7 Ways To Get Over Your Ex Before Moving On To The Next
Breaking up is never an easy thing to do. However, it’s important to take your time to heal before you think about moving on to the next person. I’ve started relationships on “the rebound” and they are never healthy. So, before you even think about it, you need to explore some of these ways to get over your ex before getting on with your life.
1. Allow Yourself To Grieve
One mistake I’ve made in the past is not allowing myself the time I needed to move on. Breakups are painful and it’s okay to take time to acknowledge your emotions, even if you’re totally over the other person. Suppressing your emotions can actually delay the healing process, so avoid rushing through things. So, let yourself feel whatever you need to feel and find an outlet. You might consider journaling or talking to a trusted friend. It can help you release your pent-up emotions.
2. Cut Off Contact (At Least for a While)
You should go no-contact with your ex for a while after your breakup. Ultimately, you’ll probably cut off contact altogether, but you might have the urge to reach out at first. Delete messages from your phone, clear your call log, and at least mute them on social media. If necessary, you might even need to block them. A clean break will allow you to focus on yourself and your current needs.
3. Focus on Self-Care and Personal Growth
After a breakup, it is the best time to make yourself a priority. Look for activities that bring you joy and focus on self-care and personal growth. Whether you want to hit the gym, travel, or find a new hobby, it can give you the opportunity to improve yourself. Over time, your life will become more positive. Not to mention, it will help you avoid thinking about your past pain (and the temptation of reaching out to your ex).
4. Reflect on the Relationship Objectively
Looking back, it’s easy to romanticize the good moments and ignore the bad. Instead, take an honest approach to evaluate what went wrong and what you learned. Recognizing unhealthy patterns can help prevent similar issues in the future. Maybe there were red flags you ignored, or maybe personal differences made the relationship unsustainable. Writing down key lessons can help reframe the breakup as a learning experience.
5. Lean on Friends and Family for Support
You don’t have to go through heartbreak alone. Surrounding yourself with loved ones can provide comfort and remind you of your worth. Plan outings, deep conversations, or even a short getaway to refresh your mindset. Talking to those who genuinely care about you can offer new perspectives and emotional relief.
6. Avoid Rebound Relationships
Jumping into a new relationship to fill the void rarely leads to true happiness. Rebound relationships often stem from unresolved emotions rather than genuine connection. Instead of using someone new to distract yourself, focus on healing completely. Take the time to rediscover your wants and needs in a partner. Being single can be empowering when you embrace it fully.
7. Rediscover Your Passions and Goals
Before your relationship, you had dreams, interests, and ambitions—now is the time to reconnect with them. Whether it’s career aspirations, creative pursuits, or adventurous goals, reigniting your passions can be incredibly fulfilling. A breakup can be the perfect catalyst for self-discovery and personal reinvention. Invest time in things that make you feel excited and purposeful.
Healing Leads to a Better Future
Getting over your past relationship isn’t just about forgetting them. You have to find yourself again to be able to truly move on. Taking the time to properly heal will ensure that you can enter your next relationship emotionally available. It will also help you create a stronger bond with your next partner. Ultimately, you’ll find love again when you are ready.
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.