How to let go of someone you love in 2024?

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves entangled in the emotional web of caring for someone who may not reciprocate our feelings. This can be a challenging and painful experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s possible to navigate through this emotional maze and emerge stronger. This article aims to provide guidance on how to stop caring about someone you love, with a unique perspective for those seeking online therapy.

Acceptance and acknowledgement

The first step to stop caring about someone is to accept and acknowledge the reality of the situation. This acceptance can be a difficult process, but it’s a crucial step towards emotional liberation. It’s also important to acknowledge your feelings, as ignoring them won’t make them disappear. Instead, allow yourself to fully experience your emotions until they lose their intensity.

Rachel Brathen, author of “To Love and Let Go,” shares her personal journey of love, loss, and gratitude in her book. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and the power of sharing personal stories as a means of processing pain. Her book serves as a reminder that every person has a story that could break your heart, and it’s through sharing these stories that we find comfort and healing.

Dr. Lisa from Growing Self suggests that with the right support, a painful breakup or divorce can be a doorway to powerful personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-esteem repair after a breakup. Her approach to therapy focuses on helping individuals find peace, closure, and ultimately flourish in the aftermath of a painful breakup.

Silva Depanian, a marriage and family therapist, differentiates between love and limerence. According to her, love is a deep connection that people develop after knowing one another, experiencing life together, and overcoming challenges together. On the other hand, limerence often comes with the tendency to ignore flaws and red flags, focusing on the idea of what the person represents rather than who they truly are.

Robert J. Sternberg, a psychologist known for his Triangular Theory of Love, explains that love stories convey different ways of how love is understood. This theory can provide a unique perspective on understanding the dynamics of love and the process of letting go.

Choosing Therapy suggests turning to your support system during this time. Sharing your feelings with family and friends and allowing them to be there for you can provide a sense of comfort and understanding. They also emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.

Finally, according to Health for Life Grand Rapids, therapy can be a safe place to explore your emotional pain after a breakup[11]. A counselor can help identify maladaptive coping strategies and develop more adaptive ones, such as problem-focused coping, self-reflection, or practicing relaxation techniques.

The journey of letting go of someone you love can be a challenging one, but with the right guidance and support, it’s possible to navigate through this emotional maze. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and lean on others during this time. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you through it.

 

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger,  these resources can provide you with immediate help:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
24 Hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.8255
Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741741