Moving on from a serious relationship is never easy. Whether it was a long courtship, an engagement, or even a marriage, the end of such a bond can feel like the world has collapsed around you. It is normal to feel broken, unmotivated, or unsure of where to begin again. If you have ever wondered how to truly move on from a serious relationship, know that you are not alone in this struggle.
The good news is that healing is possible. With time, patience, and small intentional steps, you can slowly rebuild your life. You can find peace again, rediscover joy, and create new reasons to smile. Remember, learning how to move on from a serious relationship is not only for yourself but also for your loved ones and children, if you have them.
That is why I want to share something that can help. Take a look at these seven steps designed to guide you through this difficult but life-changing journey. Each step is simple, gentle, and personal, a reminder that even though this chapter has closed, your story is far from over.
7 Ways to Move On From a Serious Relationship
Breaking away from a serious relationship can feel like your whole world has stopped. The pain is real, the silence can be heavy, and the memories may play over and over in your mind. But learning how to move on from a serious relationship is not about pretending it never happened. It is about choosing yourself again and slowly creating a new path forward.
Yes, moving on can feel like the hardest thing you have ever had to do, but it is also one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself. Every small step is proof that you are stronger than you think. Your story should not end there. Moving on from a serious relationship may hurt right now, but it can also be the beginning of a life that is brighter, freer, and more beautiful than you ever imagined.
1. Give Yourself Time to Heal
The first step in moving on from a serious relationship is to give yourself permission to heal. Healing does not happen overnight, and that is perfectly okay. Do not pressure yourself to “bounce back” too quickly or pretend everything is fine when it is not.
In the early days, you might cry without warning, feel waves of anger, or even feel completely numb. All of these emotions are part of the process. Everyone heals differently, so avoid comparing your journey to anyone else’s. What matters most is that you keep taking small steps forward, no matter how slow they may feel.
Think of healing as a gift you give yourself. The more time and space you allow, the stronger and more grounded you will become. By honouring your feelings, you are not just surviving; you are laying the foundation for a new and healthier chapter of your life. This is where moving on from a serious relationship truly begins.
2. Travel If You Can
Travelling can be one of the most refreshing ways to move on from a serious relationship. When everything around you feels like a reminder of the past, stepping into a new environment gives you a chance to breathe again and see life from a different angle.
It does not have to be a big or expensive trip. Even a short getaway to a nearby town, a weekend stay somewhere new, or simply visiting a different part of your city can help. Meeting new people, tasting new foods, and seeing new places can remind you that the world is far bigger than your heartbreak.
And if travelling far is not possible right now, start small. Go for a walk in nature, spend an afternoon at a museum, or explore a hidden spot in your neighbourhood. Sometimes, the smallest changes in scenery can spark the biggest shift inside you. Every little step away from your old routine is a step closer to healing and moving forward.
3. Learn New Hobbies
One of the best ways to move on from a serious relationship is to invest in new hobbies and interests. Hobbies keep your mind engaged and provide healthy distractions from painful thoughts.
When you learn something new, whether it is painting, dancing, or cooking, you build confidence. Each new skill shows you that you are capable of growth beyond the relationship.
Hobbies also open doors to new communities. A fitness class or a book club introduces you to people who share your interests. These fresh connections remind you that life is still full of joy and companionship.
4. Do Not Quit on Yourself; Make New Plans
In times of heartbreak, it is easy to feel like your dreams no longer matter. But moving on from a serious relationship is about reminding yourself that your life still has meaning, purpose, and endless possibilities.
Take a moment to revisit the goals you once held close. Which ones still light a fire in you? Which new ones can you add now that you are stepping into a new chapter? Writing them down is not just planning; it is giving yourself hope and direction.
Your plans do not need to be huge or overwhelming. Even small steps, like saving for an online course, joining a fitness class, or starting a journal, can help you feel alive again. Each goal you set is a promise to yourself that you are building a brighter, stronger future as you move on from a serious relationship.
5. Accept That This May Be Hard but Not the End
Ending a serious relationship feels like hitting a roadblock. The pain can make you believe your story is over, but it is not. This is just one chapter of your life, not the whole book. Learning how to move on from a serious relationship takes courage, but it is possible.
Hard experiences shape us in ways we cannot always see right away. Every tear, every lonely night, and every moment of doubt is building resilience in you. By surviving heartbreak, you are becoming stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the future. That strength will carry you through whatever comes next.
Take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Many others have faced the same heartbreak, learnt how to move on from a serious relationship, and found happiness again. Your story is still unfolding, and it still holds many beautiful chapters waiting to be written.
6. Go to Therapy or Talk to Someone
One of the most powerful ways to move on from a serious relationship is by talking about your feelings. Keeping everything bottled up only makes the pain heavier, but sharing your emotions can give you the release you desperately need. Therapy is a safe space where you can pour out your heart, process your emotions, and start making sense of the pain without judgement.
If professional therapy is not an option, reach out to someone you trust. It could be a close friend, a family member, or even a mentor. Simply saying out loud what you are going through can lighten the weight on your shoulders. Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear to remind you that you are not alone.
Support groups are also a lifeline. Connecting with people who have walked the same road can bring comfort and reassurance. Remember, asking for help is not a weakness. Talking is courage. Talking about your struggles is a brave step forward, and it may just be the turning point you need to truly move on from a serious relationship.
7. Decide Whether to Talk to Your Partner
At some point, you may feel the urge to speak with your former partner. This is one of the hardest choices to make when you are trying to move on from a serious relationship, and it is deeply personal. Before reaching out, pause and ask yourself honestly: will this help me heal, or will it only make the pain heavier?
If you do decide to talk, keep the conversation calm and respectful. Go into it with the intention of finding closure, not starting another conflict. Sometimes, a simple and honest conversation can give you the peace of mind you need to take your next step forward with less emotional baggage.
But if speaking to your partner only reopens old wounds, it is perfectly okay to choose silence. Protecting your peace is not weakness; it is strength. Remember, learning how to move on from a serious relationship is about putting your healing first, even if that means walking away completely.
Moving on from a serious relationship is not something that happens overnight. It takes patience, effort, and above all, kindness towards yourself. Each of the steps shared here is a reminder that healing is possible and that your life still holds purpose and joy.
Remember that it is okay to feel pain, but it is not okay to give up on yourself. Travel, learn, plan, talk, and above all, give yourself the time you need. You are not broken; you are simply at a turning point.
In time, the sadness will fade, and you will look back with strength and gratitude for how far you have come. Moving on from a serious relationship may be hard, but it also opens the door to a new, brighter beginning.
Till I come your way again, don’t forget to subscribe to Doyin’s Honest Notes and enjoy a drop of honey for your day…