Is there a right way to get over your ex?
By Sanchia Saunders
Breaking Up in London: Navigating Heartbreak
Many people will experience a breakup in their lifetime, whether that’s due to infidelity, growing apart, boredom, or the unfortunate case of the ‘wandering eye’. However, the way in which people deal with heartbreak varies from person to person, with factors like age, status, and experiences playing a large role.
The Role of Age in Heartbreak
Age, in particular, is one of the biggest factors, as studies suggest. Over 66% of women find dating more difficult with age. In fact, 1 in 10 women call dating impossible, and 1 in 4 have declined social invitations because of their age. This suggests that older women are struggling to get back onto the dating scene and find love after heartbreak, due to letting their age hold them back.
Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller
Learning from Gen Z: Getting Over an Ex
However, maybe getting over an ex could be easier than we make it out to be. A group that seems to be highly skilled in getting over their exes is Gen Z. This could arguably be down to all the girl power anthems released by artists in the past few years, encouraging singles to move on from their ex. Examples include SZA - "Kill Bill," Ariana Grande - "Thank U, Next," Little Mix - "Shout Out to My Ex," GlorRilla - "F.N.F," and Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," just to name a few. So, if you’re currently going through a breakup and these songs aren’t on your playlist, get adding them.
Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller
Methods to Move On
However, music isn’t the only factor that helps singles get over heartbreak. One of the more obvious ways people deal with heartbreak, Gen Z in particular, is by following the famous phrase, ‘To get over someone, you need to get under someone’. Studies have shown that this is one of Gen Z’s preferred methods. According to reports, “Out of 170 undergrads surveyed, 35% had sex with someone other than their ex-partner—that is, engaged in rebound sex within a month of their breakup.” Unfortunately, this is a quick fix and not a long-term one, due to the bond and connection many singles still share knowingly and unknowingly with their exes. As a result, this often means some singles struggle with letting go. Reports state that “53% of us continue to sleep with our ex after a breakup due to sexual compatibility.”
Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller
Finding Your Own Path to Healing
Despite this, there is no right way to get over someone you once loved or shared an intimate connection with, as everyone is different and processes things in different ways. However, good things to do include taking it easy and listening to your heart. There is no handbook or time frame needed to get over someone, but what is needed is to find the fun in life again and put yourself first. Whether that’s going out on dates, picking up a hobby, or even dating again. Even though the rose-tinted glasses of love may be off, it doesn't mean that once you get back on the dating scene you get the ick with any guy that comes your way, as this will set you up for failure. Instead, keep an open mind and an open heart.
Share Your Experiences
If you do feel like offloading some of your biggest icks, head to our Instagram and share them with us in the comments.
Conclusion
Heartbreak is a personal journey, and while there's no right or wrong way to move on, it's crucial to find what works best for you. Embrace the healing process, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that love and happiness can be found again.
Credits:
- Fortune. (2024, April 5). *Aging women decline social invitations*. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/well/2024/04/05/aging-women-decline-social-invitations/
- Fortune. (2024, April 5). *Aging women decline social invitations*. Retrieved from
https://fortune.com/well/2024/04/05/aging-women-decline-social-invitations/Her Campus. (n.d.). *The truth about rebound sex*. Retrieved from https://www.hercampus.com/wellness/truth-about-rebound-sex/
