Part 3: How to properly handle and move on from a breakup

Breakups: What You Need, How to Heal, and When to Let Go

Breakups are messy, painful, and complicated, but they’re also opportunities for growth if approached with intention. In this episode, we dive deep into the lessons learned through heartbreak and how to navigate the journey of healing. From the importance of actions over words to the emotional pitfalls of unbalanced love, this conversation is packed with insights to help you move forward with clarity and self-respect.

What Do You Owe the Other Person?

A common question during a breakup is: what do you actually owe your partner? The answer lies in mutual respect. Whether you’re the one ending things or the one being left, practicing the golden rule—treating others how you would want to be treated—can make all the difference. This means communicating honestly, avoiding ghosting or cruelty, and offering closure when possible. It’s about handling the end of a relationship with dignity, not only for them but for yourself.

Why Self-Care Comes First

Breakups can leave us feeling overextended, especially when we’ve invested too much into the relationship. It’s tempting to pour your energy into trying to “fix” things, but the reality is that this often leads to burnout. The focus must shift inward: self-care is the key to healing. Take time to nurture yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you feel like you’ll never want anyone else but your ex, remind yourself that this is temporary and rooted in the immediacy of loss.

A helpful exercise is reflecting on past relationships. Think of an ex you thought you’d never get over. You did, didn’t you? This shows that even the strongest emotional ties can loosen with time and effort. Once you’ve healed, redirecting your energy to helping others can be a therapeutic way to regain purpose and perspective.

Can You Be Friends With an Ex?

One of the most debated post-breakup questions is whether you can remain friends with your ex. While it’s possible, it’s often tricky and fraught with complications. Personal stories shared in this episode highlight the challenges of trying to maintain a friendship, especially when emotions and unresolved feelings linger.

The hard truth? Physical boundaries are non-negotiable—never touch your ex again after breaking up. Intimacy blurs lines and hinders healing, making it harder to move on. Ask yourself: do you really want to be friends, or are you holding onto the hope of reconciliation?

Love, Imbalance, and Moving Forward

Unbalanced love is one of the most painful dynamics in any relationship. Being in love with someone who only “likes” you back can erode your self-worth. Similarly, staying with a partner who doesn’t show up for you emotionally is draining and unsustainable. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to walk away—whether you’re the one giving too much or receiving too little.

One key takeaway? Don’t settle for a relationship where your love isn’t reciprocated. And if you find yourself thinking about someone else while with your partner, it’s a sign that neither of you is in the right place. Relationships thrive on mutual investment, and without it, they can’t last.

Moving Toward Healing

Breakups are never easy, but by focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and reflecting on the lessons learned, you can turn heartbreak into a powerful opportunity for growth. Treat your ex with kindness, but prioritize your own healing. Above all, remember: you deserve a relationship where love and effort are mutual.

Ready to Heal?

For more insights into relationships, self-discovery, and moving forward after heartbreak, visit Closeness.com. Tune in to this episode and let’s get closer. 💔✨

1:45 Actions speak louder than words

5:55 What do you actually owe the other person?

8:24 Do unto others as you wo