
Introduction
Ever caught yourself scrolling through old messages, checking their last seen, or replaying the past like a movie in your head? You’re not alone. Let’s talk about how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real—because it’s 2025, and it’s time to put your healing first.
I know it’s not easy. Trust me, moving on feels like untangling earphones with your eyes closed. But I’m going to walk you through this, step-by-step, like a friend who’s been there and come out stronger.
Why We Keep Thinking About Our Ex
You’re not crazy for missing them. You’re human.
When someone was once your “everyday,” their absence hits harder.
It’s not always about love—it’s the habit, the comfort, and shared memories.
Our brain gets addicted to what feels familiar.
You’re not just mourning the person; you’re mourning the version of you who existed with them.
But here’s the truth: how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real starts with understanding this.
Phase 1: Accept That It Hurts
The first step? Stop pretending you’re okay.
It’s totally fine to cry, scream into a pillow, or eat a whole tub of ice cream.
Suppressing your feelings only delays the healing.
As Rumi once wrote:
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
— Rumi
Pain doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you loved deeply.
Feel it. Then slowly, begin to let it go.
Because ignoring the pain won’t teach you how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real.
Phase 2: Cut Off Contact (Yes, Fully)
Don’t text them. Don’t “accidentally” like their post. Don’t stalk their new partner.
The No Contact Rule exists for a reason—it’s not punishment; it’s protection.
Every time you break it, you reopen a healing wound.
If you have mutual friends, ask for space.
Mute or unfollow them—not out of hate, but for your peace.
This is how you create emotional distance, which is essential if you truly want to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real.
Digital Detox From Their Presence
Social media makes it harder than ever to move on.
That highlight reel isn’t real. They’re just curating what they want you to see.
Block, mute, unfollow—whatever gives you peace.
And no, you don’t owe them an explanation.
Your heart deserves quiet.
Remember this quote from @de5iquote:
“Healing isn’t about closure. It’s about no longer needing it.”
— @de5iquote | lovegallery.xyz
Phase 3: Focus On You—Not Them
Your ex is a chapter, not your whole story.
So now it’s time to fall in love with yourself again.
Take yourself out on dates. Pick up that hobby you dropped. Redesign your space.
Reclaim your identity—outside of them.
Because rediscovering yourself is how you learn how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real.
You’re not just moving on from them; you’re moving toward the best version of you.
Journaling and Affirmations Help More Than You Think
Start your day with affirmations like:
“I am enough. I am healing. I am growing.”
Write letters you’ll never send. Talk to the paper like it’s your therapist.
Here’s something powerful:
“Some people come into your life as blessings. Others come as lessons.”
— Mother Teresa
Write until your chest feels lighter. That’s where healing begins.
Read Things That Heal, Not Hurt
Avoid sad playlists for a while.
Instead, surround yourself with words that build you back up.
Read books like “Attached” by Amir Levine or “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed.
Follow positive quote pages. (Shameless plug: Check out @de5iquote)
Words hold power—and the right ones will remind you why how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real is so worth it.
Curate what you consume to align with what you want to feel.
Don’t Do This Alone: Talk to People
You don’t have to go through this in silence.
Friends, therapists, even online communities can make a difference.
Let people show up for you, even if your pride says no.
Sometimes just hearing “I get it” makes the weight ten times lighter.
Because real healing often happens in conversations—not isolation.
“What you feel is valid. Just don’t let it trap you.”
— @de5iquote | lovegallery.xyz
Phase 4: Rewire Your Mind
It’s time to interrupt the loop.
When your mind drifts to them, gently bring it back.
Replace “I miss them” with “I’m better without them.”
Use reminders, sticky notes, or even lock screen affirmations.
Breakups are like brain withdrawals. Train your thoughts slowly.
You’ll learn how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real when your mental space stops giving them rent-free real estate.
Celebrate Small Wins
Didn’t check their profile for a whole day? That’s a win.
Didn’t cry during that song today? Another win.
Healing isn’t linear, but progress is still progress.
Track it. Applaud it. Own it.
Because the little victories become the big transformation.
That’s how real moving on looks—it’s subtle, but powerful.
When Love Returns—Let It Find a New You
One day, love will knock again.
But this time, you’ll welcome it with clarity, not desperation.
Because you now know your worth.
You’ve done the work. You’ve let go of ghosts.
And most importantly, you’ve learned how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real.
So when someone new comes along, they’ll meet a healed, whole you.
“Never go in search of love. Go in search of life, and life will find you the love you seek.”
— Atticus Poetry
Final Thoughts
Breakups suck. Period. But they also reveal your strength.
You’re not weak for feeling. You’re powerful for choosing to rise.
So if you’ve been wondering how to stop thinking about your ex and move on for real, remember this:
You don’t have to erase them to forget them.
You just need to rebuild your life so beautifully, they don’t fit anymore.
And I promise—one day, you’ll wake up and realize you haven’t thought about them in weeks.
Written by:
Team lovegallery.xyz
Quote Sources: Rumi, Mother Teresa, Atticus Poetry, @de5iquote (Instagram)
All quotes are credited to original authors to ensure copyright compliance.