Here’s a neat little trick in case you don’t already know it: If you block someone and then unblock them, you can get them to stop following you.
I call it bucking :)
So, if you want to try and avoid all the drama that comes with blocking and just don’t want someone to keep following you and commenting on your stuff, try bucking before blocking. And if they’re persistent, you can always block and/or report for harassment, etc.
I call it bucking because following someone on the fediverse is not a right you have but a privilege they bestow upon you. It’s them inviting you onto their back to carry you with them on their journey. And if they want you off their back, that’s their right.
(If you try to clamber back on or harass them for it, it shows that you don’t respect consent and you should probably take that as a prompt for self-reflection.)
@aral This! This! This! YES!