How to Have a Healthy Breakup

The ending of a relationship is never easy, and that’s especially true when your love for the other person runs deep. It’s normal to have complicated and even contradictory feelings about parting with a romantic partner. But a breakup doesn’t have to leave you broken: you have the power to take steps to preserve your mental health while you deal with the pain. 

If you’re struggling with the transition of a breakup, a therapist can help you learn coping tools to aid you. Our therapists at Life Insight outline a few tips for a healthy breakup. For individualized advice, call us for an appointment. 

Be Honest

If you can tell that the relationship can’t be sustained, you need to be honest with yourself and your partner. Delaying the breakup can only lead to greater heartache and frustration down the line. Be truthful about how you feel so your partner knows exactly where you stand.

Of course, keep in mind that there’s no need to disclose everything. Too much honesty can backfire and lead you to say things that are inadvertently hurtful. Be candid yet careful about how you approach the topic. 

Prioritize Communication

Good communication is essential. When you and your partner are on the same page, you can openly discuss the matter while reducing the conflict that you encounter. Choose a private, quiet location to have the discussion, and give your partner a chance to speak as you do. Listen carefully and avoid making accusations. Use “I” statements to avoid coming across as defensive or aggressive. 

Let Yourself Mourn

Don’t give yourself a hard time for feeling sad after a breakup. For many people, it feels like the end of a chapter in their life. Such is especially true for long-term relationships or marriages. Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, and no matter how long the relationship lasted and regardless of its exact nature, you’ll likely feel a loss once the breakup has happened. Grief is a common feeling among those who have broken up, and it’s completely natural. Consider grief a chance to take some time for mindful self-reflection. A therapist can help you process your emotions at your own pace. 

Redirect Your Attention to the Positive

Once you’ve had adequate time and space to grieve the relationship, it’s time to revisit the positives of the relationship you had. While this may be difficult to do when the breakup is still fresh, it’s an important part of moving on. Once you’re ready, you can explore the good memories you have of your ex-partner and reaffirm what you gained from the experience. 

Talk to a Therapist

Breakups are rarely, if ever, easy. Remember that you aren’t in it alone. Speaking to a licensed therapist who is experienced in relationship-related matters can shed some light on your feelings and help you come to terms with the reality of the loss. Life Insight is here for you every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out to our therapists for an appointment.