Breakups can be rough.
We’ve all been there.
And sometimes, it’s hard not to wonder if your ex regrets letting you go.
There’s a difference, though, between lingering in the past and moving forward in a way that makes your ex realize they might have made a mistake.
Moving on doesn’t mean plotting revenge or trying to make your ex jealous.
It’s about growing from the experience and becoming a better version of yourself.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 ways of moving on that just might make your ex rethink their decision.
1) Embrace personal growth
Breakups can often feel like a step backwards, but they’re actually a great opportunity for personal growth.
Think about it.
Each relationship we have teaches us something new about ourselves and what we want in a partner.
So when a relationship ends, it’s the perfect time to reflect on those lessons and use them to become a better version of ourselves.
Maybe you discover a new hobby or passion, or maybe you make some positive changes in your lifestyle.
Either way, embracing this growth is one of the most effective ways to move on from a breakup.
And here’s the kicker: as you grow and flourish, your ex may start to notice the positive changes in you.
They might even start to wonder if they made a mistake by letting you go.
But this isn’t about proving anything to your ex.
It’s about becoming the best version of yourself for you.
2) Find happiness in your own company
I remember my own breakup like it was yesterday.
I was devastated and felt like I had lost a part of me.
But then, something unexpected happened.
I realized that I had been relying on my partner for happiness.
In the wake of the breakup, I was suddenly forced to find joy on my own.
It was difficult at first, but over time, I discovered a newfound freedom.
I started doing things I loved, like painting and hiking.
Things that I had put on hold during my relationship.
I found that I enjoyed my own company and started to feel happy again.
As I found happiness in being alone, my ex noticed the change too.
They saw me living a fulfilled life without them and started to question their decision.
But by then, I had moved on and found contentment within myself.
Finding happiness in your own company is a powerful way to move on and it just might make your ex see what they’re missing out on.
3) Invest in your physical well-being
Did you know that exercise is not just good for your body, but it’s also good for your brain?
Regular physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
These endorphins act as mood lifters, helping you combat negative feelings post-breakup.
Apart from the mental health benefits, investing in your physical well-being makes you look and feel better.
Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run or practicing yoga, regular exercise can transform you physically and mentally.
When your ex sees the changes in you – a healthier, fitter, more confident you – they might start to second guess their decision.
But by then, you’ll be too busy feeling good about yourself to care about their regrets.
4) Be open to new relationships
It’s easy to close off your heart after a breakup, but being open to new relationships is a key step in moving on.
This doesn’t mean you should jump into a new relationship immediately.
It means allowing yourself to meet new people, forge new friendships and connections, and remain open to the possibility of love again.
Showing your ex that you’re not stuck in the past, that you’re open and excited about new experiences, can make them wonder if they made a hasty decision.
But the goal is not to make them feel regret but for you to genuinely move on and be ready for new possibilities.
5) Show kindness, even when it’s hard
Breakups can be messy and it’s all too easy to let bitterness seep in.
However, showing kindness, even when it’s hard, can be a powerful way to move on.
When you’re kind to your ex, you show them and yourself that you’ve moved past the hurt and negativity.
It’s a sign of emotional maturity and strength.
Moreover, kindness is a trait that’s universally admired.
It speaks volumes about who you are as a person.
When your ex sees this side of you, they might question their decision to let go of someone so gracious.
But at the end of the day, being kind isn’t just about your ex; it’s about maintaining your own peace and dignity.
6) Rediscover your independence
After my last breakup, I felt lost.
I had become so used to being in a couple, I had forgotten what it felt like to be independent.
But with time, I started to rediscover my independence.
I started making decisions for myself, without having to consider someone else’s needs or wants.
I reconnected with my own tastes and preferences that I had neglected while trying to accommodate my partner.
Slowly, I realized that there was a certain freedom and strength in being independent.
It gives you the ability to stand on your own two feet, and the assurance that you can handle whatever comes your way.
7) Focus on your career or personal goals
After a breakup, it’s a good idea to shift your focus to your career or personal goals.
Whether it’s a promotion you’ve been eyeing, a business you want to start, or a personal hobby you want to master, now is the time to dive in.
Not only does it serve as a great distraction, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-confidence.
As you make progress in your work or personal life, you’ll feel more in control and fulfilled.
Your ex seeing you succeed and thrive in your career or personal life might make them rethink their decision.
8) Live your best life
At the end of the day, the most powerful way to make your ex feel like they’ve made a mistake is to simply live your best life.
Focus on being happy, fulfilled, and at peace with yourself.
When you’re radiating positivity and contentment, people around you, including your ex, will notice.
But remember, it’s not about making them feel regret.
It’s about you moving on to a better chapter in your life.
One where you’re the lead character, living and loving on your own terms.
Concluding thoughts
In essence, moving on is about embracing change and growth.
It’s a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-love.
Each of the strategies we’ve discussed is a step towards becoming a better version of yourself, a version that’s happier, stronger, and more fulfilled.
And while your ex might realize their mistake in letting you go, the real victory lies in you realizing your own worth.
The poet Rumi once said, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
So here’s to change.
Here’s to growth.
And here’s to living our best lives, not for anyone else, but for ourselves.