How to Accept a Breakup and Move On: 27 Mindful Tips

Advising someone to simply “get over it” and proceed with their life might sound straightforward.

However, being the one experiencing the breakup, understanding how to accept a breakup and how to get over a breakup involves more than mere acknowledgment of the situation.

While the desire to move forward is common, mastering the art of accepting a breakup and navigating the journey towards healing is a process that demands patience and self-compassion. Let’s learn how we can tread this path more peacefully.

Why is it so painful to accept a breakup? 

Accepting a breakup and moving on is easier said than done. If you are struggling with a breakup, you’re not alone. The reason why we call it a broken heart is because of the pain we feel. That pain you feel is not your imagination because it’s real, and there’s a scientific reason behind it.

There can be many more reasons why accepting that a relationship is over is so painful and seems unachievable. 

Whether your partner cheated, fell out of love, or just wanted to leave the relationship, the fact that you will feel rejected will hurt. We also want to know “what went wrong” in the relationship.

Counselor Kimberly Smith highlights,

The sudden change in your life will also contribute to the hurt. Don’t forget that you spent time, love, and effort, and like an investment, everything is gone. Moving past a breakup is hard, but you have to deal with it. Now, the question is, for how long? 

How should you react to a breakup?

“If we break up, I want to know how to accept a breakup gracefully.”

Most of us want to prepare ourselves, just in case. We all want to be someone who knows their worth and brushes the person who dumped us.

But the truth is, moving on after a breakup is hard. The break up itself, especially when it’s a breakup that you didn’t want, will hurt – a lot.

So, how do you react when your partner decides to end your relationship?

Here are some steps that will help.

1. Know that you will be okay
2. Breathe and remain composed
3. Respect your partner’s decision
4. Try not to say too much
5. Don’t beg
6. Say goodbye and leave

You have to react maturely, even if you’re breaking inside. Don’t cry and beg. It won’t work, and you will regret it.

Stay calm and respect your ex’s decision. This is hard, especially if your ex caught you off guard and you didn’t have any idea that your partner would end your relationship.

Still, try. There will be many ways how to accept a breakup you didn’t want, and we’ll get to that later. Remember to keep your composure and end the conversation as soon as possible.

Kimberly Smith further states that,

Learning the stages of a breakup

Before you try and understand how to accept a breakup, you will first understand and be familiar with its stages.

Why is this important?

You want to familiarize yourself with the stages that you will go through. If you know the stages of a breakup, it would be less likely that your emotions could get the better of you.

By knowing the stages of a breakup, you will understand the emotions you’re going through, and you will know what steps to take.

27 ways to finally accept a breakup you didn’t want and move on

It happened. You broke up, now what? It’s time to learn how to cope with a breakup you didn’t want, but where do you start?

Accepting it’s over, but these 27 tips on how to accept a breakup could help:

1. Recognize the loss

One way on how to cope with a breakup you don’t want is to recognize the loss. You have to allow yourself to recognize that you’ve lost someone important to you.

You loved this person, and it’s normal to feel sad because you lost someone you love. A breakup you didn’t plan would hit harder because you didn’t expect the loss.

2. Feel the emotions

Once you start recognizing the loss, expect to feel different emotions. You will feel one or all of these feelings, such as confusion, sadness, anger, nervousness, pain, etc.

Allow yourself to feel all of these emotions. Why?

As you allow yourself to feel all these emotions, you are slowly learning how to move on from a breakup.

3. Allow yourself to grieve

Remember, if you block every emotion from your breakup, you’re not facing the problem. You’re burying the pain deep inside. It would take time until you can no longer handle that heavy weight on your chest.

Don’t do this to yourself. Allow yourself to grieve because you’ve lost someone important.

You loved this person, and you didn’t want to part ways. Cry if you need to.

4. Validate your feelings

“I’m heartbroken. It hurts so much.” 

Close your eyes, and breathe. Yes. It does hurt – a lot.  

Anyone who has the same heartbreak will understand. Now, comfort yourself. Start practicing self-compassion. If this happened to a friend, what would you tell your friend? 

Listen to what your heart has to say.

5. Practice self-love and compassion 

This is the time to practice self-love and self-compassion.  

Know that you deserve and don’t let anyone devaluate you. Love yourself and spend your energy, time, and effort to be better. Try to notice how you talk about yourself and to yourself. 

Sometimes, we may not be aware of it, but we’re already too hard on ourselves. 

Be compassionate with yourself, just like how you are with a friend or family member. If you can give love and compassion to other people, you can do it for yourself. 

Andrea Schulman, an LOA coach, teaches about self-love through 3 easy exercises. Watch the video:

6. Talk to a therapist

It’s already hard to accept heartbreak, but what if there was also abuse?

If you need additional help from the trauma, you may go to a licensed therapist. This professional can help you how to accept a breakup, move on, and rebuild yourself.

7. Start accepting

Learn how to accept heartbreak by seeing the present.

It’s okay to cry and feel all the emotions. Once that’s done, start accepting reality. Accept that you’re on your own now and that you will now do everything to move on.

You may start slowly, but that’s okay.

8. Ask for support from trusted people

Even if you have accepted the truth and started to move on, there will be times when you want someone to be there for you.

This moment calls for your trusted family and friends. Talk to them, and your burden will ease.

9. Clean your home

Did you know that one of the proven steps on moving on after a breakup is cleaning your home? 

It’s therapeutic and gives you the chance to remove your ex’s things and every memory of him. It’s important to make sure that you have different boxes where you can donate, throw, or return your ex’s things.

10. Don’t keep your ex’s things

You might have the urge to keep those old photos, gifts, letters, or all the things that you deeply treasure – don’t do it.

Keeping those things will only mean that you are still hoping to fix your relationship. You’re still keeping the memories and holding on. Remember, to move forward – you need to start with a clean slate.

11. Try journaling

There will be times when you want to put your feelings into words. Journaling is another therapeutic way to validate what you’re feeling and start showing self-compassion.

You can list all the worries and questions you have, then on the next page, talk to yourself like you’re talking to a broken-hearted friend. Invest in journaling kits and see how much it helps.

12. Start deleting 

Check your phone, hard drive, and social media. Delete all photos, chats, videos, and anything that will make it more painful for you. It’s a part of moving on. 

Understandably, it’s hard to let go, but know that this is how to accept a breakup. If you don’t do this, you’re giving yourself false hope by keeping your ex’s memories close. 

13. Unfollow and don’t look back 

Go to your ex’s social media profiles and unfriend or unfollow. It doesn’t mean you’re bitter–not at all.  

It only means you want peace, and you no longer want this person’s memory to linger. It’s time for you to move on, which means allowing yourself to be free from your ex’s shadow. 

14. Take a break from the Internet 

There will be times when you want to stalk your ex. It’s understandable. So if you think you want to do it, take a social media detox.  Out of sight, out of mind, so use this and stop checking your ex’s profile.  

15. Don’t ask your friends to check your ex 

Good job in staying out of social media, and there are no photos or texts left on your phone. Oh, wait, you have mutual friends. 

Okay, stop right there. Accepting it’s over means resisting the urge to ask about your ex. Don’t ask how your ex is doing; you want to know if this person is feeling miserable without you.  

Don’t start with false hopes because this will only prevent you from breaking free and moving on. 

16. Cut ties 

It’s hard to cut ties with your ex’s family or friends. Sometimes, you can remain friends with them.  

However, in the first few weeks or months after your breakup, it’s better to cut ties with these people. Don’t linger, hoping your ex will realize that you can get back together.  

To forget requires you to cut ties with the people connected to your ex.  

17. Take time and reset 

Learn to know how to accept a breakup by taking time to reset. You’ve been through so much. It’s time to take a break. Let your heart and mind rest. 

Time alone is essential for moving on, and only you can give that to yourself.

18. Start taking care of yourself 

This is the start of a new you. Being single isn’t so bad, but before you embrace your single life, it’s time to take care of yourself first.  

Get a makeover, buy new clothes, and go to the gym. Do everything for yourself and not for anyone else. Choose yourself and nurture this moment. It’s time to grow, and you deserve it. 

19. Prioritize yourself 

Before anyone else, prioritize yourself first.  

Look in the mirror and see how much you’re missing by focusing on that heartbreak. Once you realize that you have your whole life ahead of you, you will start accepting a breakup and moving on. 

20. Rediscover your old hobbies

Now that you have extra time to rediscover your old hobbies. Do you still remember when you treasured the time when you would do the things you love? 

Playing guitar, painting, baking, do it again, and return to doing what you love.  

Sometimes, we give so much when we are in a relationship. In this process, we are being unkind to ourselves. Now, you have the time to do the things you love again. 

21. Go on a vacation

If you have time and the budget, why not treat yourself by going on a vacation?   

You can bring your friends and family, or just travel alone. Traveling alone is also enjoyable because you get to discover yourself more.  

22. Enjoy being single 

You’re single, so enjoy it. You’re healthy, and you’re alive. That’s already something to be grateful for. 

Being single means you’re independent and ready to live your life to the fullest. Count your blessings, and you’ll see just how beautiful it is to be alive and single.

23. Go out

Go out. You don’t need to spend months alone in your room. It’s okay to feel all the breakup emotions, but don’t dwell on them. 

Meet new people; be open to dating if you’re ready. Embrace the change that is coming your way.  

24. Start a new hobby 

You may have realized how fun it is to focus on yourself by now.  

This is the time to do what you’ve always wanted to do. Learn a new skill, go back to school, or volunteer.  Use this time to do what you want. 

25. Rebuild yourself 

You’re slowly learning how to prioritize yourself. This means you are also taking steps to rebuild yourself.  

Embrace it, nurture your time with yourself, so by the time you’re ready to date again, you’re not just whole, but you’re also stronger.  

26. Reflect on the relationship

Reflection is key to understanding how to deal with a breakup. Spend time thinking about what the relationship taught you, both the good and the bad. This can help you understand what you want in future relationships and how you can grow as an individual.

27. Set new personal goals

Getting over a relationship breakup often opens up space in your life for new beginnings. Set new personal goals for yourself, whether they’re related to career, hobbies, or personal development. Achieving these can boost your confidence and help you move forward.”

FAQs 

Facing the aftermath of a breakup can be challenging, filled with questions about healing, moving on, and reshaping your life. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that might help guide you through this difficult time in a relatable and straightforward manner.

• How long does it take to accept that it’s over?

The time it takes to accept a breakup varies greatly from person to person. While some may find peace within a few weeks or months, others might take longer. It’s a personal journey that depends on the relationship’s depth, your coping mechanisms, and your support system.

• What’s the hardest part of a breakup? 

The hardest part of a breakup is often the initial shock and the subsequent feeling of loss. Letting go of shared dreams, the companionship, and adjusting to a new routine without your partner can be particularly challenging, making this phase intensely emotional.

• How do I handle mutual friends after the breakup?

Handling mutual friends after a breakup requires tact and grace. Communicate your needs clearly, but be prepared to make compromises. It’s important to avoid putting friends in the middle or forcing them to choose sides, and instead, focus on maintaining healthy, independent relationships with them.

• What is the 3-month rule after breakup?

The 3-month rule after a breakup is a common belief that it takes approximately three months to overcome the initial emotional turmoil of a breakup and start seeing significant improvement in your emotional state. It’s seen as a period of reflection, healing, and gradual return to normalcy.

Healing after heartbreak

The journey of accepting a breakup is undeniably challenging. It unfolds through various stages, guiding you towards acceptance and healing from an unwelcome end. 

Healing a broken heart is a daunting task, yet there are actionable strategies designed to support your emotional recovery and self-care. The essence of this journey lies in turning inward, prioritizing your mental health, inner peace, and happiness. 

Despite the inevitable moments of loneliness and sorrow, these strategies are your allies in fostering resilience and reshaping your outlook on life. As you gradually rebuild, you’ll find yourself stronger, ready to embrace the world anew, and open to the possibilities of love again.

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less