We all have that one person who, try as we might, we just can’t get over. Why does this particular person have such a hold on us? We’re not exactly sure, but either way we know that it’s not healthy to keep clinging on to someone who isn’t in our life any longer.
There isn’t an official one-stop way to get over your ex, but there are a few things you can do to help you move on that little bit faster.
Here are five ways that will, hopefully, help you kiss your ex goodbye for once and for all.
Clinging onto your ex will only make your heartbreak worse.
1. Remove all reminders that you have of him: Delete his phone number. Throw out all the pictures you have of the two of you together. De-friend him on Facebook. There’s an old saying that goes along the lines of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and when it comes to a break up, this is particularly true.
By holding on to small reminders of your ex, you’re just thwarting your chances of getting over him and moving on. If there are a few things that you just can’t stand to throw out, put them in a box and keep them in the back of your wardrobe or in the attic. For the sake of your sanity (and your heart) just keep them out of view until you’ve healed and moved on sufficiently. Don’t prolong your own miserableness.
2. Get out into the world again: When it comes to a break up, every woman is entitled to three days of sweatpants, sobbing into a bucket of Ben & Jerry’s and watching The Notebook on repeat. Allow yourself to have these three days. But once your ‘miserable’ time has passed, it’s time to ditch the ice cream and get back out into the real world.
We’re not trying to be cruel by telling you that you need to get back to reality – in fact, getting outside is exactly what you need. The world around you will hopefully distract you from your ex. Plus, staying in replaying the situation in your mind will just make you even more depressed. Make an effort to get outside and distract yourself for at least ten minutes every day.
3. Have a good bitching session with your friends: After a break up we’re often left with some extreme emotions that we didn’t get a chance to vent to our ex. Instead, have a night out with the girls and vent your frustrations to them. They will listen, they’ll probably cheer you up by doing some ridiculous impressions of your nasty ex and you’ll feel better as a result.
There’s nothing that a little time with the girls can’t heal. Just make sure that you’re not venting to them the whole time. Think of it in this way – you can vent three times at most, after that you’re out.
4. Avoid his usual haunts: This is pretty much a no-brainer. If you know what pub he drinks in every single Saturday night at 10pm, don’t go there. You may think that seeing your ex will be a good thing, but honestly? It’ll just aggravate any pain you’re feeling. You’re trying to get over him, remember? You don’t need to see him.
5. Write down why it didn’t work: Get a piece of paper, write down one reason why you’re glad the relationship is over. For example: “I wasn’t really happy” or “He was inconsiderate and selfish.” Put this piece of paper somewhere that you’ll see it every single day, and every time you look at it try to feel grateful that you’re out of a situation that probably wouldn’t have worked out anyway.
