Whether you are in a healthy or unhealthy relationship, breaking up is a tough decision to make. You may feel pressure from your friends and family to just move on, but it’s never that simple. Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking about breaking up:
- The person you’re dating has probably become a huge part of your life. You might see more of them now than you do your friends or family. Being scared about feeling lonely after the break up is normal. Try talking to friends or finding a new activity to make filling your new free time easier.
- You’ll probably miss your partner after you break up, maybe a lot. Even if they’ve been abusive and controlling, it’s normal to miss them. Try writing down the reasons you want to end your relationship, and keep them as a reminder for later on.
- If your partner is controlling and jealous, they might make a lot of decisions for you. It can take time to adjust to making your own decisions again. If you start to feel helpless or overwhelmed, tap into your support system.
- You may be scared to end your relationship. If you are, take that fear seriously. Seek out help or resources to get through difficult situations.
After a Break Up
It may not be obvious at first, but everything you put behind you only makes room for exciting changes in your life. Instead of spending time being stuck in a rut, get creative and do something new! Try to remember what made you happy before the relationship. Here are some ideas:
- Take a recreational class, such as yoga.
- Reconnect with an old friend.
- Read a new book or create a new playlist.
- Try out that recipe you found on Pinterest.
- Take walks or explore your local community.
If you find yourself getting hung up on old memories, stay strong and remember how you felt when you made this decision. The single life might not be so bad after all!
*Information adapted from www.loveisrespect.org