How to Accept That Your Relationship Is Over

When you know that a breakup is inevitable, what can you do to accept it? Ending a relationship is never easy, but when handled in a healthy way, it also holds great promise for future growth and happiness. If you already understand that your relationship is coming to an end, you can find our help here. This article will show you the most effective strategies for dealing with emotions before and after a breakup and for accepting that the relationship is over.

Table of Contents

Allow yourself to grieve.

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Cry or scream if you want. Suppressing emotions sometimes only makes wounds take longer to heal. You may not be able to stop your emotions from spilling over in front of strangers, but venting your sadness alone or with people you trust can help. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Although the pain is so great that it never seems to end, it doesn’t. Understand that over time will make it easier for you to control your emotions.

Write down your thoughts about this relationship.

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The habit of journaling can help you understand your emotions. Before you actually break up, it’s a good idea to think hard about everything to prepare for a conversation about the inevitable breakup. Start by asking yourself simple questions like, “Why is this relationship not as good as it used to be?” ^{[2] X Research Source}

Read the diary aloud. The frustration and anger in many couples’ broken relationships stem from feelings of not being recognized, heard, loved, and respected. You will find it much easier to take the time to express and listen to yourself.
When a relationship is coming to an end, it’s easy to idealize your partner. It sounds petty, but it’s a good idea to write down what you don’t like about them – the diary is your own, after all.
Breaking up is a good opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned. What has this love affair taught you about yourself, and what have you learned from it?
Keep journaling even after a breakup – this is an effective way to heal wounds.

Talk to someone you trust.

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You don’t have to go through this alone. You still have family and friends around to support you, and when the relationship is coming to an end, try finding someone to talk to about your feelings. Remind yourself that you have other meaningful relationships in this life, not just love with that person. Your relationships with others will help you get through this difficult time in your life. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Remember to only confide in someone you trust. Don’t let your partner hear about your feelings from someone else but not from you.
If you feel comfortable, you can talk to a complete stranger c. If you meet someone who sympathizes with you, try opening up to them – maybe they can give you some good advice.

Find other activities to keep your mind occupied.

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Healthy digestive activities will let you know that life has much more to offer. Before you officially break up, fill your free time with outings with friends and family, volunteering, or finding a new hobby. Not only will these activities help you avoid getting lost in thoughts of the breakup, but they will also remind you that a life full of joy awaits you when you’re single again. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If you can’t think of something you enjoy doing to fill in your free time, ask your friends what they do. If they talk about something you find interesting, ask if you can join them next time.

Practice self-care habits.

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A healthy body will make you stronger mentally. We often see in movies the heartbroken people just burying their sadness in big glasses of ice cream, but this is not a healthy way to handle emotions at the moment. Instead, focus on creating healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep, and being active before you break up so you can continue this habit later. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Remember to set aside some time during the day to do something for yourself, whether it’s soaking in the tub, going for a walk, or curling up in an armchair with a good book.
Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness exercises are also great ways to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Prepare for life after a breakup.

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Create new habits to replace old ones. When in a relationship, you often share some of the same daily routines with the other person. After a breakup, you may feel devastated by the loss of those habits. Try to find other people to fill the void left by your ex. This can help you adjust to single life more easily. ^{[6] X Research Source}

For example, if you and your ex used to chat in the evenings to relax after a day at work, find a friend or family member who would be willing to be your confidant.
Or, if you and your ex are a good workout buddy, find someone else to work out with you at the gym.
Daily routines will help you feel safe, in control, and in order. Plus, it makes you feel like your life is still organized, and that’s incredibly valuable.

Talk to him soon.

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A quick breakup is the fastest way to emotional healing. If you already know that your relationship with the other person is coming to an end, talk to them as soon as possible. If you keep procrastinating, you will find it harder to overcome later. Be confident when talking to them, and try not to be soft-hearted and stick with useless time-wasting things. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If you’re worried that the other person will make a fuss, consider making an appointment to talk to them in public.
If you don’t live with the other person and you believe they have the ability to control themselves, it might be a good idea to say goodbye to their home. That way, you can leave after you’ve said what you need to say.

Perform the closing ritual.

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A symbolic gesture can help you break up gently and decisively. After a breakup, you may still have feelings for your ex. A closing ceremony symbolizes the end of your relationship with your ex and helps you move on. For example, you could try things like: ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Write a letter to your ex but don’t send it
Get rid of all the pictures of your ex that you leave in your home or on social media
Burning mementos that remind you of your ex with a ritual

Cut off all contact for 30 days.

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No contact is the fastest way to get through and move on. When you are in a romantic relationship with someone, their presence causes the brain to constantly receive chemicals similar to drugs. A no-contact rule, i.e. no face-to-face and no texting via phone and social media, will be the most effective solution to dealing with these withdrawal symptoms. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If you find it difficult to stick to the no-contact rule, tell yourself that this is only temporary. After a month, if both you and your ex are fine, you can visit your ex like normal friends.
Use this time to focus on yourself and the future ahead.

Try dating for fun if you feel comfortable.

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Meetings with new people can give your life a boost. While jumping right into a compensating relationship isn’t the best way to heal after a breakup, you’ll have something to look forward to when meeting new people. Be honest about what you’re looking for and appreciate the freedom you have when you’re back to being single. ^{[10] X Research Source}

It’s a good idea to let someone know that you’ve just ended a relationship and want to take things slow. This can help people avoid emotional trauma.
When meeting someone new, you can say something like, “I’m so glad to meet you. I wanted to let you know that I broke up not too long ago and want things to take their natural course.”

Seize new opportunities.

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Being single also has many advantages. When you’re not tied to someone, you can focus on what you want without having to compromise with anyone. Take this opportunity to do everything you may have missed during your relationship – and soon you will consider yourself lucky to have ended the relationship. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Try going on a “date” with yourself – whether it’s going to a movie you’ve been eager to see for a long time or a restaurant you’ve been curious to try. Enjoy the freedom to do whatever you like.
Step out of your comfort zone by finding a new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to try cooking a new dish or learn to draw, now is your chance.

Talk to a psychotherapist to deal with your emotions.

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A therapist can give you the space you need to heal. With their help, you will overcome the disappointment that the breakup leaves because they have a lot of knowledge and experience on the matter. When you talk about your feelings in a safe environment, you can learn a lot about yourself and use this knowledge to build better relationships in the future. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Steps