Alright, let’s talk about breakups. We’ve all been there, right? That feeling of your heart being ripped out and stomped on. This is my take on how long it actually takes to get over an ex, based on my own messy experiences.
The Initial Shock (Week 1-2):
- First, I usually go into denial. Like, “Nah, this isn’t really happening.” I’ll re-read old texts, look at photos, you know, torture myself.
- Then comes the bargaining phase. I’d try to convince myself (and sometimes even them, ugh) that we could fix things. Big mistake, don’t do it.
- Lots of crying. Like, ugly crying in the shower, while watching rom-coms (ironic, I know).
- I’d delete their number, then add it back. Delete, add. The cycle continues.
The Reality Bites (Week 3-4):
- This is when it really hits. They’re gone, and they’re not coming back.
- I’d start stalking their social media (I know, I know, it’s bad). Checking who they’re following, who’s liking their posts. Absolute madness.
- My friends would try to cheer me up, drag me out. Usually involved a lot of wine and bad decisions.
- I’d also try to distract myself. Binge-watching shows, reading books, anything to not think about them.
The Rebuild (Month 2-3):
- Okay, things start to get a little better. The crying is less frequent.
- I’d pick up old hobbies, or try new ones. Pottery, hiking, something to focus on.
- Started working out more. Gotta get that revenge body, right? (Even if it was just for me)
- Stopped checking their social media (mostly). Baby steps.
- Started hanging out with friends more, genuinely enjoying myself.
The Acceptance (Month 4-6… and beyond?):
- I realized that I was okay. Actually, more than okay. I was thriving.
- I could think about them without feeling a stab of pain. More like a dull ache.
- Started feeling open to dating again. Not rushing into anything, but the thought wasn’t terrifying anymore.
- Deleted all photos and texts. Time to move on for real.
The Verdict?
Honestly, there’s no set timeline. For me, it usually takes a solid 4-6 months to feel like myself again. But everyone is different. Some people bounce back quickly, others take longer. The key is to be kind to yourself, allow yourself to grieve, and focus on building yourself back up. And remember, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all survived.
Also, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can make a huge difference. And lean on your friends and family. They’re there to support you.
Good luck out there. You got this.
