What to do if you're having trouble letting go

Collage featuring three separate elements: a young man with black hair in a colorful sweater sitting on grass, another young women in a gray hoodie and hat sitting with crossed legs, and a hand holding a pink sprinkled donut.
Categories:

Somebody asked us for some tips on how to let go, and we asked our online pals to share some advice.

So the question is: My partner and I recently broke up. I’ve been having real trouble letting go – any advice on how to move on?

Our TikTok and Instagram friends are amazing and have some great info, here's what they said.

Your Questions

  • Noel It takes time, leaving a loved one is probably one of the most painful, emotional experiences you can go though so you won’t just be able to let go the second the relationship ends, you gotta do the things that you wouldn't have normally done with a boyfriend/girlfriend so you aren't constantly reminded that 'Hey! I did this with that partner, you know the one that left you!' and eventually things will just go back to normal.
  • Philip There is no real way of 'letting go', it’s just something that happens after a given length of time and you can't exactly force it because you'll just remind yourself that you are doing this because of the break up.
  • Deb It takes time. It’s a grieving process. Usually only one party feels sad as the other person chose to end it. Don’t take it personally. But do not be their backstop. It will prolong the pain. 6 weeks you will be happy again.
  • Mathew I believe if you look for other things in life to be grateful for, your chances of moving on will be better. Friends, family, pets etc
  • Carla Give it time. Just keep living your life day by day and one day you'll realise you already have moved on  :)
  • Eloisa Eat, sleep, repeat.
Send your question

Often someone will feel a million bucks when a relationship ends, and that’s ok.

But when a breakup is hurting the consensus seems to be: get out there, try new things, and know that it will get easier with time

If you need more information on dealing with relationship breakups, visit Headspace.
If you’re still struggling with the way you feel and want some help, contact Kids Help Line (1800 551 800) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

You may also like...

A collage of two images, one of a young man on his phone with a concerned look on his face, and the other of a young woman and young man with their arms on each others' shoulder.
Categories:
  • Relationships
Have you ever wondered what boundaries are? That word comes up lots, and it's important to know what it means.
What actually are boundaries?
A collage image of a young hetero couple, a young man with an ice cream cup and a hand holding a yellow smiley face stress ball.
Categories:
  • Relationships
Talking about what you do and don’t feel comfortable in your relationships can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to.
How can you talk about your boundaries?
Person seated and talking on a landline phone with neon lighting, while another individual sits nearby with hands clasped.
Categories:
  • Relationships
  • Your Questions
Somebody asked: I’m about to get into a long-distance relationship - any advice on how to make it work and be bearable?
How to make long distance love work for you
Against a grainy green and black background. A young man wearing a beany and colourful jumper smiles at their smartphone. To their left a man smiles wearing a white jumper holding a basketball.
Categories:
  • Dating
  • Your Questions
Some people like sending and receiving nudes, but is there a way to make sure you're safe if you do it?
What you said about safely sending spicy pics
Loading next article