Breaking up with someone can be a traumatic experience. Whether you were together for two months or two years, ending a relationship can be emotionally draining. You may feel lost, angry, sad, or even relieved.

Regardless, one question that always comes up after a breakup is, “How long does it take to move on?” The answer is that there is no single answer. Everyone’s healing process is different and depends on various factors.

Factors Affecting Moving On

Many factors impact how long it takes to move on after a breakup. For instance, how long you were together, how the breakup happened, whether or not you saw it coming, and how deeply you were in love all play a role.

In addition, the support you receive from family and friends, previous experiences with breakups, and your mental and emotional health can influence your ability to move on.

The Importance of Acknowledging Your Emotions

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your breakup, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, loneliness, and even self-doubt.

However, the importance of acknowledging these feelings cannot be understated. It is essential to let yourself experience these emotions fully so that you can better understand and process them.

Avoiding or suppressing your feelings may only prolong the healing process and can even lead to more serious issues, such as depression and anxiety.

The Different Stages of Moving On

Moving on after a breakup is a gradual process that occurs in stages. Each stage is unique, and not everyone experiences all stages or in the same order. However, knowing the stages can help you better understand your emotions and how to move forward.

Denial: Stage One

The first stage of moving on is denial. In this stage, you may have a hard time accepting that the relationship is over. You may cling to the hope that your ex will come back, despite evidence to the contrary.

You may also find yourself avoiding conversations about the breakup or even denying that it happened at all. This stage is a defense mechanism that helps protect you from the full impact of the breakup.

Anger: Stage Two

After denial comes the anger stage. In this stage, you begin to feel the full weight of your emotions, and it can be overwhelming. You may direct your anger towards your ex, their family, friends, or even yourself.

You may feel resentful and bitter or even vengeful. It’s important to process your anger in a healthy way to avoid damaging your relationships with others or hurting yourself.

Stage Three: Bargaining

The bargaining stage is when you begin to bargain with yourself or a higher power.

You may try to negotiate with yourself to see if there is anything you could have done differently or make false promises to change yourself in the hope of getting your ex back. You may also turn to your religion or spirituality hoping that a higher power could give you answers or make things better.

Stage Four: Depression

The depression stage can hit you hard when you begin to realize that your relationship is over. You may feel hopeless, helpless, and even worse about the future. It’s not uncommon to experience a lack of motivation to do anything.

You may feel like the world is against you and that nothing is worth the effort. This stage is challenging, but it’s essential to hold onto the idea that things will eventually get better.

Stage Five: Acceptance

The final stage of moving on is acceptance. It is when you finally come to grips with the reality that your relationship is over and that it’s time to move forward.

You understand that your ex will not return, and you begin to let go of all that was attached to them. In this stage, you start to feel a sense of relief and can begin to look ahead.

Timeframe for Moving On

There is no predetermined timeline for moving on after a breakup. However, research shows that it can take anywhere from six months to two years to fully recover from a significant heartbreak.

This intricate process takes time, so don’t rush it; trust the process. Also, keep in mind that seeking professional help can speed up your recovery. A therapist can help you process your emotions and provide coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

The journey to moving on after a breakup is difficult, but everyone eventually reaches acceptance. Remember that the process of moving on is unique and individual, and it may take longer for some than others.

There is no shame in taking the time you need to heal as long as you continue to move forward.