We've all been there. A Facebook friend suddenly vanishes from your digital orbit, leaving you wondering: did they unfriend me? Or worse... did they block me? Facebook, in its infinite wisdom (or perhaps, for privacy reasons), doesn't send out a notification saying, "Hey, you've been blocked!" So, how do you know for sure?
While there's no definitive 'you've been blocked' neon sign, several clues can point you in the right direction. First, try searching for their profile. If their name doesn't appear in search results, even with precise spelling, that's a red flag. Next, check any mutual friend's profiles for posts where they're tagged together. If you can see the post but their name appears as a non-clickable, plain text, it's another hint. Finally, try sending them a message. If you can't find their profile to message them, and previous messages are gone, blocking is highly likely.
Keep in mind that they could have deactivated their account or significantly adjusted their privacy settings. However, if you observe multiple clues, it's a strong indication you've been blocked. While it's never fun, remember to respect their decision and move on. Happy Facebooking!