Breaking Up With Your Ex's Family: How To Keep Your Head Above Water

Breaking up with your significant other is hard enough, but when you’re close to their family, it can create even more baggage. Breaking up with your ex's family can be an emotionally challenging experience, but with time and the right mindset, you can get through it. 

Here are five tips to help you move on when your ex's family holds a place in your heart:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's important to accept and reconcile the feelings you have for your ex's family. It's normal to feel a sense of loss and sadness when you break up with someone, and that includes their family. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions, and don't be afraid to talk about them with friends and family.

2. Create New Connections: While it's hard to say goodbye to your ex's family, it's important to look for new connections and relationships. You don’t have to find replacement ‘parents’ or ‘siblings’ - but try to figure out what roles those people had in your emotional well-being. Spend time with other friends and family members who can offer you support and understanding.

3. Find a New Hobby: A new hobby or activity can help you move on from your ex and their family. This can be anything from joining a sports team to taking a dance class or volunteering in your community. Having a new activity to focus on can help take your mind off the breakup and give you a positive outlet for your emotions.

4. Practice Self-Care: Self-care is essential when you are going through a breakup – especially if it involves your ex's family. Make sure to take time for yourself and do things that make you feel good. This can include exercising, journaling, meditating, or anything else that helps you relax and recharge.

5. Give Yourself Time: It takes time to heal after a breakup, especially when it’s multiple people and support systems leaving your routine. Even if it feels like it will never end, remind yourself that all of the pain and sadness will eventually subside.

It’s Normal to Miss an Ex’s Family

Breaking up with your ex's family isn’t crazy - it’s part of moving on from a once-healthy relationship. Acknowledge your feelings, create new connections, find a new hobby, practice self-care, and give yourself time to heal. By taking these steps, you can keep your head above water and find the strength to move on.