Six helpful steps to heal from the breakup of a relationship:
- Allow yourself time to heal. Get enough rest. And feed yourself well, even if you don’t feel much like eating.
- The equivalent of resuming physical activity after a breakup is a quiet evening with friends, or a drink with an old buddy. See how it feels, and when you feel ready, try a larger social event.
- When you do start dating again, be prepared for some anxiety and discomfort. It’s natural to be guarded in these situations. You’re going to have a fear of being hurt again. Slow and easy is the way to move forward.
- Eventually, you will notice that you are genuinely feeling better. Use this time to assess your real hopes and desires about a relationship. Now is a good time to make a realistic appraisal of what went wrong with the relationship that just ended. Did you miss early signs that something was amiss? Can you take responsibility for your own part in the difficulties? What can you do differently this time?
- Once you have healed, let go of the old relationship. You’re ready to move toward a new one, but chances are good that you won’t encounter the “right” person immediately. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people—maybe some you wouldn’t have ever gotten to know otherwise. Don’t make snap decisions and don’t jump into something just because it feels comfortable—or because it feels different.
- Remember that injuries can lead to growth and new directions. Take your healthy heart out into the world and find yourself a new and healthy relationship.