Abby Connolly
Cut off contact
To truly heal and resist the burning urge to reach back out to your ex-partner or go back to them, you need to cut off contact. Let them know you need space to heal, and that means not texting or calling them.
Do whatever you need to do to truly cut contact, whether that be by deleting their number, unfollowing them on social media, etc.
One of the main reasons why people get stuck in on-again, off-again relationships is they can’t resist the urge to reach out to their ex after trying to break things off with them. Resisting that urge is key!
Consider seeking counseling
Officially breaking up with the person you’ve been on and off with can be devastating, no matter how ‘done’ you felt with the relationship toward the end. The realization that you’re really ending things with them can feel heavy and practically traumatizing.
You’ll likely feel a whole range of emotions, so to process everything, it’s not a bad idea to talk to a therapist or counselor about what you’re going through.
Remember, taking care of your mental health during a breakup is crucial.
Swap dating for self-care
So many people will tell you to “put yourself back out there” right after a breakup and go on some dates, but that isn’t always the answer. It’s not the best idea if you’re breaking up with someone you’ve had a long, eventful history with. Instead, now is the time for self-care.
Take a break from dating and focus on yourself. Hang out with your friends, dedicate more time to your favorite hobbies or important projects, and reconnect with yourself. Take all the time you need to feel self-assured and happy with your life alone before bringing a new love interest into it.
