Still in Love With Your Ex? Here’s 5 Ways to Move On

Breaking up is like having your heart shattered into a million pieces, especially when you still love your ex. Every corner of your mind is haunted by late-night thoughts, memories that pop up at the worst times, and those nagging what-ifs.

It’s easy to feel like happiness is a distant memory and that life has lost its meaning. But let me tell you, you can get through this. It takes the right steps and a good dose of patience.

Moving on isn’t about erasing your ex from your life or pretending the relationship never happened. It’s about healing, rediscovering yourself, and learning to find joy on your own again.

Here are five straightforward ways to help you move on from your ex and start feeling like yourself again.

1. Take It One Day at a Time

Moving on from a breakup is a journey, not a destination. Don’t expect to wake up one day magically over your ex. Allow yourself to grieve the relationship and the future you envisioned with them.

It’s normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness to anger, and everything in between. Focus on taking things one day at a time and celebrate small victories, like getting through a day without crying or resisting the urge to text them.

The biggest mistake you can make is pressuring yourself to “get over it” quickly. Healing takes time, and everyone’s timeline is different. Give yourself the grace to heal at your own pace.

Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel the way you do and that eventually, you will feel better. Some days will be harder than others, but with time, those tough days will become fewer and farther between.

2. Sever All Ties

This is probably the hardest but the most crucial step. Staying in touch with your ex, even if it’s just a friendly text or a social media like, keeps the wound fresh. You need space to heal and gain perspective, which you can’t do if they are constantly popping up in your life.

Unfollow them on social media, delete their number, and resist the urge to stalk their profiles. It might feel extreme, but it’s necessary for your mental health. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Giving yourself this space helps break the emotional and mental attachment, allowing you to start focusing on yourself. Consider removing reminders of them from your immediate environment as well—photos, gifts, or anything that brings back memories.

3. Accept the Reality

It’s easy to get caught up in what could have been. Maybe you’ve spent hours daydreaming about getting back together or how things could have been different. But clinging to this fantasy only prolongs your pain. Accepting that the relationship is over is the first step toward healing.

Remind yourself why the relationship ended. Were there irreconcilable differences? Was there a lack of trust or communication? Focusing on the reality of the situation helps ground you and prevents you from romanticizing the past.

It’s also helpful to talk to someone you trust about the breakup. Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer clarity and reinforce the reasons why it’s better to move on.

4. Embrace the Slow Progress

Moving on is not a linear process. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world, and other days, not so much. That’s okay. Be patient with yourself and understand that it’s normal to have ups and downs. Celebrate the progress, no matter how small it seems.

Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend going through a tough time. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. Avoid self-criticism and acknowledge your efforts and resilience.

It might help to keep a journal to track your emotions and progress. Writing down your thoughts can be therapeutic and serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come.

5. Focus on Self-Love

This is the most important step. If you don’t love yourself, it’s hard to expect someone else to. Focus on your own happiness and well-being. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself and build your self-esteem.

Now’s the time to invest in your personal growth. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, focusing on your career, or just taking better care of your health, put yourself first. When you love yourself more, you become more resilient and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Also, consider trying new activities or revisiting old passions that you may have neglected. Surround yourself with positive influences and supportive friends who uplift and encourage you.