How to Let Go of That One Love

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Updated: May 27, 2019

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Have you ever had a first love? No, not like the kid who passed you the crayons in kindergarten. But that person that you had fun with and didn't want to let go of. Ever tried to let go but couldn’t, because you always wanted them there when no one else was; when it rains, when you were sad, or when you were scared?


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    Cry. Nothing is worse than bottling everything up then exploding into an emotional wreck when you see them with someone else. Take a day and just remember. Cry and get it out of your system. You'll be able to move on faster, and it's healthier for you in the long run.
  2. 2
    Get rid of material things that remind you of that person. When you see it, it just makes them seem like they're still with you, even when they're not. Those objects will also trigger unwanted memories and make it harder for you to move on.
    • You don't necessarily have to start a bonfire or drag everything to the garbage can. Simply store away items in boxes and shove them in the back of your closet. You'll avoid regretting your actions, and those items will still be there for you if you wish to use them in the future.
    • Store photographs of you and that person away. Avoid burning or ripping them up, as you might regret it.
  3. 3
    You don't have to forget all of your memories; the happy ones can still put a smile on your face. You shouldn't be replacing your feelings with hatred or making yourself unhappy for the sake of forgetting everything about the person.
  4. 4
    Get closer to family. They can help distract you from heartbreak. They'll be there for you when you need to talk, and they'll support you in many different areas that no one else can.
  5. 5
    Seek support from parents, counselors, sponsors, or friends. Talking about  the way you feel, the loss you feel, and what was is crucial when letting go. We can't have a better future if we don't realize what events brought us to this point, talking about it is cathartic, and brings perspective. It's a difficult process, and you don't have to do it alone.
  6. 6
    Know that you are not alone. Many people have gone through the same thing, and they have survived. If they are able to still be happy without that person, shouldn't you?
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    Try to learn from it and strengthen yourself for having had the experience. After all, it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Think about your choices and ask yourself if they were good ones or not.
  8. 8
    Help others. It'll keep you active and take your mind off things. You'll also be brightening someone's day, and they may return the favor in the future.
  9. 9
    Study or work harder. Studying is a great way to lose yourself and get ahead in school. It will focus your thoughts on greater promises for the future. Focus on a subject you enjoy, and expand in it. Don't forget to improve in other areas as well.
  10. 10
    Know that forgetting takes time. Take it step by step and one day at a time. You might not get over it quickly and easily because your heart needs time to heal. However, know that it will be worth it in the end. This person is nothing but a stepping stone to your happiness.
  11. 11
    If you've heard the old saying, "you'll never forget about your first love," don't let that discourage you. The truth is, you always remember your first love. However, you will find someone else better and who is a perfect match for you.

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  • Question
    What do I do if it's been 25 years?
    Community Answer
    Try getting in touch, maybe this person is still waiting and thinking of you too.
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    • Keep yourself occupied
    • Nothing's impossible. Find other things that make you happy. And don't date until you're ready and over it, because there's a higher chance you'll compare. That's not fair. Focus on your happiness and others around you! Create good karma.
    • Don't sulk, and think about how you two were supposed to be together forever. If it wasn't meant to be then it wasn't meant to be, Don't force it.
    • When you see yourself thinking of all the good things, start by thinking of the not so good things.
    • Meditating on something more enjoyable can do wonders.


    • Don't talk about him/her all the time. It just shows that you're making no progress at all and your friends and family will get tired or hearing his/her name all the time.
    • Watch out for love songs on the radio. You may need to go with your own playlist for a while.

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    Categories: Handling Rejection

    In other languages:

    Español: olvidar un amor, Italiano: Lasciar Andare un Grande Amore, Русский: отпустить единственную любовь

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