Moving On from an Ex: What You Need to Know

Okay, so you’re going through a breakup. It sucks, I get it. It feels like the world is ending, and honestly, that's okay. It's a major life event, and it's perfectly normal to feel a whole range of emotions: sadness, anger, confusion, maybe even a little bit of relief. The good news is, even though it feels impossible right now, you *will* move on. And it might even be better than you could have imagined.

This isn't about pretending it didn't hurt or sweeping things under the rug. It's about giving yourself the space to grieve, process, and eventually, heal. So, let's talk about how to navigate this journey and come out the other side stronger and more resilient.

Step One: Acknowledge and Accept

Before you can move on, you need to acknowledge the pain and allow yourself to feel it. Trying to suppress or ignore your emotions will only make them fester later on.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Don't be afraid to cry, scream into a pillow, or journal your feelings. It's all part of the healing process.

Give Yourself Time

Don’t put a timeline on your grief. Everyone heals at their own pace. Some people bounce back quicker, others need more time. Be patient with yourself.

Talk to Someone

Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to talk about what you're going through. Sharing your emotions can help lighten the load and offer a different perspective.

Step Two: Cut Off Contact (for Now)

This might be the hardest step, but it's crucial. Maintaining contact with your ex, even for casual chats or "just to be friends", will only prolong the healing process. It creates false hope, keeps you emotionally attached, and makes it harder to move on.

Block or Unfollow on Social Media

This will help prevent those accidental scrolls that inevitably lead to a spiral of heartache.

Delete Their Number

Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Avoid Shared Spaces

If you have a favorite coffee shop or restaurant that you frequented together, give it a break for a while.

Step Three: Focus on Yourself

This is your chance to rediscover who you are outside of the relationship. It's a time for self-care, growth, and re-prioritizing your life.

Reconnect with Your Passions

What did you enjoy doing before the relationship? Pick up that old hobby, try something new, or delve back into something you were passionate about.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Surround yourself with supportive people who make you feel good.

Practice Self-Care

This means taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise, and find ways to de-stress.

Step Four: Work Through the “What Ifs”

It's normal to have lingering questions about the relationship, and you might find yourself replaying past events or wondering what could have been.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

When these thoughts creep in, try to challenge them. Are they realistic? Are they helping you move forward?

Focus on the Positives

Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, acknowledge the lessons you learned and the growth you experienced.

Remember Your Worth

You are worthy of love and happiness, regardless of this breakup.

Step Five: Don’t Rush Into a New Relationship

It’s tempting to jump into something new to fill the void, but it’s important to take your time.

Focus on Yourself

Make sure you are truly happy and fulfilled on your own before trying to find someone else.

Don’t Use Rebound Relationships as a Band-Aid

They often lead to more pain in the long run.

Be Patient

The right person will come along when the time is right.

Step Six: Forgive Yourself and Your Ex

Holding onto anger and resentment will only hurt you in the long run. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning their actions or forgetting what happened; it means letting go of the negative emotions that are holding you back.

Understand That Everyone Makes Mistakes

No one is perfect, and we all make choices that we later regret.

Practice Compassion

Try to see things from their perspective, even if you don’t agree with them.

Remember Your Own Worth

Forgiving yourself is just as important as forgiving your ex. You deserve to move on from this experience with peace and self-acceptance.

Step Seven: Embrace the Future

Moving on is not about forgetting the past or pretending it never happened. It’s about acknowledging what happened, learning from it, and choosing to move forward.

Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t change the past, but you can control your present and shape your future.

Set Goals

What are your hopes and dreams? This is a great time to set new goals and strive for them.

Embrace the Possibilities

The end of a relationship can be the start of something amazing. Stay open to new experiences, new people, and new possibilities.

Moving on from a breakup is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and self-compassion. But trust me, you’ll get there. And when you do, you’ll be stronger, wiser, and more ready to embrace the next chapter of your life.