How to Stop Missing Someone​: 20 Ways for Varied Situations

Missing someone can feel like an ache that won’t go away. Perhaps you’ve just relocated, and everything reminds you of what you left behind, or maybe you’re struggling to figure out how to stop missing someone who was once an essential part of your life. 

These emotions are natural and speak to the depth of the bonds we form. 

When someone is no longer present, it’s common to wonder how long it takes to stop missing someone so much, but the answer varies for everyone.

Grieving, moving on, or simply adapting to new circumstances takes time and patience. 

In this article, we’ll explore ways to ease the intensity of missing someone—whether it’s due to a breakup, relocation, or even the passing of a loved one—and help you regain a sense of peace and balance.

Why do you miss someone? Possible reasons 

Everybody has at least one person that they miss. Maybe a friend, a colleague, a family member, or a lover. Sometimes you can find out that you are missing someone who doesn’t miss you.

When you’re missing someone so much, it hurts to realize that the person doesn’t miss you back. The big question is, “Why do you miss someone?” You miss people for one of the following reasons.

• You might be in love with them

Missing someone could be a sign of love. You may not be able to go a day without seeing a person you have fallen in love with. 

You want to see the person; you want to hear from them; you want to spend time with them, meet their needs, etc. 

So, anytime they are not where you are, you tend to miss them. Missing someone you love is natural.

• You admire their qualities

When you have someone whose qualities or personality you admire, you subconsciously develop an emotional attachment to that person. 

Maybe you love their excellent communication skills, team spirit, leadership ability, or other physical qualities. You are always proud to associate with them. 

When you stop seeing such a person for one reason or the other, you miss them.

• The person is always around when you need them

You quickly develop feelings and sometimes love for people who are always there for you whenever you need them, thereby making you miss them whenever they are not around, especially when you need them. 

It is even worse when you know they miss you too.

Some of them may call you and say, “missing talking to you,” “I can’t stop missing you,” “Missing you is hard,” etc. Words have a way of resonating within us, so you find yourself unable to cope with missing someone.

• They make you happy

You would easily miss someone who makes you always laugh, thereby making you happy. 

Whenever you don’t see them, you miss them. You always want to be around people who make you happy all the time.

20 ways to stop missing someone

If you have established an emotional connection with someone, especially for the long term, then it would be tough for you not to miss them whenever they are not around. It applies to family, friends, and your relationship with a partner or spouse. 

Knowing what to do when you miss someone can help deal with psychological and emotional stress.

Consider the following tips on how to stop missing someone. The information will help you cope with missing someone, whether as a result of a short-term separation, a break-up, the death of a loved one, or the relocation of someone you love.

• 5 ways for dealing with short-term separations

When you’re apart from someone you care about, the feeling of missing them can become overwhelming. Whether they’re away for a short trip, you’re in a long-distance relationship, or you’re just dealing with a temporary separation, learning how to stop missing someone is key to managing these emotions. 

Here are five ways to stay positive and learn how to stop being sad because you miss someone.

1. Stay busy with hobbies

Engaging in hobbies you enjoy, like reading, gardening, or cooking, can keep your mind occupied and help alleviate feelings of loneliness. By focusing on enjoyable activities, you’ll have a productive outlet to channel your energy, making the time apart feel more manageable and less emotionally overwhelming.

2. Set goals

Setting short-term personal goals can give you something to work toward during the separation. Whether it’s a fitness goal, learning a new skill, or organizing your space, focusing on self-improvement can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, helping you feel more fulfilled despite the absence.

3. Maintain communication

If possible, regular communication—whether through messages, calls, or video chats—can help ease the sense of distance. Simple check-ins or shared updates create a sense of connection, reminding you that the separation is only temporary and allowing you to maintain emotional closeness despite the physical distance.

4. Limit triggering reminders

Avoid places, activities, or items that remind you strongly of the person’s absence to reduce emotional distress. This can mean temporarily staying away from certain favorite spots or routines. By minimizing these reminders, you can focus on the present moment and lessen the intensity of missing them.

5. Surround yourself with friends and family

Spending time with supportive friends and family can provide comfort and distraction. Loved ones can offer companionship and understanding, making it easier to cope with separation. This supportive social environment helps create positive memories in the present, which can alleviate feelings of longing and isolation as you learn how to stop missing someone.

• 5 ways to moving on after a break-up

It is not easy to move on after a break-up because your partner’s memories are still fresh in your mind. But it would be best if you resolved to let it go. 

The following ways would help you on how to stop missing someone as it pertains to a break-up.

1.  Cut the communication

One way to stop missing someone after a break-up is to terminate all manner of communication with your ex. Please don’t call them or text them, and do not chat them up on social media.

2.  Quit scrolling through their social media

It would be best if you stop checking out the activities on the social media pages of your ex-lover. Going through your partner’s page can bring back memories, thereby making you miss them again.

3.  Hang out with your friends

Having time out with your friends can be instrumental in learning how to stop missing someone. 

It would help if you stopped being idle not to create room for memories. Instead, plan a nice hang out with your friends, at the beach, in a restaurant, etc.

 4.  Learn new hobbies

The period of a break-up can be utilized as a period of productivity and self-development. You can learn new hobbies as a way of covering up idle moments. 

You can take a guitar lesson and enjoy the melody of the musical sounds you create. If you love cooking, you can take a youtube video lesson on cooking.

5.  Go out on a new date

If it is glaring that you and your partner are no longer getting back together, you should decide to move on with your life. 

If you find someone you’re interested in, then take the initiative and ask them to dinner with you. Then have fun and open your heart to love again.

• 5 ways of managing the death of a loved one

It is not easy to cope with missing someone you loved who later died. The feeling of missing someone who passed on can be traumatic. 

This situation sometimes requires a therapist to help deal with it. However, here are some tips on what to do when you miss someone.

1.  Cry out the pain

The death of a family member, a friend, or a relationship partner can be traumatic. 

But the truth, which you may not be able to accept, is that such a person you lost is gone forever. So, find new ways to overcome the sadness, feeling of hurt and loss, etc.

Therefore, don’t try to swallow the pain or pretend not to be broken. Cry out the pain.

2.  Discard some reminder materials

It is not advisable not to surround yourself with excess pictures of a dead loved one on your phone or any gadgets. 

Whenever you stumble at their pictures or any other object that reminds you of them, your heart would begin to hurt again, and you would start missing them afresh.

Deleting the photos of a loved one who died can heal a hurting heart and help such a person stop missing them.

3.  Make new friends

It is unfortunate to lose someone dear to you, whether a family member, friend or partner. But you still have over seven billion people on the earth from which you can have new friends. 

A loved one can’t be replaced, but you can allow yourself to feel love and express love to other people again.

4. Honor their memory

Finding ways to honor your loved one’s memory can provide comfort and help you feel connected, even if you’re learning how to stop missing someone after a breakup or after losing a loved one. You might create a memory book, plant a tree in their honor, or engage in an activity they enjoyed. 

These acts can help you feel close to them in a positive way, reminding you of their influence and allowing you to celebrate their life.

5. Engage in self-care and mindfulness practices

During periods of grief, it’s easy to neglect self-care, but small acts of mindfulness can help you cope and process your feelings. Activities like journaling, meditating, or taking a walk in nature can soothe and center you. 

Practicing mindfulness, such as breathing exercises, can ground you in the present and reduce overwhelming emotions. 

Engaging in self-care and mindfulness not only nurtures your well-being but also provides resilience as you learn how to stop yourself from missing someone.

• 5 ways of dealing with a relocation

Relocating to a new place can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it involves leaving behind loved ones, familiar routines, and favorite spots. While learning how to stop missing someone who lives far away can feel daunting, embracing certain strategies can ease the transition. 

Here are five ways to adjust to a relocation and build new connections.

1. Explore your new surroundings

Familiarize yourself with your new area by exploring local attractions, restaurants, and parks. Visiting nearby places helps create a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of disconnection. Discovering what the new place has to offer can gradually replace the longing for your previous home.

2. Stay connected with old friends

Maintain relationships with friends from your previous location by scheduling regular calls or video chats. Sharing updates and reminiscing together can provide comfort and help bridge the emotional gap. Staying in touch reminds you that distance doesn’t have to end meaningful connections.

3. Make new friends

Put yourself out there to meet people in your new community by joining social or hobby groups, attending local events, or volunteering. Building a new support network helps foster a sense of belonging and makes your transition to the new environment feel less isolating.

4. Create new routines

Establishing routines in your new home brings familiarity and stability, helping you adjust faster. Start small, with regular visits to a favorite cafe or a weekly fitness class, to ground yourself in the new environment. This consistency eases the emotional strain of change.

To learn more about how to create a meaningful routine, watch this video:

5. Reminisce positively

Take time to cherish memories from your previous home, but without overly dwelling on them. Embrace a positive outlook by appreciating those experiences as part of your journey. This balanced reflection helps you honor the past while remaining open to the new experiences ahead.

Learning how to stop missing someone can take time and patience, but with these strategies, the transition becomes smoother, bringing comfort and growth to your new life.

Wrapping up

If you’re struggling with how to stop missing someone, take heart—healing is a journey, but each step you take brings you closer to peace. 

While there’s no set answer to how long it takes to stop missing someone, actively working through your feelings can make the process easier. 

The methods shared here can help you shift your focus, whether you’re dealing with short-term separation, a breakup, a loss, or a relocation. Each experience of missing someone is unique, and giving yourself the space to grieve, adapt, and embrace new beginnings is essential. 

Remember, it’s okay to cherish the memories while finding ways to live fully in the present. Surround yourself with supportive people, practice self-care, and engage in activities that bring you joy. In time, you’ll feel more balanced, resilient, and ready to move forward.

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

How can I stop missing someone?

What are ways to cope with relocation?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Marriage.com Editorial Team Relationship & Marriage Advice

The Marriage.com Editorial Team is a group of experienced relationship writers, experts, and mental health professionals. We provide practical and research-backed advice on relationships. Our content is thoroughly reviewed by experts... Read more to ensure that we offer high-quality and reliable relationship advice. Read less

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now