And if you ever hit the block button yourself someday? Remember how this felt—and extend the same grace you wish you’d received. Have you ever been blocked on LinkedIn (or blocked someone yourself)? The comments are open for respectful, anonymous sharing. Let’s normalize talking about digital boundaries without the drama.

So unclench your jaw. Close that empty search tab. Go send a nice note to someone who actually wants to hear from you.

That’s allowed.

Then reality hits:

Your first thought? Did LinkedIn break? Your second thought? Did they delete their account?

If no—if you truly had minimal or only positive contact—then assume it wasn’t about you. Maybe they’re blocking everyone from a past company. Maybe they’re going through a career transition and want a clean slate. Their reason doesn’t need to make sense to you. This is the most professional thing you can do. Someone drew a line. Stay on your side of it.

No profile. No “see all results.” Just a blank space where their headshot and headline should be.

We’ve all been there.