The Painful Reality of Ex-Relationships: How to Move On From Your Ex

The end of a relationship is never easy. That feeling of loss, the emptiness, and sorrow signals a change in your life that is sometimes hard to accept. When it comes to a former flame, particularly one you are still connected to, feelings run even deeper and can take a much longer time to heal.

Unrequited love for an ex is one of the most painful emotions the human soul can feel. You want them back and you can’t imagine life without them – how can something that felt so real, be so quickly snuffed out? Unfortunately, longing and regret don’t bring back what was, nor can they make it become better.

It’s only natural to focus on the positives in the relationship and forget the bad. Though it can provide momentary comfort, if your abilities to move on are to shine through, you need to accept that relationships can often end for a reason and may never be reconciled.

That said, it is also important to recognize and honor the love you share with your ex, before being able to move on from them. Allow yourself to experience that good part of your shared relationship, feel happy and grateful for the time you shared, then hold this thought close until all unresolved emotions have healed.

Though it won’t be easy, the most important step you can take to help you move on is to set boundaries with your ex. Whether it is cutting off contact or removing further temptation, it is important to make sure you remove any remaining triggers that can draw you back in. Refrain from playing the ‘what if’ game and don’t look into their life too deeply until all pain has been processed.

It will help ease some of the initial pain if you focus on giving yourself a greater support network – connect with old friends, find a new hobby or plan activities you’ve always wanted to do. Remind yourself that your value includes more than just your relationship status. Everyone you encounter can bring something new, which then adds its own unique layers of color and joy to your life.

Your ex may always affect your life in some way, but you do not need to define yourself by it. Instead, apply the same level of enthusiasm and enthusiasm to the next chapter you are about to embark on. There are many people longing for your company and with every day that passes, your inner light grows brighter. And soon, you will be able to offer something new and unprecedented for someone else.

Your torch of love burns bright and you will love again, there is no doubt about that – so enjoy this new season of life and determine to use it as the starting point to create the best version of yourself. There is no magic formula or instant fix, just be gentle with yourself and remember, it will get better.