do check, curious to see who it is, the results can be upsetting. If it is someone you don’t follow back, it can be written off easily. However, if it is someone you follow, the question is: Why? Why was I unfollowed? What did I post/do?

In this situation, one of several options is undertaken:

1) Nothing. A quick assessment of your content, an annoyed shrug, and then a move on.

2) A retaliatory unfollow, whether or not you like their content, to show them that yes, you’ve noticed, and you’re displeased.

3) A reblog of a post with a query as to the unfollow, or a comment on their page, if they have comments.

4) An email to the person asking for a reason.

Of these options, 1 or 4 is the best bet. 1 is generally understood to be smartest, but if you are really so bothered by it, you should ask them sincerely why they wanted to unfollow. You may not get a response, or it may be simply that they were cleaning out their gutters, but at least you will have approached in a polite way.

Number 3 is clearly the worst option, since it takes something minor and blows it up to make it personal, putting both of you in uncomfortable positions. At least number 2 is a private affair, and while petty, might give you some satisfaction.

Any other thoughts on what to do when someone unfollows you? (Threats are not a viable option.)