How To Cope When You Miss Your Ex

Break ups are never all that easy to cope with. It's unfortunate, but it's a fact of life. Perhaps this is because so much attention is given on how to attract a mate, that nobody thinks to consider the possibility of splitting up. Regardless of why breaking up is hard to do, both partners will have some negative emotions that they will need to work through. And, if you happen to be the person who was dumped and you didn't see it coming, then that makes a bad situation worse.

The first thing you should know is that it's perfectly acceptable to have bad feelings after you break up with someone. You need some time to express yourself and let those emotions come out. However, at some point you have to get beyond it and try to carry on with living a normal life. I won't kid you, it can be hard...but it is possible if you follow a proven plan and are willing to do what needs to be done. Here are some things you can do to help you cope with a break up.

If you still think about your ex a lot, then you have to do what you can to think about them less. Of course you will still have memories, and there's no reason you should permanently erase their existence from your mind, but you also have to be careful to not overdo it. For that reason, it's a good idea to remove any reminders of your ex that you may have around. You can throw them away, sell them, burn them, or store them; depending on what's best for each item. If you want to keep some items, but don't want them in your house, then see if a trusted friend or family member can hold to them until you are coping better.

Hanging out with your friends is a great way to get your ex out of your mind. Have fun, live it up! By going out with friends you will also be plugging into your personal support network. In other words, your friends and family can help you to get through this rough time in your life. Be warned, though, that they may mean well, but they don't always understand. If this happens, be polite and know that their intentions are good...and that they care about you.

Getting a new hobby is another way to cope after a break up. You will have to spend your time learning a new set of skills and it will keep your mind busy with something else. You can choose quiet hobbies that require the use of your brain or hands, or you can go for something more active that involves other people; whatever works best for you.

Talk to someone. Find somebody you trust that you can talk to. This could be a friend, family member, clergy, or a counselor. Just knowing that there is somebody who will listen to you can work wonders in getting over an ex.

What To Do When You Miss Your Ex

Do you miss your ex? Are you having trouble moving on? Here are seven strategies to pursue when you miss your ex.
1. Decide that it is over. As long as you think there is a chance to get back together, you will continue to experience feelings of missing your ex girlfriend or boyfriend. If you practice strategies like texting or phoning them trying to catch them off guard, you will continue to keep the feelings alive. When you miss your ex, try one of the other strategies presented here.
2. Get rid of all of their stuff. Do an exchange where you give them their stuff and they give you yours. Don’t hold on to physical items for sentimental reasons, it will just remind you of how much you miss your ex. If there are small things that you don’t give back (such as a tooth brush or a comb) throw them away. You don’t need the constant reminders.
3. Write them a letter – then burn it. One reason why you continue to miss your ex is because you haven’t gotten them out of your system. So, write a letter pouring out all of your feelings about the relationship and the break up. When you have released your emotions, then get rid of the letter. There is something emotionally satisfying about watching your words go up in smoke.
4. Reconnect with your friends. Sometimes when you get in a hot and heavy relationship, your ties to friends and even family wither. If this is the case, reconnect with your friends. Redevelop relationships that you have let simmer. Your friends and family love you even if your ex doesn’t anymore.
5. Make new friends. One of the reasons you miss your ex is because he or she took up so much of your time. Now, in addition to the intense emotional void you are feeling, you have time on your hands. Fill that time with new activities or interests. Take a class at the local university’s extension program. Learn to do the tango. Join a co-ed softball team. Volunteer to clean up the park through an environmental program. When you keep busy, you will find that closing the time void also helps you close the emotional void.
6. Get a pet. A dog, cat, or other pet can help you reconnect to what is real. A pet needs your attention and love. A pet can also give you love. When you miss your ex, you can reach out for a pet who loves you.
7. Start dating other people. The world moves on. There are lots of other fish in the sea. Once you reconnect with your friends, start new activities, and even start to walk the dog, you will begin to see all of the opportunities you have with the opposite sex. Don’t worry that a first date has to lead to a complicated relationship when you are not ready for one. Just go out and enjoy yourself. Soon, you will stop feeling that you miss your ex so much.
Follow these seven steps and you will soon find that you are not saying you miss your ex at all!