It’s wise to follow your ex’s lead and take some space from them too. This can be difficult at first, so enlist the help of a friend you can confide in when you get those initial desires to reach out.
If you’re struggling to move on from your ex in the same way, try and remember the bad times that caused your break-up in the first place. While these memories may be painful, they’ll help you dispel the “what could’ve been” fantasy and allow you to stop thinking about them. [3] X Research source
If your ex thinks you’ve moved on, but you haven’t, communicate that. Obviously, communication can be difficult if they’ve blocked you so consider relaying this message to them through a trusted, mutual friend.
To help yourself heal, treat this break-up as you would an external injury. Drink lots of fluids, get lots of rest and avoid situations that may stress your heart, physically or emotionally. By taking care of you, you might find that your break-up feels easier to manage.
If you feel guilty about your behavior during your break-up, try writing out a letter of apology. Whether they receive it or not, the process is cathartic and seeing your actions written in front of you will stop you from exaggerating your shame.
If you’re worried about doing this yourself, distraction is another great way to stop yourself from regretfully reaching out to an ex. Immerse yourself in a new hobby, TV show, or fitness routine next time you feel like texting them. [7] X Research source
It’s so frustrating when you feel like you can’t get closure, but try to look internally. Often, closure rarely comes in the form of other people, but from the work we put into our own recovery. You can’t control how your ex feels, but you can control how you respond to their feelings. [9] X Research source
Remember: it is not your responsibility to heal your ex’s pain. You are not their partner anymore and your happiness is always first priority. Let them have their space, and go enjoy you life, like you deserve to.
As difficult as it may sound, try not to engage if this sounds like your ex. The bigger your reaction, the more power they’ll feel like they have over you.
Remember, everyone heals at their own pace. The goal is not to move on faster than your ex. It’s to emotionally recover at a speed that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Do not feel obligated to curate your social media around your ex’s well-being. It’s awesome that you’re trying to be respectful, but at the end of the day, you don’t owe them anything. Post what you want!
There’s nothing wrong with getting back with your ex. Lots of happy couples have broken up and made up. Just make sure your decision to do so is rooted in honesty and mutual respect for each other (and not feelings of jealousy or guilt).
Though blocking an ex can be helpful, if you don’t feel a need to, don’t do so out of obligation. While several experts believe it’s healthy, the healthiest strategy is simply honoring your own wants and needs.
Try not to judge your ex’s new partner. While a snide comment to your friends privately is totally valid, comparing yourself to their new partner in any way is unlikely to serve your happiness in the long run.
Try not to immediately assume the worst! If your ex was trustworthy in your relationship, then it’s likely they’re hiding something that’s personal to them, rather than hostile to you. When in doubt, ask a friend about your ex’s profile. They’ll be able to tell you if your limited access to their profile is any cause for concern.
Even if it was an accident, don’t assume and ask them to correct their error from an unblocked account. It’s super frustrating, but you’ll both be more likely to heal if you do so at your own pace.
We all have toxic traits we’re trying to improve. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on ways to do better in future relationships.
