However, they will notice eventually. How? Because your likes and comments will suddenly reappear on shared friends' posts. It’s the social media equivalent of walking back into a party after storming out.

If you want to be friends again, you must send the friend request. They can’t send you one while they are blocked, and they don’t know you’ve unblocked them. The ball is entirely in your court.

Whatever the reason, here is everything you need to know about reversing the digital guillotine. Before you click that button, you need to understand the rules of engagement. Facebook’s unblocking feature is not a "reset to factory settings." It is a selective amnesty.

This piece is written in a journalistic, how-to style, designed for a tech blog or a digital lifestyle magazine. By Alex Rivera Tech & Relationships Editor

Welcome to the delicate art of unblocking on Facebook.

But remember: Technology can remove a barrier in milliseconds. Rebuilding trust takes much longer. Unblock wisely, and when in doubt, leave the door closed.