The Break Up
Introduction Why This Person? It Will Change Say It In Person Don’t Over React What’s Next Why Tears Begging and Bargaining Anger Break up Tips Next Month Coaching/Consulting is Now Launched
When you’ve finally decided it’s over, it’s never easy. But if you stay in an unhealthy relationship, it doesn’t get any better. It can only get worse. And it can drag on and on… and the longer it takes, the more complicated it is to get out. So is there an easy way? The topic for the month of November is Getting Over a Breaking Up. Breaking up is never easy, and that’s why it’s easy to deny that there’s a problem. It’s always easier to keep the status quo. You keep justifying that “no relationship is perfect” and “it’s really not that bad”. And if you’ve been thinking this, you may be right. Leaving a relationship is no easy decision and should not be taken lightly. But it's often necessary. I’ve seen many couples staying in a relationship or having affairs, when they’ve known from the start that the relationship was wrong in the first place. It was just too hard to get out – but then it’s even more complicated.
Why This Person? Why did you choose this person in the first place? Or perhaps you never did. Is it really worth continuing this relationship or are you giving excuses to yourself (staying for family, friends, or avoiding loneliness). It will Change Wishful thinking! If the same issues keep coming up and nothing has changed before, why now. Because they say so? If you’re continually hurt, betrayed etc then breaking up may be the only way to go. But if you’re simply upset, talk it over and resolve it. If you’re so upset and can’t discuss things properly, don’t avoid it. Write things down and talk when you’re calmer. Repetitive problems may helped through counseling (link) Say It In Person So you’ve come to the conclusion that it’s ‘now or never’. It’s much easier not to face someone when you’re about to say something hurtful them. But unless you are thousands of miles away, always break up in person - no phone calls, no e-mail, text or MSM. And don’t just disappear. Closure is not only for the ‘soon-to be ex’ it’s for you as well. Not easy I know, but just do it for both of you.
Don’t Over React Words like ‘we should talk’, ‘we should spend less time together’, or’ let’s take a break’. - should be said after plenty of consideration. Never, never say them in the heat of the moment. Breaking up is very emotional and should not be taken lightly. Discuss your feelings calmly with your partner. Explain your decision, and why you’ve finally decided the relationship must end. What’s Next You’ll get all kinds of emotions. When someone’s feelings are hurt, they’re hurt. And no matter what you say or do, there will be negative reactions – you’ve hurt them and they may want to get you back or get you back. This is the difficult part of the process and it’s better to be prepared. What might be expected are as follows: Why? They may not understand, so you’ll get questions. Why? When did you decide this? Do you have someone else? How can you do this to me? Don’t avoid the questions, answer them. This is someone whom you’ve loved and they’re entitled to an explanation – no matter what it is. Tears When you’re hurt, you’re hurt. Tears should be expected and when someone’s hurting they should be comforted. Comfort the other person but remember, but remember, no matter how many tears someone sheds, there’s no reason to turn back. Once you’ve made your decision, don’t be manipulated. Stay strong. Begging and Bargaining “I’ll change”. “ Everything will be different, just come back”. “Give me one last chance”. This pleading and bargaining makes you feel guilty and it’s an attempt at getting the relationship back. If you’ve discussed the problems in the past and things have remained the same, there will be a short ‘honeymoon’ in the beginning, but don’t expect any long-term change Anger Anger is normal. It’s a way of keeping your self esteem. However, use your intuition. When you hear “You’ll regret this”, “You’ll be sorry for what you’ve done to me” and similar threats. Use your intuition. If you’re threatened, don’t ignore it. Take precautions and move on. Break Up Tips 1) Don’t call the ex, text them, or keep contact with them through friends, family members etc. Set yourself a ‘No Contact Rule’ and stick to it. 2) Talk to a close friend – and don’t hold anything back. Get out your pain and anger so that you can put closure on the past. 3) Cry. Breaking up is loss, so cry. Crying is not a weakness. Just don’t use your tears to manipulate your ex. to come back. When the pain subsides you can allow yourself move on. 4) Get rid of their stuff. Everything! No memorabilia either. Hold on to nothing – not even their toothbrush. Pack everything away. Remember ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Return, sell, or give it all away eventually - when you’re stronger. 5) Focus on the bad. Of course things weren’t always bad, but focusing on the good things in the relationship will only hurt more. Blaming yourself, wishing things were different and focusing on the happy times will only make you more miserable. 6) Remind yourself of the cruel or mean things that your ex did or said to you. This will motivate you to move on. 7) Take time to reflect on the situation and don’t jump into another relationship to make him/her be jealous. 8) Blaming yourself, wishing things were different and focusing on the happy times will only make you more miserable. 9) Don’t play psychic. Telling yourself, ‘ I’ll never find someone. I’ll always be alone. You don’t have a crystal ball. Why predict? You don’t know. Breaking up is a loss and very painful. Give yourself time to adjust and re-create your life. Use this time to learn about yourself. Do the things that you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t been doing when you were a couple. Next Month
If you are co-dependent, you have and extremely difficult time with breaking a relationship – even if it’s abusive. Co-dependency’s the topic of next month’s newsletter. Co-dependency is a very complex issue. If you have a particular question or opinion on the subject,
here's how you let me know
To answer your questions, we still have some glitches to iron out, but Recovery Coaching, Personal Coaching and Consultation will be available by phone on untwist-your-thinking.com. You’ll be able to purchase 1 or more hours and use the time in smaller increments – 15, 20, 30 minutes – until your time is used up. A great way to get help in the most cost effective fashion! I’ll keep you up to date.
If you know someone who would appreciate this newsletter, please do both of us a favor and pass it on. If a friend forwarded this newsletter to you and you like what you read, please subscribe.
|
