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How can you unlove someone?

302 Answers
Last Updated: 06/10/2022 at 3:20pm
How can you unlove someone?
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am inspired when working with clients, who are facing challenging life experiences, to be able to help them to develop the needed skills to live their best possible life!

Top Rated Answers
elleetheempath
September 25th, 2020 12:42am
Unfortunately, we are not in charge of the subconscious thoughts that come through our heads. However, one way to begin detaching yourself from a person you once loved is to connect the feelings of pain brought upon you with the connection of that individual. Furthermore, positively affirm yourself that these negative traits or actions of the other individual do not reflect how YOU truly feel and are. Your ex may call you "too loud", and instead I would connect with the hurt that he associated with me to tell myself that I am better off without those who do not accept me as I am. At the end of the day, I would remind myself that my loudness is not the issue, but that the other person and myself are just not compatible because that is something THEY do not like about me, not what I do not like about me.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2020 10:21am
It is a relative matter. If you are already in love with someone, then it is really hard to unlove him/her. The question is why you want to unlove the person? If that person was dear one once and now you guys are not in good terms then just avoid him/her, make a distance between you and that person, talk less and igonre that person. If that doesn’t work try to recall some negative sides of that person, you will automatically unlove him/her. I am not quite clear about your question though. If you wondering how people can unlove others, its just about life, reality. When we meet someone, build up friendship, sometimes it happens we get unexpected behaviour, selfishness from them. They might hurt you mentally or physically. So there are lot of reasons to unlove someone. Anyway, I am alway in favor of love.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2020 3:56pm
you can´t and you will always love the person, but you can take it one step at a time to get over the person. always take it one day at a time and always keep in mind that you will be okay no matter what. sure, the love doesn't go away but if you take it one day at a time, you will notice it kind of "fading" slowly and at the end you will be just fine, and know that you will find a new one someday too. not everybody is for you, but that is okay, cuz there a tons of others that are for you.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2020 4:30pm
Honestly, I dont believe you can just unlove someone. I dont think you can ever stop loving someone entirely. If you loved them at one point, youll always love them( unless you hate them lol). But yeah, over time these feelings just kinda diminishes when other things start taking priority. Youll probably find another person whom you may love or might choose not to love again at all. But, I dont think you can "unlove" them per se. Your expectations of the person will just lower too much ,if given time, for it occupy your thoughts. This is simply what happened to me. Might be different for everyone.
Anonymous
November 26th, 2020 2:45am
While the idea that there is only one true love for you, and that when you find them, you will love them forever, is a beautiful thought, it just isn't reality. People have “truly" loved another person and have “truly” fallen out of love with them since humanity began. Just because the feeling of love falters over time doesn't mean it wasn't ever real. Some people fall in love and the relationship works out and they are together and “in love" until death does them part. That's lovely when it happens that way but unfortunately that kind of love is a rare thing. The reality is that most people go through different stages in a relationship starting with attraction, liking, and then infatuation. This evolves into a deeper feeling as the two people discover how much they have in common and how they actually like each other. During this stage, they tend to think they have found their best friend. Two people who are “in love" want to plan a life together. They share the same goals and dreams and can't imagine being apart. When there are problems, they both compromise and try to fix things. This is true love. Cue the angels singing and unicorns dancing on rainbows. BUT, these things, including intense feelings of love and thinking you can't live without this person do not guarantee that you will stay in love with them. S**t happens. Life happens. Personality disorders, arguments, depression, money troubles, raising children, job stresses, sxual dysfunction and violence happens in relationships. And when these things happen, a little bit of the shine on that love starts to tarnish. It's gradual usually but it always happens. When it does and real life sets in, most people get disillusioned. It doesn't mean the love dies, it just gets watered down over time. In many cases, the relationship partners stay, living separate lives together for the sake of their children. These people may have an arrangement where neither looks too closely at the other's affairs. And if asked, they will swear that there is still love there. And it is still love. The other scenario involves being “in love” with someone who is a complete jacka**. No matter how much you love another person, if they treat you badly, cheat on you, lie, behave abusively, disrespect you and make you feel horrible in general, you are going to eventually realize that this ain't love on their part and you will start to fall out of love with them. Some people torture themselves endlessly over love, believing that if the “one" they loved got away, all their chances for true love is gone forever. It isn't so. Every time you love another person and open your heart to them, you enrich your life experiences. You can “truly" love many people in your lifetime and every one of those experiences are real even if they don't last.
Anonymous
November 27th, 2020 3:56am
You can't unlove someone. They will always have a piece of your heart but It doesn't mean you can't be enough for yourself. Instead of learning to unlove them start learning to love yourself in a way that it doesn't even matter that they exist. It is hard to move away from someone and moving on from someone is even harder but This is life. You will be fine and You will love yourself so much more that it won't matter that you still love a part of them. But it is Just a part, and you are Whole in yourself.
Anonymous
December 9th, 2020 7:25pm
I don't think you can truly ever unlove someone. The love will always be there no matter how much you want to hate them or discard the feelings. I can tell you that you can learn to stop letting that love blindly lead you. You can focus on what you feel is the right decision rather than what your heart longs to do for them. I'm not sure if this is because they have not regarded your feelings or can't return them but loving them isn't always a bad thing. So to answer the question you should listen to the reason in your mind and assess the situation to your voice of reasoning.
Mars821
December 26th, 2020 4:45am
You can't unlove, but you can absolutely redirect that love. Maybe you love someone who is undeserving, or who does not return that same love to you. Even though you can't make that emotion disappear, you can channel it away from the one bringing you pain and towards the people and things in your life that bring you peace. Over time, the love you have for this person will fade into a memory - it existed, but holds no relavance to your life anymore. This takes the sting out of it, and allows room for others to enter your life in new ways!
Emilyc103
January 2nd, 2021 11:15pm
Im not exactly sure if you can. Im sorry. eveuntually you will think about them less and less on a day to day basis but if you truly loved that person then Im not sure you will ever just forget that it happened. That doesn't mean that you will love them forever, but they will always be a part of your past and always be a part of your development. you'll think about them less and less, especially if you find a new partner (don't rebound on purpose, these things have to happen naturally). but they will always be a part of you and that isn't a bad thing. even if the relationship had a bad ending,
bubblegumNarwhal3234
January 9th, 2021 3:55pm
You can’t Unlove someone, you can only learn to live without them. It might seem like a daunting and painful process, and it is. But one day you’ll look back and be reminded of how strong you actually are. Make sure you have plenty of distractions and people around you to make you smile. Maybe have a movie night or go on a walk with a friend? Anything to keep busy. Exercise is known to benefit mental health so maybe that’s a good option? Do you have any work to do? That’s a common method of distraction, you’ll get there eventually, just take your time.
Anonymous
January 21st, 2021 3:29am
Love has a few parts. One part includes the feeling/emotions we experience. Another major aspect of love is action, which is the part that gets shared between someone and someone else. Communication is a key type of action to show you love someone. One strategy to help reduce emotions/feelings of love is to stop communicating with the other person completely, both directly or indirectly through others. That non-action/communication might help reduce some of the feelings/emotions. We can also reduce love for a certain person by re-thinking who that person is to us. When we love someone, we love who they are/think they are, so conceptualizing that person differently, maybe as a stranger or someone who's now non-existent, might help reduce feelings/emotions of love as well.
Anonymous
February 19th, 2021 8:47pm
You need to focus on yourself and accept the feelings you have for that person while at the same time continuing with your day and your life. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel as hard as it is. Focusing on your goals will save you from remembering the past times with that person. Finding things that make you happy and focusing on you will help you meet new people and it will also make you feel happy. The important thing to accept is your feelings to not feel bad about feeling what you are feeling.
affectionatebutterfly
February 24th, 2021 1:02pm
I don't think you can consciously unlove someone. It's a process and it takes time. But I can assure you, no matter how terribly hurt you feel, this pain won't be around forever. It would take time, yes, definitely, but there would be a day when you'll just not feel it anymore. But you just need to have faith and be patient. Some of the things that can help in the process are: 1. Cut off all forms of contact, ideally. This can be hard but if it's possible, the best thing to do, to heal faster is to cut off contact, unfollow them, mute them and it may seem harsh, but even block them, if you need to. This would require courage but it would be best for you. Now if you're in a situation where that is not possible definitely, then try reducing contact to minimum. 2. Distract yourself: Now that we've removed triggers, you need to find other things to keep yourself occupied. What I've found most effective is doing some activity or work that feels meaningful or impactful to you. Work towards your goals, your dreams. If not, get a hobby. Just anything you enjoy doing. In fact, I'd say set aside specific time for doing something you enjoy. And do it. You may not feel like doing it, but you'll feel happier after doing it. Another thing I've found helpful is working out. Any form of physical activity, really. It releases endorphins and can really help in uplifting your mood. Just give it a shot. 3.Make a list of all the bad things: A helpful tip I've learnt from Guy Winch is making a list of all the bad things about the person, all the negatives they did. Whenever you find yourself thinking about them, go through that list. Keep it in your notes app if you need to. 4.Vent it out: You're definitely going to want to vent out multiple times. Don't judge yourself for that. As many times you need to, find people willing to listen. Talking about how you feel can really help. And the listeners at 7 cups are a good place to go for that. 5.Be patient: Be kind and patient with yourself. Don't beat yourself up if you find yourself not making enough progress. Healing curve isn't a straight line going upwards, it's a wave. You'll have days when you'll be fine and then you may start feeling low, but that's okay. Be kind to yourself.
Anonymous
March 7th, 2021 12:24pm
In my honest opinion, it's not about unloving someone as much as it is about learning to live your life healthily and being able to accept apologies that were never given. Without context I can only gather that someone has hurt you and you had trusted that person. From experience I know how painful that is. People often don't consider the feelings of others when they do something and that, most times, leads to defensiveness, anger, and resentment. My advice to you is to reflect on the situation at hand. What happened? What precursors were there to this event? Is there anything I could have done differently? Also ask yourself how you can move on and be happy and healthier without this person, as you are the most important person in your life.
Anonymous
March 12th, 2021 5:01am
Hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I can understand how it feels to lose someone that you have strong feelings for. It is hard to forget someone that you may have shared so much of your life with. I can't tell you that there is an easy quick fix for getting over someone but from my personal experience, time and help from people close to me like friends and family helped but we are all different. You are the expert on you, tell me what you think might help you stop thinking about this personn?
BobbieB
March 19th, 2021 12:03am
I don't think you can unlove anyone. Love – the time, effort, emotions, and experiences – that's just something you can't take back. And why should you? It's a beautiful thing to connect with someone like that. Once a relationship ends for whatever reason, I think the most you can do is be grateful for what you had, and remind yourself that you can love yourself just as much and that you are still whole and complete without them - you're probably even greater now that you've gained so much insight and experience. You don't have to unlove anyone when you focus on yourself and your existing relationships, because you won't even have to think about that person anymore.
FriendsWithGabrielle
March 31st, 2021 6:48pm
You cannot unlove anyone. Once you fall in love with someone, no matter how much time you think or even believe you need to take to try and overcome them, it just won't work out that way. Love is a strong passion you feel for someone and no matter how long you try to attempt to I love someone, it just wont resolve anything. Instead, you should try to love yourself. Self- love is probably one of the most important items in this world that a lot of people desire. Even though most claim it is hard to find self love it is never hard to attempt.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 4:23pm
Take it one day at a time the love for them never really goes away but it slowly becomes easier to deal with. One day it will become easier and you will be able to move on past that person and you will be able to find new love and they will slowly become a flash of a memory. I feel for someone years ago but there not a day that goes by that they dont cross my mind even if its just for a second but then I remember that they taught me lessons that I will keep with me forever.
Anonymous
April 11th, 2021 6:43pm
It isn't about unloving someone. Your next step would be to focus on yourself and be who you are. Getting over a break-up takes time and self-reflection. You might not be able to choose who you love, but you can choose your thoughts and your behaviour about it. Accept the way you feel. If you fight or suppress your feelings, you'll feel conflicted. So if you love someone, then let it be so. Love freely, and express your feelings always. There's nothing better in this world to love and let your feelings be free to whoever you choose to give it to.
MadameX289
April 15th, 2021 7:04pm
Unfortunately I don't think you can ever unlove someone. I think the best thing to help get over someone is make yourself busy do things you've been putting off or that are on your to-do list, Catch up with friends and family and most importantly you have to block all forms of contact with them. It seems like a harsh thing to do and there is a slim possibility that you could just stay friends but if you continue to talk to that person it will be very hard to move on and you may be holding onto something very one sided which is why it is important to fully let that person go so you can have time because time is the biggest healer. Of course initially allow yourself to feel everything, all the sadness and pain because your feelings are very valid but don't forget give it time and you will slowly get over them because I truly think that you could never stop unloving someone since they must've made a huge impact for you to get to that stage where you love them but in time you will slowly grow to get over them and it will hurt less. Hope this helped!
youxarexloved
May 2nd, 2021 10:53pm
I dont know if you can ever stop caring for a person, but I think you can stop talking to a person, stop being dependent on a person, or stop liking a person. If the care is genuine, it is really hard to do away with no matter how much they hurt us, but it does not mean we are not allowed to set up our boundaries and let that person go. You may also miss the good aspects of that person. TIme and having other good, healthy relationships help with that. Letting go of a person is truly a grieving process. best of luck.
Raksh00
June 17th, 2021 7:28am
More than unlove I think you can just think of ways of growing from that experience that led you to this question! If you have had good memories with someone and lately it's been rough and you want to unlove them then you just grow with the fact that you had a good time while you did and now it's time to move on. Cherish the memories because they meant something once upon a time but also understand that it's not working out and let it go. If it was toxic or did not bring you happiness while you were with them, you got your answer, they aren't worth your love and most importantly your time! The time you spend thinking about them or this. You deserve so much more and once you know that, you wouldn't be stuck on someone who made you think of ways on how to unlove them! However hard it may be, you will be over it and be proud of yourself when you do so! It May take a day, a week, months, or even years to finally understand it and move forward with your life but someday you will thank yourself for not giving them the attention and giving all the love to yourself! Either way in both situations, do not waste your precious time thinking of ways to 'unlove' them. Know your worth, love yourself, and let me tell you, the more attention you give to them or anything related to them, it gets hard! Prioritize and good luck!
Anonymous
June 24th, 2021 6:38pm
As our environments change and how we are effected by events, we grow and change as people (good or bad) and the people around us do so in different ways. You cannot be the same person forever and neither is anyone else. And sometimes the person they have grown into is not the same one you fell in love with in the first place. And when this happens, you cannot force the love to still be there as it will only stop you from any more personal growth.Because of that falling out of love is not always a bad thing
PositiveUnicorn7983
July 23rd, 2021 6:23pm
Learning to unlove someone is not a quick thing and takes alot of time and emotional energy, from personal experience, you have to completely cut yourself off and break free from all contact and communication with the person you are trying to fall out of love with, in time, feelings begin to deminish and thoughts of that person become less and less untill one day they are no longer part of your thoughts. Before you know it you no longer think of that person and begin to live life and find a new way of living as if they were never part of your life. Like I said it's no quick thing, and takes strength and determination, but love will soon go and life gets better.
Anonymous
September 9th, 2021 7:39am
I personally feel if a person has made a strong enough impact on your life, you will always love them to a certain extent. This does not always mean the person was a romantic interest, it can be platonic love or love for a family member. When it comes to romantic love, I think you go through a range of emotions for any given amount of time until you just let whatever feelings come up, just come up and move on with your life. To close, If you truly loved someone, you will most likely love them, not as strong as before, or the same, but subconsciously you will.
Easylistener
October 7th, 2021 5:17pm
The more you love yourself, it's easier to let go of someone else. So the less impact they have on you depends on how much you are kind to you. When you realize it's okay to love someone and still see their faults, it helps a lot. Loving someone is not something you can help, but knowing that it's there doesn't mean you are failing in any way. The more you actually accept someone that you would like to unlove, the easier it is to do that. Just seeing them as a person that you connected with, and that it's helped you grow, is useful.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2021 11:18pm
A good question to ask here is: “Why do I feel the need to unlove this person?” Is it because you feel hurt, there is a separation you are trying to adjust to, you can’t have them, or something else? Take time to sit with this and journal, speak out loud, or share with a good listener your reasons why through the lens of how you feel. Oftentimes, if we can embrace all of our emotions and allow them to take us to the deeper parts of our hurt, the issue at hand won’t be as troubling and a way out will become more clear. It is good to remember that it is possible to leave someone, create distance / boundaries, release expectations, or feel hurt while still loving them. Sometimes we fail to realize the transformative power of a vulnerable conversation, if the situation will allow it. If there something in you that says it isn’t safe to love, that is a good voice to question & show love to. If it is someone or a situation you cannot have, it is best to add more love to yourself & your life so you feel you are able to love this person freely without needing them to be something in your life. It could indicate a reflection that your need to unlove is really a feeling of lack of reciprocation for the expectations of your love. This person in question could help you understand what parts of you really want more love. Be easy on yourself and this process. Practice good awareness. Set up good boundaries & outlets. Love on yourself a little more each day. You can do this!
Benosha99
December 18th, 2021 3:21am
You can’t unlove someone but you can find higher priorities like loving yourself and your mental health even more. I think that love isn’t about the person you love, it’s about you. And it’s great. You should be grateful for feeling love. Some can’t experience those feelings. Appreciate your heart. If you love someone and don’t like feeling this way. Ask yourself why and then try to do other things that makes you happy. Like a hobby or activity. That will make you concentrate on other things and with time you will learn to control your feelings and go forward.
Anonymous
January 6th, 2022 3:56pm
Letting go of the love you have for someone is tough, but with a little help from your friends and family, you can do it. Rather than isolating yourself, call up a friend to talk. You can talk through your feelings for the person you're trying to fall out of love with or just catch up on other things in your lives. You can live freely and happily. 1. Realize it's actually not about unloving them · 2. Accept it · 3. Cut all contact, no matter how hard it is · 4. Don't rebound, even if it's tempting.
RainbowUnicorn1266
March 12th, 2022 5:44pm
Sometimes after a long time we fall out of love with people, it is not something we can always prevent from happening as it is just natural at times for it to happen and it happens in different circumstances. You are a good person if you realsie this and then tell the person as soon as you can to save them getting hurt in the long run. Love is a powerful thing and it is true what they save love and hate are very close together. It is okay to fall out of love with someone and is sometimes unexplainable