After all, absence does make the heart grow fonder
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Missing them hurts.
To put it simply, it sucks.
Or we might miss certain things about the person.
Jasmin Merdan / Getty Images
We might even miss the person we were in that relationship.
What Missing Someone Terribly Feels Like
Missing someone often feels like a physical ache in your chest.
We might feel sad or even angry.
When we are missing them, it might seem like were not able to concentrate on anything else.
We might shed tears when we think about this person.
Or we might be tempted to pick up the phone and call or text them.
At some point, most people experience either breaking up with someone or being broken up with.
How these relationships end, research suggests, can impact future emotional health.
Sometimes these are temporary feelings that come and go or lessen as time goes on.
In other cases, some of these feelings might be symptoms ofdepression.
Recap
Missing someone hurts, both mentally and physically.
It might even feel like you are missing a part of yourself.
Why Do I Still Miss Them?
Life is full of changes, including changes in relationships.
It’s natural to miss someone who is no longer part of our lives.
It’s also possible we missthe idea of themor what they represented.
The loss of a perceived future with someone can often be as painful as losing the person themself.
Relationshipsare a fundamental part of life, but that doesn’t mean that they always work out.
When these bonds are broken, we may experience painful feelings of longing.
You might miss someone because:
That person was once an essential part of your life.
You may still find yourself looking back and thinking about them.
And in retrospect, the good parts of the relationship might loom larger in your mind.
These emotions can be even more intense if the other person ended the relationship.
This doesn’t mean that you regret ending things.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the painful emotions of missing someone and get on with your life.
Give Yourself Time
If you still miss someone, remind yourself that you may need time.
Remember to be kind to yourself.
Find Social Support
Social supportis essential for mental well-being.
Spend time with friends and family.
Talk about how you feel with trusted friends and family.
This will help you feel less alone and more connected to others who understand what you are going through.
Find Time for Fun
Engage in activities that make you happy.
Find new hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
Take Care of Yourself
Ensure that you’re not neglecting your needs and well-being.
Eat nutritious meals and spend some time each day being active.
make a run at get enough sleep.
Do something nice for yourself, like getting a massage or going out for dinner with friends.
Rather than trying to avoid specific ideas, mindfulness meditation promotesaccepting feelings without judgment.
You might try joining social groups in your area or try online dating.
Missing someone is a natural feeling that everyone has to go through.
2018;6(3):172-190. doi:10.1177/2167696817711766)
Leary MR.Emotional responses to interpersonal rejection.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.
2018;6(3):172-190. doi:10.1177/2167696817711766
