How to Move on From a Relationship

It's tough when a relationship comes to an end. You might feel like you're losing your best friend, or like the world is coming to an end. But it's...

Marriage
June 26, 2025

It's tough when a relationship comes to an end. You might feel like you're losing your best friend, or like the world is coming to an end. But it's important to remember that you can get through this. Here are some tips on how to move on from a relationship.

Accept that the Relationship is Over

Breakups are never easy. Whether it's a relationship that just didn't work out or a marriage that ended in divorce, it can be tough to let go of the past and move on. It's important to remember that when a relationship ends, it's time to move on. Acceptance is the first step in the healing process. It's okay to be sad and to grieve the loss of the relationship, but at some point, you need to accept that it's over. Once you do, you can start to focus on the future and what new opportunities lie ahead.

So, if you're struggling to move on from a past relationship, don't be afraid to reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available to help you through this tough time.

a man looking sad sitting at a table

Give Yourself Time to Mourn the Loss of the Relationship

This doesn't mean wallowing in your sorrows for weeks on end, but it does mean acknowledging your feelings and permitting yourself to grieve. Some things you can say to yourself are:

  • It's okay to be sad.
  • I'm allowed to feel hurt.
  • I miss my ex, but I know we're not good together anymore.
  • I'm going to focus on healing myself now.

Once you have processed your emotions, you can begin to move on.

This may mean distancing yourself from your ex, focusing on your happiness, and/or meeting new people. This might also mean:

  • Unfollowing your ex on social media. Mutual friends may still post about your ex, so it can be helpful to distance yourself from those reminders as well.
  • Deleting old text messages and photos. It can be painful to see reminders of your past relationship, so it might be helpful to delete them.
  • Doing something to change your appearance. This could be something as simple as getting a new haircut or buying some new clothes.
  • Make a list of things you want to do for yourself. This may include taking up a new hobby, traveling, or spending more time with friends and family.

Whatever you do, just make sure that you are taking care of yourself and giving yourself the time and space you need to heal.

Don't Dwell on the Past - Focus on the Future

When it comes to moving on from a relationship, dwelling on the past will only hold you back. Instead, you should focus on the future and what lies ahead. This doesn't mean that you should forget about the past completely; after all, you can learn from your mistakes. But it does mean that you should make a conscious effort to focus on the present and future, rather than wallowing in self-pity over what has already happened.

By doing this, you'll be better positioned to move on and build a new life for yourself - one that is free from the pain of the past. Some ways you can focus on the future are:

  • Making plans for the future. What do you want to do with your life? What are your goals and aspirations?
  • Focusing on your career. If you're not happy with your current job, now is the time to make a change. Start looking for new opportunities and don't be afraid to take risks.
  • Building new relationships. Don't close yourself off to the idea of meeting someone new. If you're ready, start dating again and see where things go.

No matter what you do, just make sure that you're focusing on the future and not dwelling on the past.

Lean on Your Friends and Family for Support

One of the best things you can do during this time is to lean on your friends and family for support. These are the people who love you and want to see you happy, so they will be more than happy to help you through this tough time. They can offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and some much-needed advice. Additionally, they can help to distract you from your pain and help you to focus on positive things in your life. So, if you are struggling after a break-up, reach out to your loved ones for help.

a person looking at a waterfront

Get back Out There and Start Dating Again When You're Ready

This doesn't mean that you have to jump into another serious commitment right away. Instead, take things slow and focus on enjoying the process of getting to know someone new. Dates can be a great way to have fun and learn more about what you're looking for in a partner. As you start dating again, you'll also gain more insight into who you are and what you want in life. So if you're ready to start fresh, get back out there and start dating again.

Embrace Change - It's a Part of Life

Change is an inevitable part of life, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our relationships. Over time, people change and grow in ways that can take them in different directions from the ones they started out on.

While it can be painful to see a relationship change or come to an end, it's important to remember that embracing change is a necessary part of life. Some things you can say to yourself are:

  • "This is just a phase, things will get better."
  • "I'm going to be okay, I'm strong enough to handle this."

After all, without change, we would never be able to experience new things or grow as individuals. When you find yourself struggling to move on from a relationship, try to focus on the positive aspects of change. Change can be scary, but it can also bring new opportunities and experiences into your life. Embrace change and it will eventually lead you to new happiness.

Seek Professional Counseling if Needed

If you find that you just can't seem to move on from your past relationship, it may be time to seek professional counseling. A counselor can help you to work through your pain and see things from a different perspective. They can also offer guidance and support as you navigate this difficult time in your life. If you need help moving on from a relationship, don't be afraid to seek out professional counseling. It could be just what you need to get back on track.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a licensed professional.

Conclusion

If you're struggling to move on from a relationship, know that you're not alone. Use the tips and advice in this blog post to help you through this tough time. And remember, Lean on your friends and family for support, get back out there and start dating again when you're ready, embrace change - it's a part of life, and seek professional counseling if needed. You'll get through this, and you'll be stronger for it.

Author

Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions

Questions about Marriage

Is it possible to overcome abandonment issues completely?

While complete recovery from abandonment issues may not be possible for everyone, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively with the help of professional support, self-care practices, and ongoing personal development. With time and effort, it is possible to build healthier relationships and increase overall well-being.

How can mindfulness help me overcome overthinking?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on what's happening right now. When we're caught up in overthinking, our minds are often stuck ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help bring us back into the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

What are some things that can damage trust in a relationship?

Some signs that trust is present in a relationship include feeling safe to be yourself, being able to rely on your partner, and feeling like you can share anything with them.

How long does couples counseling typically take?

Couples counseling timelines can vary depending on the issues specifically being addressed to you and your partner, and the kind of progress that is being made in counseling or therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

How do I make my spouse feel special over text?

Here are some ideas:

  • Send a sweet and heartfelt message in the middle of the day
  • Tell them how much you love and appreciate them
  • Send a cute photo with a loving message attached
  • Plan a surprise for later in the day or week
  • What are some thoughtful things to do for your spouse?

Some thoughtful things you can do for your spouse are:

  • Write them a heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation for them
  • Make them breakfast in bed
  • Plan a surprise weekend getaway
  • Do something that they've been wanting to do but haven't had the time for
  • What are some romantic things to do for your spouse?

What are some common marriage problems?

Some common marriage problems include communication difficulties, financial stress, and infidelity.

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