Breakups are rarely easy. Whether you were the one who ended things or the one left behind, there’s no escaping the wave of emotions that follows—sadness, confusion, even a weird kind of emptiness. And let’s be honest: Even the most “mutual” breakups can leave you sobbing into a pillow or questioning every text you’ve ever sent. It’s a tough shift, losing someone who was once part of your daily life.
But while the pain is real, so is the opportunity to begin again. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but there are things you can do to take care of your heart and slowly move forward. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, we’ve rounded up five simple, meaningful changes that can help you get through the hard part—and maybe even come out stronger on the other side.
1. Set Boundaries and Limit Contact
Creating clear boundaries with your ex is a must following a breakup. Even if the split was done cordially, trying to jump straight into friendship is bound to complicate emotions and prolong heartache. The two of you should agree to the “two-month” rule before attempting to reconnect as friends. This distance allows time for emotions to settle and reduces the temptation to offer (or seek) emotional support from each other, which can blur lines and delay closure.
No matter what, you should honor each other’s wishes regarding contact. For example, if your ex doesn’t want to hear from you, respect that boundary. Constantly reaching out, even if you think your intentions are innocent, can damage any future friendship. On the flip side, if your ex attempts to contact you before you’re emotionally ready, you are under no obligation to respond. Bottom line: both of you deserve space to heal on your own terms.
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5 Changes to Make After a Breakup