Let’s be real: moving on from a relationship isn’t something you just do overnight. Whether it ended on good terms, or things got messy, that emotional hangover can linger long after the breakup. It’s okay to feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. Healing takes time, and there’s no shame in it.
I’ve been there, and I want you to know that what you’re feeling right now is completely normal. This is your healing journey, and you’re allowed to take it one day at a time. Here’s what helped me—and what might help you too—as you figure out how to move on from a relationship, with compassion for yourself and your mental health.
1. Allow Yourself to Feel It All
You’re probably feeling a lot of emotions right now—sadness, confusion, maybe even anger—and it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. And here’s the thing: it’s okay to feel it all. I know there’s pressure to “move on” and “get over it,” but you don’t have to rush. Allow yourself to sit with the pain.
"Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning to live with the scars."
Trust me, there’s no shame in taking time to process. If you feel like crying, let it out. If you’re angry, acknowledge it. Feel everything because that’s part of healing.
2. Grieve the Loss—Even If You Were the One to End It
Grief doesn’t only happen when someone leaves you. Even if you were the one who made the tough decision, you might still be grieving the relationship and the future you envisioned with that person. It’s okay to mourn the life you thought you’d have together. It’s natural.
"Grief isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to how much you loved."
And here’s the thing I didn’t understand until later: it’s not about the other person—it’s about the loss of your shared dreams, your connection, and the future you imagined.
3. Create Space for Healing—Even If It’s Hard
One of the hardest parts is cutting ties, especially if you shared a lot of memories or mutual friends. But if you’re truly trying to move on, sometimes you need space. Maybe that means unfollowing them on social media for a while, or not texting them “just to check in.”
"Sometimes, silence is the loudest form of self-care."
I know, it feels weird at first. It’s uncomfortable. But the distance gives you room to heal. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone—this is your journey.
4. Invest in Self-Care—Not Just the Surface Stuff
Self-care gets thrown around a lot, but when you're grieving, it needs to be more than a bubble bath or a new skincare routine. Yes, those things can help, but true self-care is about nourishing your heart and mind, too. Move your body, eat food that fuels you, get enough sleep, and do things that remind you of who you are outside of the relationship.
"Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survival."
I remember when I started walking more, journaling again, and even reaching out to friends I hadn’t spoken to in ages. These small acts helped me reconnect with myself in a way I didn’t realize I was missing.
5. Find Yourself Again—It’s Not About Who You Were, But Who You Are Now
When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to lose touch with who you are as an individual. After a breakup, you have the opportunity to rediscover yourself. What did you love doing before the relationship? What parts of yourself got put on the back burner? This is your chance to explore those things again.
"You were whole before the relationship. Don’t forget that."
It might feel weird at first—being on your own after being so intertwined with someone else—but it’s also freeing. The world is full of new possibilities, and there’s no one to answer to but yourself.
6. Talk to Someone Who Gets It
Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Sometimes, the best way to process is to talk it through. Find someone who can hold space for your pain—whether it’s a close friend, a therapist, or a support group. Sharing your feelings can lighten the load.
"Sometimes, healing starts with a conversation."
When I finally opened up to friends and a therapist, I realized how much weight I’d been carrying alone. Speaking my truth—without judgment—helped me see things from a different perspective.
7. Let Go of the Need to Forgive Right Away
Forgiveness is one of the trickiest parts of moving on. People often say you have to forgive to move on, but forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget what happened or that you let the other person off the hook. It means releasing the hold that anger or resentment has on your heart.
"Forgiveness isn’t forgetting, it’s letting go of the hurt."
And here’s the part that’s hardest to hear: you don’t have to forgive right away. Forgiveness will come when you're ready, and it’s more about giving yourself permission to move forward, without holding onto that weight.
8. Trust That It Will Get Better
I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but things will get better. The sadness won’t always feel this heavy. You’re not stuck in this place forever. It’s going to take time—more time than you think—but you will heal.
"What feels like the end is often the beginning of something better."
Trust me on this one. Every day you choose to take care of yourself, you’re building resilience and strength that you didn’t even know you had.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace
Moving on is about giving yourself permission to heal at your own pace. It’s okay to have good days and bad days. It’s okay to take time to rediscover yourself. And most importantly, it’s okay to take your mental health seriously in the process.
Moving on isn’t about erasing the past, it’s about creating space for a future you’re excited about.
So, be kind to yourself. Take it one step at a time. You’ve got this.
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