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I broke up with him even though I do love him and he loves me. I had to! How can I move on from someone I can't find a reason to hate?

246 Answers
Last Updated: 06/11/2022 at 2:33am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
August 28th, 2020 10:59pm
I think you two should get back together if you people love each other so much and if you can't because of some reason then I guess you'll have to wait, it will take time, the hurt won't go away so soon. You can try meditation and journalism. Try to forget them by erasing all your memories and starting fresh. It will be hard because you love them but that's the only way out, forgetting them and removing them from your memory because moving on from someone you love, it's not really easy but it can happen! Though I am really confused why you two separated.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2020 11:31pm
Hmm, this is a tough one. I do think that you have the answer to this. It may not be so easy moving on from this, and I am speaking from experience. Find what you love to do and do it. Grow in it and watch yourself bloom. The question is, why did you guys end the relationship? Do you wish to have what you had back? Have you guys tried talking about it? There are a lot of questions to think about and a lot of things to consider. calm down and think about it. you've got it.
royalSmiles7528
October 11th, 2020 8:18am
My first impulse is why? There is no need to break up with him. Why did you have to? Depending on that reason, then I would then have to think about that especially if you love each other. But if other loves are involved I suppose it can bring stress and complicate the situation. Is one married to another or a parent to someone else's child? Perhaps it is parental demands or expectations. Or you are lo g distance and there are too many lonely longing to be with someone on the planet. Why is love between a man and woman so scarce. Shouldn't we discover our primal and earthly self in addition to the spiritual?
Talktotom
October 15th, 2020 9:21pm
Firstly, well done on your maturity and bravery. Too many people stay together because they love each other but knowing that they don’t work together. However, this has its drawback because there isn’t a defining moment when someone does something unforgivable and anger is present. To move on, you have to reassess why you broke up in the first place. Maybe it’s helpful to write a list of why it wouldn’t work, or examples of times they made you feel bad. Refer back to the list when you feel your mind wandering to keep reminding yourself. Whilst you can go into another relationship, you may find yourself emotionally still with your ex. So be careful not to rush into a relationship too soon, until you feel ready to move on. In the meantime, do go on dates, rekindle friendships and create distractions and new passions.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2020 6:32pm
You don't need to hate someone to be able to recognize that you don't want to be with them or that you want to move on. Many relationships end on "amicable terms". "Amicable" is another word for friendly. Ending a relationship on "amicable terms" means that the two of you decide to part ways but still maintain a general sense of mutual respect and acquaintance-level or friend-level care towards one another. In this type of relationship ending, while the romantic relationship is gone, there is no ill will between former partners. If you want to move on but not hate each other, it may be worth considering this type of relationship closure as an option.
Lavinia98
November 18th, 2020 4:49pm
It can be hard to leave someone you love. However, sometimes it is the best decision for ourselves to ensure that we are looking after our own wellbeing. It takes time to heal after a tough break up. Allow yourself to feel all of your emotions, they are valid feelings. Be kind to yourself. With time, you will heal and feel like yourself again. You will be able to look back at the good times and smile without feeling a tinge of pain. Practice self care and spend time with those who love and care about you. You are not alone.
Anonymous
December 1st, 2020 8:48pm
First of all, that is very difficult and I am sorry that you are going through this. It is hard! In my personal experience, I have had to focus on myself rather than my ex. To focus on myself, I made time for me to do nothing, read, write, or workout. Do what you love to do, whatever that may be. Focusing on yourself will allow you to let go and move on from him. I also reached out to friends and family members who have gone through similar experiences for their advice. That was super helpful in the beginning.
empathicYosu1506
December 9th, 2020 11:13pm
Breaking up is hard, moving on is harder, this is normal, sometimes relationships can't work out because of reasons you can't get control of. Just wish each other the best, you don't have to find a reason to hate. You can move on by stopping contacting him in the meantime, and find other new places where you can meet new people and make new friends. Distract yourself by doing anything that you love or learning anything you want to learn. You can also engage in volunteering and curricular activities, I've been there and it completely changed my life to better and I managed to develop myself from experience. So you can do this too, you just need to have a strong intention.
AdventurousSpirit123
December 12th, 2020 1:43am
Focus on where you are going and what you left the relationship to find, rather than why you left. You don't have to hate somebody to leave a relationship. You don't need any reason at all. But it's pretty common to move on when a relationship no longer meets our needs, or our individual journey takes us in a direction the other person's journey isn't taking them. It's okay to be sad about leaving. It's okay to be happy for the time you had together. And it is okay to honor and cherish the time you got to spend with that person, how they made you feel, how they helped you to grow. And the positive impact you had on them.
Anonymous
December 24th, 2020 5:58am
It is okay that you can't find a reason to hate him. You spent valuable time together that should be cherished. You did what you had to do and that is awesome, serious kudos to you! Moving on will take time and I hope that you can be gentle with yourself during the process. Grieving relationships look different for everyone. Put your focus and energy on the things that bring you comfort and joy. Heal the best you can and when you are ready to get back out there for love, you'll know it. Best of luck to you dear!
Iamsidhere
December 26th, 2020 5:29am
I broke up with someone i love too... ik it hurts us to move on fast but not moving on will hurt u too... sooner or later u will realise that you will have to move on.. you dont need to find a reason to move on.... all you need is time... time is the best healer.. trust me on this time helps a lot.. for me personally it helped me to move on without getting too much hurt. i know you love him and you love him.. you had that reason thought right... maybe think of that reason it might help you move on.. trust me though time is the best healer
heyitsAri853
December 31st, 2020 7:47am
You don't need to hate someone in order to move on. Give yourself time away from them, even if you're planning on staying friends, and allow him to do the same. Do things you love, whether that be art, reading, sports, theater, music, etc. Reinvest in yourself and your passions. Practice self care - try a mask, go exercise, focus on getting adequate rest, commit to writing down a few things you love about yourself each day (whatever is most beneficial for you). Strengthen your connections with friends and family. Whenever you want to talk, reach out! Trust your feelings and thoughts as valid, they don't need to be justified to anybody. Be patient with yourself! It's completely normal to have good and bad days back to back, or go through periods of missing him and feeling better.
Anonymous
January 10th, 2021 2:50am
You do not have to hate someone to move on. I understand that sometimes even though you both love each other, certain circumstances compel you to leave each other. Love is not the only thing which is needed in a relationship. You do not have to find reasons to hate him, nor do you need another boyfriend to get over him. You have to accept the decision you made and think of all the reasons which made you take this decision. It is not easy to forget everything about a person and move on, but that is fine. Give yourself time, I am sure things will get better for you :)
Anonymous
January 20th, 2021 5:55am
There must be a reason why you saw the reason to break up with him. You have to find the courage to be strong enough to move on, love yourself again do things that will make you focus on you and try forget about him. I suggest you follow your heart if you want to be with him that is also your choice no need to torture yourself with things you have the power to change. However do not be too hard on yourself , decisions are always not easy but you need to remind yourself why you made that decision in the first place. Hope that helped.
Anonymous
January 29th, 2021 7:07am
This has happened to me too. Sometimes when you love a person too much, you become blind. I also thought that he loved me as much as I loved him. But then I realized if we really loved each other, why didn’t it work? Why did it end in the first place? Did you really love the person? Or is it an illusion of connection that replaces real relating and genuine acts of love and intimacy? Time will heal and you do not have to find a reason to hate him in order for you to move on. When we’re stuck in the pain and confusion of a break up, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Remember to take this time to take care of yourself.
Anonymous
February 4th, 2021 5:23pm
If you had to then you’ve realised that something needs to change, self growth and self love is one of the best ways to move on, make a list of things you would like to accomplish that would bring you more job and happiness, of course relationships are an important aspect in many people’s lives but being separated allows a wide breadth of progress to occur, spend time with friends and family that you can trust and talk to, this is helpful when trying to move on, although you do not hate this person there is a reason for the break, you have made a massive step already for self growth, continue to flourish and enjoy your life!
bluehoo3
February 19th, 2021 3:47am
Keeping busy is always a great way to take your mind off of things. I usually like to focus on schoolwork and on my hobbies. I also would suggest listening to music, which is another great way to get your mind off of things. In addition, I like to talk to my friends about it so that way, I get it off my chest (your friends will always be supportive no matter what, and it's always nice to know that you have people who support and will help you regardless of the situations you're in). All of these things would help keep your mind off of things! Breaking up is definitely hard, but it is necessary sometimes.
Mynameisj831
February 20th, 2021 4:36am
Sometimes you are forced to do things that you don't want to do and I am so sorry that you had to experience this. Unfortunately, all you can do is give yourself and him space and time. It helps if you are able to immerse yourself in a hobby such as painting, jogging, singing, meditation, etc. There is no easy solution or quick fix for the feelings you feel for each other. There is no need to hate him even if you are no longer together. Embrace the happy memories you had together and take all the time you need to heal.
Anonymous
March 31st, 2021 11:10am
Its okay to go through hard decisions, life’s full of challenges ....sometimes you are enjoying a beautiful moment and sometimes we end up in a bad situation. As quickly as joy ends similarly hardships also end as quickly as joy does ...of course it will take time to heal ....you will have to be strong and brave and keep your head up. Remember that even if you didn’t hate him, there is a reason you two are not together ...trust life and remember that everything happens for our own good.
MrsRalf
April 28th, 2021 4:16am
I understand how you feel. Letting go of someone you still love can never be an easy thing to do. But I am sure you chose what was best for you when you decided to break up with him. I am here to help you to go through this journey by giving a listening ear everytime you experience sadness as a result of your emotions. I am pretty sure that you chose your self first when you decided to end things and you know the kind of partner you want to be with. Never feel bad about choosing your self.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2021 1:46am
It is a tough process. We become invested in the relationship and we become a part of each others lives. Unknowingly we share so much and that and experience things together. When the person is no longer there its like a piece of you is missing. So that is normal and okay. Especially if you know that the relationship was unhealthy for you. There are tough times ahead. But it will pass and you'll be able to invest yourself into another relationship and try again. Remember the reasons behind why you are choosing to not be together and know that the pain will end.
Beartohug4u
May 26th, 2021 8:42pm
I found that the best way to let go of my past was to look toward my future. To look, not with fear or anxiety, but with clarity and insight. I focus on what I want to accomplish and find the healthiest path that will lead me there. Letting go of the past is not forgetting. We can’t learn from the mistakes of yesterday if we forget. Let the past go, embrace the present, and all of its imperfections because that is how we can achieve moving forward. We live it, learn from it, snd then let go of it. Only keeping with us what we need for our journey to a better tomorrow. That is a path worth taking.
Anneb
May 30th, 2021 1:57pm
here is a reason that you have broken up, hate is a strong emotion and letting someone go is not a reason to hate them. it sounds as if you are setting both of you free for a reason that doesn't seem clear now, but perhaps will do later. You move forward by becoming fully you, by taking a step back and assessing who you are without the other person. Where are you going? What/who do you want to be? It's time to work on yourself now. Deep breath in and out - it's time to focus on you.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2021 11:34pm
Moving on is definitely a difficult thing to do, especially from someone you still feel you love. But moving on isn't about hating someone, it's about improving yourself. You have to choose to do what makes you happy, and what will be better for you in the long term. Focus on yourself and maybe find a new hobby or interesting show or book. Over time, it will get easier and easier and you will realize that the choice you made was right for you. Love isn't the only thing needed to keep a relationship going. Keep working on you!
Anonymous
August 27th, 2021 2:23pm
I hear you and can relate when you said, "I had to!" Recently, I broke up with my long-time best friend due to an inevitable reason. It was me who proposed the idea of breaking up, and we both parted ways amicably. There were no hard feelings or hatred, but I had to end it. Sometimes, we have to take certain decisions in life that we wouldn't have taken if circumstances were different, and I feel that it is completely okay. Just because we parted ways with someone doesn't mean we have to hate that person or forcibly find a reason to hate them to move ahead in life. As the broke up took place at a point where you both were in love, hating each other may not be possible for any of you. You can be in love with someone and still stay away from them. Moving on may feel like walking on burning coal now, but it will get better as time passes. Reminding yourself that every human being goes through pain might motivate you to look ahead in life. It is okay if you're struggling with it now as moving on after a breakup isn't an overnight process. Take some time off from work, studies and indulge in self-care activities. We tend to overthink and forget ourselves after a heartbreak. Therefore, shifting your focus from "What went wrong?" to "How can I better care for myself?" will help you keep yourself sane. Wishing you the best! ❤
caringHeart8929
August 28th, 2021 1:32am
Do not hate the person accept the reason you broke up with the person. Take some me time to heal yourself before trying to move on to anyone or anything else. This is a grieving process as you are losing someone and some of yourself. Give yourself time and as time goes you will be able to move on naturally and be ready for whatever comes your way. Do not be hard on yourself and do not force anything. One last thing remember you are a very special person and worth loving when the time is right you will know it.
Anonymous
September 26th, 2021 6:06am
Through my own experiences, I've found that it can be very difficult and sometimes harder to move on from someone when there are no reasons to point to. I felt this way when my girlfriend was going back to college. It was sometimes frustrating to think that circumstances were out of my control and that it was best for me to break up with someone I still love. What helped me move on was knowing that it is okay for me to break up with someone who I don't hate or have something against. I learned that sometimes I will have to make decisions that go against what signals my emotions are telling me. Although it was difficult to move on at first, I recognize that breaking up was the best decision to make for me.
enigmaticButterfly8052
November 3rd, 2021 2:08am
I have honestly done the same thing. Try thinking about how in the long run this will help you rather than hurt you. You may love him but sometimes love isn't enough. To move on, you should think about the happy times and then compare them to the bad ones. Think about why you had to break up with him. In the end, this will be good for you and you will be able to be a better person because you made such a hard decision. Just remember that you are amazing and can get through anything. Be confident in yourself!! 😁
CaringKelsey
November 19th, 2021 7:57pm
You don't have to hate someone or even fall out of love with someone to breakup. Sometimes its more about about can we the best versions of ourselfs with one another. Subconsciously you broke up with him for a reason. Trust that feeling, You dont have to wait for the "explosion" to happen before you leave. Sometimes loving people is knowing when to let go so you both grow. And doing so before the "explosion" happens leave preserves that relationship for the future. Weather it be as a reunited couple, or to connect as friends later on down the line.
CelestialAurora
December 12th, 2021 5:19pm
I can completely understand the frustration of having to leave someone when you wish you could be with them. But there are times when we have to move on, and that is okay. Moving on requires a couple of steps, but mentally, it is very gradual. The first step is removing any proof or things that remind you of him. This means deleting pictures (and deleting the pictures from your recently deleted), deleting chats, and deleting messages. You need to take all things that remind you of this person out of your life. Another part is catching your thoughts about this person and immediately turning them off. You don't need to think about why something happened the way it did because the relationship is over anyway. It may be easier to get your mind off of this person by doing fun activities. The number one thing you do not want to be doing is doing nothing, thinking about this person, and going through pictures and memories that remind you of the relationship, so avoid them! Try to have hobbies and have fun. It seems simple, yet if you don't do it, it's can be a rough breakup recovery.