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How to get closure from my ex? I feel I need it.

176 Answers
Last Updated: 12/23/2021 at 3:59am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
RayvenNightfall
May 4th, 2017 8:22am
Oh goodness this one hits me hard because i was with a guy 3 years. we had known each other seven things ended with abuse of every kind towards me and then he left me for an underaged girl. this resulted in alot of legal actions and hes behind bars i never got my answers as to why things went bad and to this day i wonder why itall happened. Today im engaged, running a charity, two businesses and im on my way to getting a deree. these things are way more inportant to me than knowing why i was a punching bag or why i wasnt good enough in general so my answer to you is that you need to focus on bettering yourself and moving forward with your life. Sometimes life doesnt give us the answers to everything and thats alright becuase its better to let it go and close that door than it is to wallow in sadness over something that in the long run is just something small.
Kieran000
January 1st, 2021 8:40am
Getting closure from your ex why she ended things or why she did something which hurt you is very important to some people. If you don’t get closure on things, you’ll forever (long termly) be worrying what you did wrong or what they think they done wrong.. this can eat you alive (metaphorically of course). I think best way to get closure is just to ask them, be honest about what you want and why you want it, they would probably tell you why things happened as they happened then. Then after you have found closure, you will feel a lot better hopefully :)
Anonymous
August 4th, 2016 11:20am
You should realize he was not worth you. And it was better to leave them than be in such a relationship
Anonymous
October 9th, 2016 6:46am
Talk to him about it. Whatever youre feeling you should adress it, Im sure he will understand. Ask questions aswell!
TheSolstafir
September 29th, 2016 11:42am
It can take a long time to get over an ex, and sometimes it can feel that getting closure can help with that. Lots of things can help with closure. Some ideas include writing a letter and then burning it or tearing it up, or even making a box of things that remind you of the relationship and putting it away somewhere safe.
grayWolf19
August 13th, 2016 6:18am
Take the good things and the bad things and separate them. The good ones can stay in your heart as long as its in the past, while the bad things should disappear
soothingBreeze49
May 20th, 2020 7:36pm
Having a closure is really important after a relationship ends. Sometimes relationship end in a sudden way and we feel like there's so much more that needs to be said or addressed. Not knowing the closure of somethings gets me in agony and stress the whole time. I always keep thinking about the " What ifs" and where do we stand now and where's common ground and things like that. The most beneficial way for a closure is just by talking. Talk to your ex. Finalize your feelings and thoughts. Honesty is the best thing ever when it comes to communication.
allnaturalUnicorns70
July 14th, 2016 8:43pm
Decide that the relationship is over in your own mind. Once complete, look forward to the next person you welcome into your life.
Bookiie
January 8th, 2021 3:06pm
In many situations it is not possible to geta direct closure, meaning not everybody gets to have one on one conversation with their ex where they can say all the things they didn't get to say. In those cases, there are various possibilities that can give you some form of closure. One of those forms is writing a letter, something like Lara Jean did in "To all the Boys I've loved before", and if you feel it's too risky, you can easily burn or destroy the letter. In the letter, you can write anything you want to say to them. And if writing is too hard you can try other mediums as some form of art where you will get your emotions out.
purpleRaven76
January 22nd, 2017 1:28pm
I hear you! It would be absolutely wonderful if each relationship that ends comes with closure for both people. Why do we think closure exists outside our own hearts and minds, though? If we couldn't get what we need from our ex during the relationship, what makes us think we can get what we need from them when it's over? I think pampering oneself is a great form of closure, and also doing an "exit interview" with yourself, in a journal perhaps. What questions would you ask yourself as a "former employee" in the relationship? What were your strengths and weaknesses? What can you take with you into better relationships?
floofypuppers
February 2nd, 2017 3:04am
I would suggest simply getting out! Whether it's going to the mall, out with friends, or even for a walk or run. I've found that getting in the habit of doing this can help break a possible need for closure. Don't expect for these things to dissapear immediately, but over time that need for closure becomes less and less! :)
MakenaPatterson
August 5th, 2016 2:16am
If you have any mementos, it may feel satisfying to put them away in a private place for some time, or destroy them, if you're feeling any violent urges.
MissNadia
May 31st, 2018 2:42am
As the saying goes" no revenge is the best revenge" . My dear time geals and patience is the key. Dont have any expectations. Learn to accept that whatever the case may be ut was destined to happen this way .accepting is the first step. By becoming aware of that it will help you to grow as a person .from experience playing the waiting game never worked in my favour instead i learnt to love myself and unexpected when i have completely gotten over the "waiting for a closure " to be at peace, i became mY own peace and happiness then they come slong vack.only then it alll up to you to realise your worth .
KenziiShy
May 27th, 2018 5:45am
Sometimes you will never get closure from your ex. The closure comes from within you when you've moved on and you're ok with your life on your own. It can be a daunting though but it's critical that you see yourself as the soul responsibility for your happiness. When you focus on yourself you no longer need that closure because it's in the past. I always take a learning lesson from each relationship. Choose one thing that I could have done better and work on it for the next one. I don't put myself down, I am realistic.
shiningDay80
June 17th, 2020 8:49pm
Sometimes, you have to make your own closure. Whether it is hanging with friends, binge-eating ice cream, or talking to someone about your feelings, no, it is not easy, and you may not be able to get the closure you really want. Define your own closure and make it something that will make you happy. Coming from experience, obsessing over getting closure can become unhealthy, and that's no way to live. Wondering about the what-ifs or what could have been can make things worse. So, be around those who love you and cherish who you are and look forward to what the future holds!
blissfulBreeze3975
July 11th, 2021 6:57pm
From my personal experience, I got closure from meeting up with them/messaging them and speaking openly about the relationship and why it ended. We argued a little after we broke up but that also helped me to get over them quicker and realise that there could be someone better and more respectful out there. I also spoke about my feelings towards them, letting them know that I would still be there if needed, however I feel as though this wasn’t a good idea for me to do. I recommend chatting with them when you are both comfortable, expressing some feelings and then ending things completely on a good note.
Anonymous
June 5th, 2020 8:15pm
The best way to get closure is just sit down and have a serious conversation about where it went wrong, the reasons it happened, and if there’s ever a chance for anything to happen again. Ideally having a lengthy conversation and hitting every point helps. This also depends from person to person but just not planning the conversation but instead saying everything in her mind and taking turns speaking without interruption helps. There’s no need to rush the conversation as it can be very emotional. Never hold back on certain things. Just saying everything on your mind prevents future regret
Anonymous
May 21st, 2020 8:03pm
Sometimes, when you do not get the closure you want, you have to demand it. You owe that to yourself. Call them, text them and tell them what you want, and make it clear that you want it. I know it is hard to be so harsh on someone you cared for so much, but you have been harsh on yourself too for not giving yourself what you needed. And in this case, you needed a closure. You have to know your worth and you have to know what you need for yourself. Despite what people around you may tell you, to not contact your ex again, if you think you will feel better with the answers, then go for it. You come first. Nobody else. Remember that.
mysteriousPeace7489
May 9th, 2020 11:57pm
One good way to help process things is to write down the things that were good in the relationship, and the things that were bad. Often times, the things that were bad tend to outnumber the things that were good. And even when it doesn't, it still tends to put some clarity into the situation. Remember the good, hold on to it and learn from it, and remember the bad to remind of you of why things didn't work out. Hold on to that list, as time goes on, details tend to blur. It's easy to remember only somethings, and having a list to remind you that it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows can really help when you're feeling bad. Or, it can help to refer to the good times when you're feeling low.
victoryhavealittlefaith5555
April 27th, 2020 10:58pm
Everyone needs a different closure depending on how deep we are connected to the people around us, events or things. When I was questioning my decisions regarding job or love I approached both with honesty, openness and curiosity. It is important that we are in touch with our emotions, our body signs of what instinctively feels right to us and try not to rationalize too much, but rather just be present. Maybe we should not ask for closure from our ex partners, but rather to think about as continuing process of building the relationships. If one finds that their ex partner is a human being that they want in their life maybe one does not want to call for closure, but rather for wisdom and possibility to transform and accept. Some people stay in our lives and some don't. If the ex is someone who should not be in our lives they will simply not be. If one really needs a visible "closure" maybe it is a good thing to meet with the ex and just reflect and say "good bye". Sometimes that can be useful. Sometimes if we don't have that opportunity it is a useful practice to write a poem or two, read the book regarding break ups and somehow create emotional distance from the source of love anxiety yet in some way still find healing and content. And sometimes just have a cup of tea and in time the healing will take place. Just love yourself and be sure that the "ex" is "ex" for a reason.
sereneTruth8980
October 20th, 2021 1:07am
Are you on good terms? Is there a way for you to reach out that is healthy for both of you? If yes, then send them a text or ask to call. Find a healthy, safe way to communicate with the least amount of pain for both parties. It's so normal to feel like you need closure - I still get the urge to text my exes, even after years - but the most you can do is be open and honest with them, and if they do not communicate with you effectively in a way that eases your stress, then the best you can do is move on.
sillygoose0729
April 22nd, 2020 12:03am
1. give yourself time to mourn these feelings need to be felt and let out. holding them in will only result in breakdowns which will only make things worse. 2. i need to gain control on how you're going to make myself happy this process will help me find myself and feel in control about what i enjoy doing and what i don’t enjoy doing. 2. talk to friends they help you make those smart decisions. 3. no dating i obviously don’t want to, i need time to heal, figure myself out, i need time to reflect and process what happened. i don’t want the feeling of a warm body or sexual pleasure. i want love, real love, long term. and ill learn more of what i want when i first learn what makes me happy other than another person. 4. figure out what makes me happy this is all about me now. this is my time to do what i want. its a relationship between me, myself and i so let me get comfortable. 5. relax, treat yourself. meditate, color, read, run. just take a break and relax. smell candles. just chill , you deserve it. 6. set boundaries people need to learn to respect my boundaries in any relationship and if they don’t then they don’t respect me and i don’t have time or energy to deal with disrespect anymore. 7. be clear about what you want for your future over time, you will learn while loving yourself what is good for you and what you want.
Anonymous
November 4th, 2021 1:54am
When relationships end, closure is often needed. Some relationships end when one person is left confused and wondering what went wrong without any explanation. Without closure, it can leave a person with sadness, hopelessness and even depression. It is okay to try and reach out to your ex to receive closure if they allow you to. However, sometimes it is best if a person does not get closure. Someone new can walk into your life for the better, and make you forget that you needed closure in the first place. Stay positive, stay strong, and don't forget to keep your head up
Ash3K
April 9th, 2020 2:53pm
I find closure from within myself. My ex does not crontrol how I feel or my actions. Being kind to myself and doing self-care helps me be re-centered. I reflect on activities I used to do that I didn't do while in a relationship. I consider if those things are valuable to me. If they are, I strive to do at least one of them. I set a realistic time frame for myself to do one of those activities. For my closure and healing, I think of the good memories, acknowledge that there were good experiences with my ex, but also am realistic about what wasn't good. I think of what would make a future relationship better. For example, considering things in my control (myself), and how I can make changes to have a great relationship with myself and others.
Anonymous
March 21st, 2020 1:19am
You can contact them and suggest a meeting in a neutral place to have a calm discussion. State your feelings clearly and give your ex the opportunity to tell you how they feel. Agree on a maximum amount of time to talk beforehand and avoid arguing. Remember, this is closure, not revenge, and it is important to stay positive and relaxed through the entire conversation. End on a positive note and thank them for talking to you. It may be difficult to have an emotional discussion like this after a break-up, but you will feel better and emotionally grow from the experience.
Anonymous
February 28th, 2020 9:40am
Focus on yourself and the people around you. Once your mind is not on your ex or whatever they did, you'll be much happier and present in your life. Looking ahead helps us not linger on the past and what "might've been". Accepting that the past is the past can definitely help you achieve closure. If there is something that needs to be cleared up, talking it out with them is a good first step to take. After that, you can try to find a good way to deal with whatever brings up bad feelings about the relationship with your ex.
Sylvers
April 26th, 2019 6:35pm
I feel that it really helps to have personal understanding of why the relationship ended. And in order to get there, it helps to answer a few questions honestly. Are you looking for ways to get back with your ex? If yes, do you think that whatever problems you had before can be solved? If you feel hurt by the way your ex departed from the relationship, did you tell them about your feelings? Are you going to feel better if you share that with them? Did you leave anything worth-saying, unsaid? There are other things to consider, but I often found that these questions usually kept you wondering if they lingered unanswered.
Anonymous
January 30th, 2019 3:40pm
The best way from my personal experience, is to find in yourself what you found in them. Getting over an ex is a really difficult thing, and it may take some time. If they’ll agree, talk through what went wrong and why you’re broken up so you’re not left hanging. If you know why, but feel like it didn’t make sense ask about that as well, or anything you’re feeling unsure about. Closure is a good thing, especially if you feel like you need it from the relationship. Make sure you give yourself time to recover from the relationship as well, before going into a new one, to make sure you got the closure you were looking for.
llola3
February 7th, 2019 9:02am
Accept it. i have been down the same path in the past couple of months with a guy who i was in a relationship with and the thing is you never know you have closure until you do. surround yourself with people you love and things you love / enjoy to do. when you distract your mind from things that remind you of him / her they will slowly fall to the back of your mind without you even realising that it’s happening and when you do notice it will be in second nature to have them in the back of your mind.
Thacker
December 26th, 2018 4:23am
You should take a step back and think about yourself. What do you want for yourself? Your future? Also focus on what an amazing experience you had with that person, do not focus on the end result. All good things must come to end, leaving only the memories. Think about how much you have changed since the relationship began. What things about you have been changed for the better? I honestly do not know what else to say, just use your experience to make you a BETTER you! I know losing anyone you care deeply about can be tough, but cherish the memories and learn from your journey.