What To Do When You Miss Your Ex

by Ryan Hart | Updated on October 15, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling the pain of a breakup is never easy. It’s especially difficult when you find yourself missing your ex and longing for the relationship you once had.

Whether you ended the relationship or your ex did, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss and sadness.

However, it’s important to remember that missing your ex doesn’t mean you should get back together.

In fact, it might be a sign that it’s time to focus on yourself and move forward with your life.

So, what can you do when you miss your ex?

The first step is to take some time to process your emotions. Allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness, but don’t dwell on it for too long. It’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with your feelings and move forward.

One way to do this is to focus on self-care. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and spending time with friends and family who support you.

Another important step is to reflect on the reasons why the relationship ended. It’s easy to idealize the past and forget the problems leading to the breakup.

Take some time to think about what went wrong and what you could have done differently. This can help you achieve clarity and perspective and can also help you avoid making the same mistakes in future relationships.

Missing your ex is a natural part of the healing process, but it’s important to focus on moving forward and creating a healthy, fulfilling life for yourself.

Woman looking at phone

Why Do I Miss My Ex So Much?

When you miss your ex, it can be a confusing and difficult experience. It’s essential to take some time to understand your feelings and why you might be feeling this way.

It’s natural to miss someone you once loved deeply, even if the relationship ended for good reasons. The memories and emotions associated with that person can be difficult to let go of, and it’s common to feel a sense of loss and sadness after a breakup.

It’s also common to feel guilty or regretful after a breakup, especially if you feel like you could have done something differently. However, it’s important to remember that you did the best you could at the time with the information you had.

It’s important to give yourself time to grieve and process your emotions but also to focus on moving forward and creating a fulfilling life without your ex.

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, engage in self-care activities.

It’s also important to practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for any mistakes you may have made.

How to Stop Thinking About Your Ex

When you miss your ex, coping with the emotions that come with it can be challenging. However, there are practical steps you can take to help you get through this difficult time. Here are some things you can do:

Establishing a Routine

One of the best ways to cope with missing your ex is to establish a routine. This can help you maintain structure in your life and give you a sense of control. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, eat regular meals, and set aside time for exercise and hobbies. Having a routine can also make it easier to distract yourself from the thoughts of your ex.

Engaging in Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial when you’re going through a tough time. Make sure to practice self-care regularly, whether that means taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or treating yourself to your favorite meal. Exercise is also an excellent way to boost your mood and reduce stress. Find an activity you enjoy, such as yoga or running, and make it a regular part of your routine.

Journaling Your Thoughts

Journaling can be a great way to process your emotions and reflect on your thoughts. Try jotting down your feelings and thoughts about your ex and the breakup. You can also use your journal to set goals for yourself and track your progress. By reflecting on your thoughts and feelings can help you gain self-awareness and perspective.

Setting Boundaries

If you’re struggling to move on from your ex, it may be helpful to set boundaries. This can include avoiding contact with your ex, unfollowing them on social media, and not talking about them with mutual friends. The no-contact rule can be challenging but can also be an essential step in healing and moving forward.

Seeking Professional Help

If you are struggling to cope with missing your ex, seeking professional help can be a good option. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and support you need to work through your emotions and move forward.

Therapy can be a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings about your ex and the breakup. Couples counseling can also be a good option if you are interested in repairing your relationship with your ex. A therapist can help you both identify the underlying issues that contributed to the breakup and work together to address them.

Rebuilding Your Social Life

Breaking up with your ex can leave you feeling lonely and isolated, but rebuilding your social life can help you heal and move on. Here are some tips to help you reconnect with friends, meet new people, and explore new hobbies.

Reconnecting with Friends

One of the best ways to rebuild your social life after a breakup is to reconnect with old friends. Reach out to people you haven’t talked to in a while and make plans to hang out. You might be surprised at how happy they are to hear from you and how much they want to support you during this difficult time.

If you’re not sure where to start, try sending a message or making a phone call to a friend you miss. You could also plan a group outing or organize a get-together at your place. Remember, your friends care about you and want to see you happy.

Meeting New People

Meeting new people can be a great way to expand your social circle and find new companionship. Consider joining a club or group that interests you, like a sports team, book club, or volunteer organization. You could also try attending social events or parties or even using a dating app to meet new people.

When you’re meeting new people, try to be open and friendly. Ask questions, listen actively, and be yourself. Remember, everyone is looking for connection and companionship, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Exploring New Hobbies

Exploring new hobbies can be a great way to meet new people and find new sources of enjoyment and fulfillment. Consider trying something you’ve always been interested in but never had the time or opportunity to pursue, like painting, cooking, or hiking.

When you’re exploring new hobbies, don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. Remember, the point is to have fun and learn something new. You might even discover a new passion or talent that you never knew you had.

Moving On

Breaking up with someone you love is never easy. Even if the relationship wasn’t perfect, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss and sadness. But eventually, you’ll need to move on. Here are some tips to help you find closure and start a new chapter of your life.

Finding Closure

Closure is an important part of the healing process. It’s the sense of finality that comes when you’ve dealt with your emotions and accepted that the relationship is over. Here are some ways to find closure:

  • Cut off contact: It’s hard to move on if you’re still in contact with your ex.
  • Focus on yourself: Take this time to focus on your own personal growth. Pursue hobbies, travel, or take up a new skill. Doing things that make you happy can help you feel more fulfilled and distract you from your breakup.
  • Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. Having a support system can help you process your emotions and move forward.

Starting a New Relationship

When you’re ready to start dating again, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and heart. Here are some tips for starting a new relationship:

  • Take it slow: Don’t rush into a new relationship right away. Take time to get to know the person and make sure they’re a good fit for you.
  • Be honest: Be upfront about your past relationship and where you’re at emotionally. It’s important to be transparent with your partner so you can build a strong foundation of trust and connection.
  • Focus on intimacy: Intimacy is about more than just physical attraction. It’s about emotional connection and vulnerability. Take time to build a deep emotional connection with your partner before getting physical.
  • Have direction: It’s important to have a sense of direction in your life, both personally and in your relationships. Make sure you’re on the same page with your partner about your goals and values.

Moving on takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and trust that you’ll find love again when the time is right.

Woman looking at messages on phone

Bottom Line

Going through a breakup is never easy, and it’s natural to miss your ex. However, dwelling on those feelings for too long can hinder you from moving on and finding happiness in your life. The key to healing and recovering from a breakup is to focus on self-improvement and finding inspiration in your life.

Remember that it’s okay to take some time to grieve the end of your relationship, but don’t let those feelings consume you.

As you work on healing and moving forward, consider ways to improve yourself and your life. This might include setting personal goals, trying new hobbies, or taking steps toward your dream career. By focusing on your own growth and development, you’ll become a stronger and more resilient person.

Above all, remember that you are not alone. Many people have gone through the pain of a breakup and come out the other side stronger and happier.

Better Relationships in Just 3 Minutes a Day

This newsletter is not just good - it delivers the best relationship advice to your inbox every morning Join thousands of subscribers discovering how to stop chasing emotionally unavailable people and start attracting true love.

Don't miss the chance to add your name to the list before the next edition goes live. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, simply click the below to access our secure sign-up page.

Try the Newsletter
About the Author:
Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

Want to connect with Ryan? Click here to get his FREE daily dating advice newsletter

Better Relationships in Just 3 Minutes a Day

The best relationship advice — in your inbox — every morning.

Join 2,000+ subscribers