Some of you will never have to experience the pain of a break up induced broken heart. This is not to say you won't experience pain in life; it will just be of a different nature. There are others of you that know all too well how difficult a broken heart can be and how long it can take to heal. Growing up, I had my share of broken hearts, and believe me, some were worse than others. Some heartaches last a few weeks; whereas, some only last a few days; whereas, some last for years. Generally, after being on the receiving end of a break up, grief comes in stages. The Kübler-Ross model lists … [Read more...]
Broken Hearts
Many of us have experienced a broken heart at some point or another. There is nothing in the world quite like it. It physically hurts. I think many people would prefer to break a bone, endure the flu, or sprain an ankle than to feel the desperate ache of a broken heart. At the time, it can seem like life is over and that nothing can heal the deep cut and emptiness. The first broken heart is usually the hardest – and since you don't have an experience by which to compare it, you may wonder if it is possible to be happy again. After time passes and your heart heals, it can be a little bit easier … [Read more...]
Six Steps to Breaking up Well
Only the truly cruel, player types actually enjoy breaking up with someone. For most of us, breaking up is hard to do. While it is hard (and yes, this is an understatement) for the person who has been told the relationship has ended, the person doing the breaking up often experiences some heartache as well. Even when we move on from a relationship because we know it is not for the best, we often still care in our hearts for the person we are leaving behind. Breaking up is hard to do. So how do you break up with someone? Here are six steps to breaking up well: First and foremost, do not … [Read more...]
How to Handle Being Around Your Ex
Confused, from Kansas City, Missouri asks: “I proposed and she didn't accept thereby effectively ending our relationship. The relationship was ended, however with apologies and forgiveness being offered to and accepted from both of us. I have undergone all the different stages of grieving and fully realize that this relationship is over, but it’s very awkward to be in the same church college group with her. When a relationship has ended, how do you still communicate with/relate to him/her as a brother or sister in Christ? ... Is this even possible?” Being rejected from a marriage proposal … [Read more...]
Make Up or Break Up? (Debra Fileta for Relevant Magazine)
We are firm believers that marriage is a covenant and that an attitude of "we will resolve the problems that come our way in marriage" is a healthy paradigm. However, at the same time, if you feel like you are constantly striving to make your premarital (dating or engagement) relationship work, that can be an indicator for long-term heartache (note: it is normal to have occasional disagreements while learning how to relate to, and understand, each other). Ultimately, if the relationship is perpetually difficult and you're not yet married, what are some indicators that it is time to dissolve … [Read more...]