Romance has a knack of introducing us to our innermost selves – the good, bad, and ugly. Quite often, especially after the episode of a taxing breakup, we find ourselves experiencing a bit of all, while on our way to recovery. Whatever the reasons that caused the split, if you’re anything like we are, you’ll surely find yourself going through different phases from this point onwards. Bruised ego, anger, resentment, doubts, regret, jealousy… until ultimately, you find and restore your peace. We know this process is harder than it sounds, but there’s one thing you should know – you’re definitely not alone!
Here are the eight stages that most of us experience post a breakup. We bet you’ll relate:
1. “I hate him! I never want to see his face again!”
This stage has us all riled up, whether we’re at fault or not. It’s where anger takes over our being, and all we can think about is how foolish we were to date the guy!
2. “Why hasn’t he texted me yet? Does he not miss me?”
Still an early stage, this one involves all those moments of insecurity and doubts that the relationship is actually over! There’s still anger, of course, and you can’t seem to believe that he’d have the audacity to not miss you or beg you to get back together.
3. “Was it that easy for him? I’m sure he’s found someone else…”
This one is basically a confirmation that it’s not a drill, and you have indeed, broken up for good! You then wonder how it was so easy for him to forget the bond you shared and put it down to one seemingly obvious thing – he’s found another love interest.
4. “Since he’s clearly moved on, it’s high time I forget the past, too!”
Well, say hello to the new team player in the mix – your ego! Since you’re already quite sure he’s into someone else, you make it your life’s mission to grow a pair and beat him at his own game. You reconnect with old friends, you text that cute boy who you know likes you, and you try your best to distract yourself.
5. “Oh… it actually does feel good to meet new people and not be hung up over someone who didn’t value me. I’m better off without him!”
At this point, you just tend to resort to your fate and continue to do the things that are momentarily keeping you happy. Slowly, all the effort starts fading, and you find that you’re genuinely open to a new beginning.
6. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be… damn! I had forgotten how amazing it is to be single and fancy-free!”
This is the part where you’ve successfully managed to overcome the tears and revel in the fact that you aren’t bound to anyone or anything. You’re going on casual dates, you’ve stopped stalking him online, and you’re planning a solo trip to the mountains.
7. “Who ex? Oh, that was a long time ago. I’m in a much happier place now!”
Also known as the “bataoing gyaan” phase, at this moment in life, you feel that you’ve conquered the world and understand the dynamics of love, completely. You reach out to your friends who are having guy trouble, and you brag about how you powered through (read: not) your tough times.
8. “It’s too late, buddy! I’m seeing someone else!”
The final and most liberating feeling in the world… the moment when you know for sure – you’re over it! He texts you out of the blue, saying he misses you and would like to meet you. You revert with a “Who’s this?”
