How Do I Move On After a Broken Heart?

Dear eNotAlone: I'm having such a hard time right now. It's been a few weeks since my girlfriend broke up with me and I just can't seem to get over it. We were together for two years and I thought things were perfect. A little over a week ago, she told me that she wanted to break up. Even though she wanted to be civil about it and remain friends, I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I don't know if I ever will be ready for it.

I miss her so much. We used to talk all the time and do everything together. Now, when I think about her, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces and I get so overwhelmed with sadness. I can't concentrate on anything else – it feels like I'm numb inside. How do I even begin to cope with this kind of pain? I feel like I'll never be able to move on.

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It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling so distressed after your recent breakup. Losing someone in whom you placed so much trust and had grown so close to is hard to bear. Breakups are never easy, regardless of the circumstances, and you should allow yourself time to grieve and process your feelings without feeling guilty or anxious.

The first step towards moving on and finding inner peace is learning to accept the fact that your relationship with your ex has ended. Grieving the loss and accepting reality are key to getting over a broken heart. Expressing your emotions like tears or anger can also be a form of coping with the pain. You can write down your thoughts and feeling in a journal or talk to a trusted friend or family members when needed.

It's also important to remember that it's ok to be alone, and it's ok to give yourself space from all the emotions you're feeling. Spend time alone with yourself, knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way. Once you start doing this in regular intervals, you will see that you have the strength to cope with the situation and everything will become easier.

When it feels too unbearable, remind yourself that everything happens for a reason and that you will eventually be okay. Think of your breakup as an opportunity to reflect on yourself and to learn more about who you are and what you really want in life. Don't forget to nurture yourself, to show kindness and compassion, to be gentle with yourself, and to practice self-care. It takes courage and resilience to go through heartbreak and come out stronger, but it's possible. Allow yourself to take the necessary steps towards healing and remember that it is normal to take time for your recovery.