10 Ways to Handle Sudden Break up in Long-Term Relationships

When you find out your long-term relationship is over, it can be tough to deal with. Your heart may be broken, you may feel completely lost and alone, and the prospect of starting all over again can seem insurmountable.

No one enters a relationship expecting it to end suddenly, but when it does, you need to be prepared for the aftermath. It may seem like there are no good ways to cope with a breakup, but fortunately, plenty of options are available to you. 

Let’s explore the ways to handle a sudden break up in a long-term relationship.

Why would someone suddenly break up in a long-term relationship? 

There’s no one answer to this question, as everyone experiences breakups differently. However, there are some common reasons why someone might choose to end a relationship.

Let’s look at the reasons for the sudden break up in a long-term relationship:

1. Tensions build-up

Over time, disagreements and tensions can build up between partners. One or both people may feel like they’re not being heard, respected, or loved. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, hurt and ultimately, sudden break up in a long-term relationship.

Related Reading: 10 Signs of Incredible Sexual Tension

2. One person starts acting out of character

Sometimes, one person in a relationship starts behaving out of character. This could be anything from being withdrawn or argumentative to becoming verbally and/or physically abusive. 

If this is happening consistently, it can be a sign that the person is no longer happy in the relationship and sudden break up in a long-term relationship could lead to the other person’s depression and disappointments.

3. The relationship is no longer satisfying

In the end, if a relationship is not satisfying for either person, they’ll likely choose to end it. If one person constantly feels dissatisfied, they may feel like the relationship isn’t worth it.

Related Reading: How to Make Your Long Distance Relationship Last

4. One person is lost interest

If one person in the relationship starts to lose interest, it can be a sign that they’re no longer happy in the relationship. 

This could be because the person is no longer interested in the same things or activities that were once enjoyable, which could cause a sudden break up in a long-term relationship.

5. One person has changed or has a new interest

If one person in the relationship starts to experience change or a new interest, this can be a sign that the relationship is no longer fulfilling for them. 

This could be because the person is no longer interested in the same things as their partner or experiencing a transition period.

6. The relationship is coming to an end

Sometimes, there could be a sudden break up in a long-term relationship for reasons outside the couple’s control. 

For example, one person may be transferred to a different location, or the couple may find that they’re no longer compatible. In these cases, trying to salvage the relationship can be difficult, and it’ll lead to a sudden long-term relationship break up.

10 ways to handle sudden break up in a long-term relationship

Everyone experiences breakups at some point in their lives. So, how to recover from a break up of a long term relationship? Here are some ways to cope when sudden breakup in a long-term relationship:

1. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings

If you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of an unexpected breakup and feel like it’s impacting your mental health, it may be helpful to seek support from a relationship therapist. 

Talking openly and honestly about your feelings with a trained professional can help you process them and find effective strategies to move forward.

2. Write down your thoughts and feelings

Keeping a journal can be a helpful way to process your emotions. It can also help you to remember your thoughts and feelings from the breakup. Writing can also be therapeutic.

3. Take some time for yourself

Trying to stay busy or engage in activities that make you feel good can help take your mind off the breakup. This can provide you with some relief and distraction from your negative thoughts.

4. Spend time with positive memories of your relationship

If your long term relationship ended abruptly, think positively about your past relationship. This can remind you of the good times that you shared. Revisiting these memories can provide you with comfort and support.

5. Talk to someone about the breakup

Talking about your feelings and experiences can be helpful in terms of processing them. Talking to a therapist, friend or family member can also be beneficial. You can also consider talking about the breakup online.

6. Cry it out

Crying can be cathartic and helpful in terms of processing your emotions. Crying can also release negative energy and help you to feel closer to your emotions. Make sure to allow yourself time to cry without guilt or self-judgment.

7. Exercise

Getting your body moving can help to release tension and stress. Exercise can also help to improve your mood. It will also help to improve your overall physical health.

Related Reading: 15 Powerful Communication Exercises for Couples

8. Do something you love

Doing something you enjoy can help you take your mind off the breakup. This can provide you with some relief and distraction. It can also remind you of the good times that you shared together. 

You will feel happier and more positive after doing something that you enjoy.

9. Make a plan for the future

Dealing with a break up from a long term relationship can be excruciating. 

Having a plan for the future can help to ease anxiety and stress. Making a plan can also provide you with some clarity and guidance. Having a plan can also help you to stay motivated and inspired.

10. Get rid of any reminders of the breakup

How do you deal with an abrupt break up?

Keeping reminders of the breakup can be difficult. Try to remove any pictures, letters or tokens from the breakup. 

This can help to reduce the emotional impact of the breakup. You can also try to distance yourself from people or situations that remind you of the breakup. By doing this, you can reduce the emotional impact of the breakup.

Related Reading: What to Do After a Breakup? 20 Ways to Deal With It

How long does it take to get over a sudden breakup?

It can be hard to get over a breakup – especially if it’s sudden. But, with time and effort, it’s possible to move on. It may not take long at all. 

According to a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, the pain and sadness associated with a breakup typically dissipates around six weeks.

Of course, there are no guarantees. Some people experience more difficult break up recovery than others. But, if you’re willing to work hard, breaking up with someone suddenly can eventually become a thing of the past. 

Some commonly asked questions

When you get the news that your partner is breaking up with you, it’s natural to feel upset. You may feel like you did something wrong or that your partner didn’t appreciate you. 

Check out these questions to understand how to cope with the sudden break up in a long-term relationship.

• How do you accept a break up you didn’t want?

There are many ways to react regarding how to get through a break up of a long-term relationship or when you get the news that your partner is breaking up with you. 

You can be upset, confused, and feel like a failure. You may even feel like you did something wrong. 

Or, you may feel like you’re the only one not getting what they want. In the end, though, you have to accept a breakup. There’s no avoiding it. And, in the end, accepting a breakup is what will help you heal.

By accepting the breakup, you’ll release the negative emotions and start moving on. You’ll also be more likely to find someone new who will love and appreciate you.

If you’re struggling to accept a breakup, there are some things you can do.

– Acknowledge that you’re feeling upset and emotional

– Recognize that accepting a breakup is the best way to heal

– Remind yourself that your partner is doing what’s best for them

– Allow yourself to grieve the relationship

– Talk to someone about your feelings

• Why is silence powerful after a breakup?

Silence can be powerful after a breakup for several reasons. 

First, it can allow both parties to process their emotions and reflect on the relationship without distractions or interference. Silence can also prevent further hurtful or confrontational communication that may escalate tensions and prolong the healing process. 

By taking a step back and creating space, individuals can gain clarity and perspective on the situation, which can help them make more informed decisions about their future. 

Moreover, silence can communicate boundaries and respect for each other’s needs and choices, promoting a healthier and more amicable separation.

Check out this video to understand the power of silence after a break up:

Final thoughts

In conclusion, coping with a sudden break up in a long-term relationship can be incredibly challenging and painful. 

However, there are several strategies individuals can use to help them navigate this difficult time, such as practicing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and focusing on personal growth. 

By taking these steps, individuals can gradually heal from the breakup and move forward with their lives positively and healthily.

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Noah Williams Author

Noah loves to write on matters of the heart and mind. His experiences have taught him that being an honest friend who communicates well and giving importance to self-love can go a long way in maintaining loving relationships. When... Read more he’s not writing or advising people on how to thrive in their relationships, he loves exploring new places with his partner, working out, and pretending that he’s good at cooking exotic stuff. Read less