How to Navigate through Breakup With Grace

WORDS: Peter Minkoff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

There isn’t a common cure for breakups and emotional disappointment. What works for an individual won’t work for anyone else. But, there is a common thing for everyone going through a breakup – you must navigate it and resurface with grace, especially if you want to prepare your dating etiquette. But first, you have to consider the following approach.

Let yourself grieve

When you break up with someone or someone ends things with you, you’ll experience a strong emotional response. It’s completely normal to feel the loss, sad and grieve the loss. Acknowledge your emotions, cry if you feel like it, and sleep the entire day if it will make you feel better. Just don’t suppress your emotions, face them, no matter how uncomfortable they are. 

Rely on others

When we’re feeling down or when we’re grieving the loss of a relationship, we can’t go through this alone. We need to rely on others because they have a different perspective, they’re not as emotionally involved, so they’ll know how to support us. A strong support system is a powerful tool against the difficult times. 

Put yourself first

When we are faced with a major life change, we need to start with small steps. Putting yourself first through acts of self-care like breaking bad habits, adopting a healthier lifestyle, reconnecting with friends and finding a sense of purpose is the antidote to negative emotions lingering post breakup. 

Open up to new people

Eventually, you’ll be ready to open up to new people and experiences. Dating apps are the safest option when you’re getting back to dating again. Just find the one that suits your lifestyle and that will open the path to like-minded individuals. Another great reason why you should give dating apps a chance is to determine whether you’re ready to date again or not. If you haven’t healed enough, you’ll easily get triggered and know which areas need your attention. 

Consider professional support

Two types of professionals can help you navigate your life after a breakup. The first one is a therapist, as they know how to guide you through the complexities of your emotions and thoughts. The second is a professional matchmaker who’ll know how to assess your needs and match you with truly compatible people. Especially if you turn to gay matchmaker New York, you’ll save time and only go on dates with people who share your values.

Know your boundaries

Everyone faces a slippery slope after a breakup – to unfollow or not to unfollow? To continue communication or to stop communication? The answer is quite simple – if it doesn’t help your healing, it doesn’t belong in your life. A healthy distance is necessary, and if it means you need to unfollow them on social media, do it. Only when you can completely take them out of your mental space you’ll be able to proceed with your life. 

Spend time on introspection

Introspection is necessary after you go through the initial stages of shock, disappointment, grief, self-care, and building yourself again. When you can look at the past relationship without blame, or negative emotions, when you are emotionally distant, you’ll be able to analyse everything objectively. Are there any lessons learned? Are there any thoughts on the relationship? Write it all down and let your emotions pour on paper so you can move on.

Build a mood-boosting routine

Now is the time to be selfish and create a routine that fully supports your mood. When you are in a good mood, and your schedule is fully booked, you’ll have less time to ruminate about your former lover. On top of that, you’ll set some goals, like working out five times a week and reading a book a week, and you’ll redirect your focus. Each time you accomplish a goal, you’ll get an endorphin boost, so you won’t focus on the past as much.

Focus on future 

At some point, the grieving should turn into a strong focus on the future. There might be some personal or professional goals you want to achieve, so redirect your focus. A simple mindset shift can shape your future and inspire you to take all the necessary steps. 

Lastly, embrace forgiveness, which is a powerful tool for moving on. Be patient with yourself, your emotional healing, and focus on your future.