Getting over someone you love can be a challenging and painful process. It’s important to remember that healing takes time and patience. Here are some tips to help you navigate this difficult time:
Forgiveness neutralizes negative feelings as you conclude this chapter. Reflect on the positives from your time together. Caring for your body bolsters emotional resilience and self-esteem.
Accept Your Feelings
But if you’re one of the many who don’t, there are still some things you can do to help yourself move on. If you keep developing crushes that don’t work out, it might help to explore possible reasons for this, on your own or with a therapist. For example, identify what you want in a partner beforehand. Asking yourself what you found attractive in your crush can provide some insight here. If you never tell your crush how you feel, you may not face actual rejection. But it still hurts when your hopes come to nothing.
It’s completely normal to feel hurt, sad, angry, or confused after a breakup. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Denying your feelings will only prolong the healing process.
This will give you a secure base and the emotional support you need to pick you up. You know what works for you after going through it once. You know, for example, that you need one day of wallowing where you shut out the world and feel sorry for yourself, then you need to get back to your regularly scheduled routine. You know you need lots of exercise and friend time. So when you go through a breakup, pull out your secret recipe for healing and put it to work. Especially if you’re dealing with depression, I encourage you to see a licensed mental health professional.
Look at your relationship (or your interactions with your crush) as something that has fulfilled its purpose, and take stock of what you’ve learned from it. Don’t waste your energy on regrets or telling yourself you should have seen the red flags you see now. You’re allowed to acknowledge the toll this relationship (or attraction) has taken on you — and to grieve what you hoped for and what you’ve lost.
Cut Off Contact
While it may be tempting to stay in touch with your ex, cutting off contact is crucial for moving on. Unfollow them on social media, delete their number, and avoid places where you might run into them.
Focus on Yourself
Use this time to focus on self-care and personal growth. Take up a new hobby, spend time with friends and family, or pamper yourself with a spa day. Investing in yourself will help boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Seek Support
A support system can provide emotional comfort and practical advice, offering a buffer against feelings of isolation. Research shows that writing about grief can help you process it and move forward. If you’re not in the habit of keeping a journal, this might be a good time to start.
Don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family for support during this challenging time. Talking to a therapist or counselor can also provide you with valuable insights and coping strategies.
FAQs
- Is it okay to still love someone after a breakup?
- How long does it take to get over someone?
Yes, it’s normal to have lingering feelings for your ex. Give yourself time to process these emotions and eventually they will fade.
There is no set timeline for moving on from a relationship. Healing is a unique process for everyone, so be patient with yourself.
