Finding the right person to spend your life with requires that you let go of many other people you meet along the way. Some dating coaches say dating is all a numbers game. You date enough people, and eventually you will find a mutually satisfying click. There is certainly some truth to this concept. The problem is, our emotions do not let go of people as easily as our logical reasoning does.
The plain truth of the matter is this. Letting go hurts. I’m not telling you to hang on to a man who’s not right for you. I’m just acknowledging the truth. It takes something out of you each time you have to release the attachment you feel toward another human being, even if you don’t want to spend the rest of your life with that person.
As a relationship consultant and dating coach, I spend a good amount of time motivating my clients to get out there and take action on the dating scene. As you can imagine, my clients are not always raring to go right after letting go of a person. I have carefully observed the mindsets that seem to allow some people to let go more quickly (and with less pain) compared with others.
Here’s what I have discovered.
There is less pain when a woman focuses her mind on survival. Now allow me to explain that by defining the opposite approach. The opposite of focusing on survival is focusing on what is lost or what could have been.
It’s a terrible thing, but poachers in some parts of Africa use a special kind of trap to capture monkeys. They attach a jar to a heavy stone and bury the stone so only the jar shows on the surface of the ground. Inside the jar they put a piece of banana or other fruit. Then they stand back at a distance that makes the monkeys comfortable enough to climb down from the tree to retrieve the fruit.
As the monkey closes its fist around the fruit, the hunter charges forward with his spear. The monkey attempts a quick getaway, but the closed fist is unable to emerge from the jar. Only an open hand can fit through the narrow opening at the top of the jar. Refusing to let go of its prize, the monkey hesitates just long enough to allow the hunter to gain the proximity needed for a quick thrust of his spear.
Don’t be like the monkey. Do not be afraid to let go of the prize you have found in a man’s heart. Holding on too long gets in the way of survival mode.
Focusing on survival means doing what you know you have to do, rather than looking back and lamenting what you have lost. It results in a quicker turnaround for one specific reason. In survival mode, people put one foot in front of the other even if emotions do not drive those actions. Taking action brings her face to face with new people, real people with real needs, real hopes, and a real desire to get to know her. The unfolding demands of real human interaction capture the attention of the mind, allowing the focus of thought to grow toward life, toward new relationships.
In contrast, rumination about what could have been feels right, but takes much longer. Your instincts tell you to spend some time mourning the loss of the good things from the previous relationship. Your instincts may even tell you to socially isolate yourself for a while. Don’t do it. Don’t hold on to the fruit at the bottom of the jar when you know it is healthier to move on toward a forest with fruit hanging from the trees. It’s this forward-looking quality of thought that seems to bring the best outcomes with the least amount of pain.
Need some help knowing how to move forward and achieve success with dating? If so, check out my guide to finding, attracting, and keeping a man worthy of your heart.
This Article really hit home. My fiance ended our engagement on Christmas Eve via email as he said his counselor told him to. I still firmly believe that he had some frontal lobe damage due to a sinus surgery in September (his doctor wanted to do a CT Scan as he had been running a fever for 30 days even on antibiotic) he had headaches and memory loss combined with depression due to a custody case that was never ending. I’ve tried to get help from his friends and family but they would rather believe the horrible stories he now says about me. He even has not allowed me to take all of my personal things out of the home that I am heavily invested in which unfortunately now has led to litigation which is the last thing that I wanted. I truly wanted to get him help. For the past 6 months I have immersed myself into work, trying to mourn the man I love and his 4 children that I have now lost, the future that was so bright for all of us. He’s never far from my thoughts no matter how much I try. I have gone on a few dates, it’s difficult to move on when my mind won’t let go that I believe he is in crisis. I’m trying to look towards the future, but its those moments that grab you, watching another couple sitting enjoying a glass of wine, going for a walk, or just looking at a sky of stars that bring the memories and the future of what I thought was my final destination. Covid has changed so many lives- I often wonder when will it end,,,, but i’m also left wondering why would so many people that I thought I had given my whole self too making their lives better be so willing to believe horrible stories of me then trying to help someone who clearly is not making good choices and is in crisis. Everytime I go to help someone even today, I am now skepticle as to their appreciation. And my mind still goes back to the man I love and thoughts of how to get him help before he ruins his future whether its with me or not.
I’m curious about this ‘letting go of old relationships’ article I have just received that advises dating again right after letting go. Like many readers I enjoy the wisdoms I receive in my inbox via James – thank you. I reached out when I was trying to save the relationship that I’ve now lost. But my loss was due to many things that I had to learn and understand. I learned things that I didn’t know about myself at the same time my partner did – which was a shock. I didn’t feel that I was in control of my responses and behaviours and needed time to process and fathom what was behind it alongside grieving the loss. When things were insecure between us I now see that many childhood responses were triggered, and my emotions and ability to mediate them became confused. I had a dysfunctional upbringing and have internalised messages that impacted how I behaved and damaged our potential together. He had wanted to spend the rest of my life with me. So – my instincts tell me not to go jumping into the dating pool. I needed a better relationship with myself first. Although ultimately it will be through relationship with another that I may more fully know myself.
Hi, Colette. Thanks for enlivening the conversation on this article with your interesting comment. It certainly is a double edged sword, isn’t it? On the one hand, we should avoid rushing into something new before gaining perspective about the past. And on the other hand, when we are feeling like we will never find love again we often need to interact with potential new partners to re-awaken the part of us that refuses to believe in love again until we start feeling it and nourishing it through new interactions and possibilities.
This is right where I am now. Everything she said was very familiar to my situation l. It’s moving past the emotional part that is hard. Cause like James says intellectually I know it’s right but then he says or does something, that makes me question common sense and follow my emotions once again staying in a situation that’s not healthy, therefore stuck not allowing myself to grow or learn merely survive not strive.
This might be a bit off subject but could all this great dating advice also apply to gay men? Hopefully so as being a gay man here in San Francisco, the so called ‘gay mecca’ and not into the so called ‘gay scene’: rude, nasty, arrogant and aloof men who think life’s only about associating with the in crowd, endless unfulfilling ‘hookups’ or finding the hottest guy, playing games, disrespecting those who’re not your type and the general BS that seems to be part of the gay scene. Your thoughts to those of us who read your columns and who happen to be gay and are looking for quality partners not in to games and nonsense and who are willing to be vulnerable and open with themselves. Most if not many of us have tried the many other methods and are weary of not connecting with like minded men who want something more than casual sex or a ‘friend with benefits’ that for the most part is nothing more than an ongoing ‘hookup’ that’s unfulfilling and a waste of emotions and time.
I was in a long distance relationship for 7 years which came to an end recently and I was surely glad it ended actually. I don’t remember the last time I felt happy in that relationship. It was stressful from the start. I cried, I was stressed and depressed. I tried to compromise and sacrifice but in vain. The time came when I was supposed to go and meet his parents then alas! I realized that he is not what I want in a man. I can not get stuck in this pain for the rest of my life. This is the man I would call, he does not pick up, no calling back. We would chat on watsapp but he would chat with me as a friend… one time I wondered why it was hard to date this guy everything was hard, so he told me he wanted an open relationship which got me worried, because the reasons where not adding up. One of the reasons was that he did not want to be selfish. I told him I can’t be in an open relationship. It’s either we are dating or not but surely I was the putting in too much effort. Until I found out he had got a lady pregnant. That’s how I got my strength to let go… He tried calling but I had made up my mind. I regretted all the time I wasted. Sometimes I even fear to get into another relationship but have decided to take it slow on relationships now. So James, when is the right time to move to the next relationship? So people, the earlier you let go of a bad relationship, the better.
Hey Betty!
Bravo! Good for you for taking care of yourself and knowing you deserve better! Your comment reminds me of a couple articles from James that I want you to read. The first one is called How to Know When It’s Time to Move On.
I also found this one that’s called How to Get Over Your Ex Faster (and Move on to the Right Guy).
I hope they help you create a brighter future for yourself. You deserve to be treated well.
Best,
Tracey
Thank you I think this is a positive way of looking at things as even if your relationship does continue to flourish, people need people and yes people are NEVER boring.
Dear James, it has been a while I felt like letting you know how heartwarming your words of advice are. You are so charming, poetic, compassionate, understanding. I can literally feel your helpfulness and good intentions overflow whenever I read your articles and messages, and I want to assure you that they are all the way through. There’s no girl who wouldn’t feel safe and understood with you. Today, I just wanted to pass by to tell you: you are lovely and wonderful. Keep up your unique way, stay just as you are. Lots of warm wishes.
Thank you, Sakura. Those words warmed my heart, and I am very thankful to have a person like you reading my articles.
A whole lot of people in this thread are involved in narcissistic relationships. Google your partner’s behaviors or go to youtube and free yourselves from these toxic relationships. No amount of advice can help you if your partner is a narcissist.
You’re Absolutely Right. Don’t turn a Blind Eye to the Obvious.
Ladies I hate to say it, but just recently telling off the man I’d been dating for 3 years and fell hard for. I’d like to save you the grief and realisation by suggesting to walk away and remove reminders of him from your life. These boys chased us longer than they thought they would. So finally catching the grand prizes we are. The challenge was over. However they keep reappearing to check if either 1. They still can have you no matter how crappy they were. 2. Confirming they did right by themselves since we didn’t measure up to their expectations after they invested so much in the chase. 3. They keep coming back simply because we let them. Maybe we like to chase too. Doesnt really matter the reasons because the situation won’t change to our favors. I just hope you accept the truth that we try to ignore and save the wasted years I lost to someone who told me he loved me. His actions repeatedly warned me otherwise. Good luck.
This is an old feed,but hopefully this post will get answered.
I started seeing a guy that i had known for quite awhile, he witnessed me go through a rough time in my life(sparing the details). I refused to get involved with him for quite awhile because I knew I wasn’t in a good place emotionally, after a year I finally gave into him and started seeing him. Almost immediately started ghosting and acting the complete flip side of how he was. I’ve tried takes to him and even bro g cross with him, We stop talking for awhile and right when I get to the point where I’m really ready to give up he contacts me again. How do I end this cycle? I’ve looked at my faults in this and have apologized, but not 1 time has ever apologized for how he’s made me feel. What do I do?
Hey. I can see why you are frustrated. You have a right to be. This Irresistible Insider Report may be of use to you. It’s a free download if you’re a member.
The hot and cool thing reminds me of a sociopath I once dated. Very manipulative. Cut ties. Don’t engage. Find someone better. Someone who actually cares and desires YOU.
I blew it up by dating a married man. things were going well when we started but now he has started to ignore me, after reading all the comments I feel its time to let go and start all over again, Thank you.
My situation is a little similar to Korey and I was hoping you would reply. I met John (a pseudonym) on online dating almost a year ago. He lived in Florida and I live in New York. He told me he got divorce two years ago and that he was being cautious because he didnt want to get hurt. I understood, i was going through something similar. He used to text me all day long for the first couple of months, but would hardly text after 4:00pm. I asked him why and he would tell me because of work, overtime or school. When we finally became intimate, it was the most beautiful experience I had had, something very special really transpired between us. He has never been a person who likes to talk on the phone, so our communication was mostly through texts. He has never been with a hispanic woman before. We are very passionate, loving, and when we fall in love, we love deep and hard and we like to show it. His texts messages started coming very seldomly. He told me that I was becoming too overbearing and he didn’t know how to handle me. Something told me it was more. He was waiting on a transfer to work in New York and I was so excited because we were going to be closer. He did get the transfer not to New York but to Canada instead. We have only seen each other a few times, text every other or every few weeks. He doesnt open up or tell me what he feels, but when we see each other, is wonderful and the chemistry is exceptional. He’s only an hour and a half away, but will only come to see me every two months. Every time I feel I’m moving on, he shows up back in my life and I’m back to square one. He finally invited me to his place but at this moment and for the next couple of months I won’t be able to go to Canada. I told him that but he doesn’t want to come to the US. I love this man, but I don’t know if I want a part time lover or someone that can not compromise in some type of way. I’m tired of giving, giving and getting nothing in return.
Aurea, do you want to give him one more chance to go after you?
If so, you need to find a gentle way to tell him the story you just relayed here. Otherwise, he doesn’t know he’s about to lose you. And therefore, he may miss his last opportunity to build something more significant with you.
I’ll be honest, it sounds like the two of you want different things right now. So it probably won’t work. But if you’re going to lose him anyway, you might as well give him one last chance. This way, you can be sure it was the right decision to leave him.
Be very specific with him about what he would need to do if he wants to keep you in his life.
James
It’s currently 6am and I can’t sleep. I just left from the guy that I’ve been dealing with for almost a year now. I’m in a very difficult situation in my life right now where I have lost a lot of my financial ability to move and have kind of been stuck. The guy that I’ve been seeing is more than financially stable (ex NFL) but because of terrible past relationships of which he has been out of for about 3years now, he is afraid of committing to me because I fit the mold of the women in his past because of my financial complications. He takes care of his entire family, especially his parents, which really makes me admire him more. He has beer. Out of the league for about 3yrs but went back to school and graduated in April, and now is working on real estate. He started off by saying that he isn’t ready for a relationship because he wants to get things in order, but he tells me how much he loves my company and has the best chemistry of anyone he has ever been with. We laugh, joke, and have an amazing time with each other while
we are together, but I am the one who initiates us getting together, and the reaching out, etc. the We started off great he would call and text and spend time with each other, however, his phone calls or texts don’t come as often anymore, but we still keep in contact. He tells me he is now becoming more open to a relationship now that he has reached his goal, but I notice that he doesn’t put forth effort with me anymore. It seems more sexual now, but our energy is crazy good. Better than I’ve ever experienced in my life. When together we talk a lot and very open, never judgemental. I can tell by the way he holds me, and kisses me that the feelings are definitely mutual, but something is holding him back. I know I should be focusing on getting myself together, but I have never been so sure of my feelings before. I have been getting myself together and beat some of my obstacles, but when I ask him if he is seriously thinking about moving to the next level, and his reply was “get yourself together” and that’s all I got. What do I do with that? Because of my situation should I not even think about love? Should I move on from this situation because of my lack of things he deems necessary, or should I be patient, continue working on me and hope that he doesn’t choose another woman by the time I get myself together.
Hey, Korey. Given the nature of your situation, it would be best to make this a private discussion with one of our relationship coaches via email.
You can access that service here if you like.
This is such a difficult situation, and quite different to most. I hope my comments are not too late, as this is an old article. I can relate to it, as I am in a similar one, and most people who are not will not be able to relate to it and give advice. I would say, make it clear to him that you expect him to get help for his addiction as a condition of keeping on seeing him. I did this and my man agreed to go to a re-hab clinic after two years of madness together. I could not walk away, as I felt so guilty when we had disagreements from time to time and I felt I should leave him. I was miserable without him, feeling that I had abandoned him. Much more so than the misery of being with him. I decided that I would help until I felt I had “come to the end of the road”. Your “end of the road” will be different to mine, but I think that is a good guideline, and you will know when you have reached it. When you feel you have done EVERYTHING within your power and your ability and your strength to help but you are still getting nowhere. It is not easy and takes a lot of effort, strength and courage from you. There will be times when your strength fails and you feel you are going crazy – but then you will rest, recover and be ready to start in again. He needs all the help and support you can give him. But the starting point HAS to be his admitting his addiction and getting help. Even if that help is only talking to you and reading books, etc. Understanding. It is a starting point. Maybe you should put all your energy at the moment into finding out what help is available, reading books, accessing forums, etc. There is a lot of information out there if you have the time to look for it. One excellent book is “How to Quit without feeling S**t” by Patrick Holford and another “Right Recovery for You” by Marilyn Bradford. She also does online information. One important thing I have learnt from her is that the addiction, in itself, is not the real problem. There is ALWAYS an underlying problem that causes these people to become addicts. Abuse or trauma in the past, anxiety disorder, depression, bi-polar or mental health problems of some sort. See if you can tackle that problem. TALK to him about it. Otherwise, we as people on the outside, are advised to “withdraw with love”. Continue to give him your love and support as a friend, but do not invest in a relationship with him. Take care of yourself. Get out and find another life for yourself. My heart bleeds for you. I wish and hope that things improve, and hope this has helped. And maybe be of some help to others, too. This is a huge problem that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. With love and best wishes to you. LaLa
Sorry. I messed this reply up, as my computer went doolally in the middle of typing. It was meant to be in response to Penelope above. LaLa
I and my ex We had long distance relationship. We were so perfect together. We had a serious relationship. We both met our parents. But then he told me he had no longer do long distance relationship. As a woman, i have nothing to say when my man said something kinda he doesn’t see me in his future..
It’s been 6 months since last time we had met. He is dating a new girl right after we broke up. But they seem not getting serious (Compared from the way he teases her).
What should i do to get over him?
Like i told you, we were perfect together. I’ve never had a good relationship like this.
We are trying to keep in touch and be friends. But it is difficult to make a conversation for now.
I can’t move on yet and I don’t know what to do.
Please help.
Mona
Thank you that’s great advice !!
Dear James
My boyfriend of 16 months just broke up with me over text and will not talk to me .
I feel confused, hurt and angry. He’s blaming the break up on my lack of trust but the truth is my insecurities came because he was a very inconsistent partner . Somedays he was loving and kind other days he was cold and distant and I always found myself in a state of confusion. I’m struggling with the break up as I’m confused why you would stay together for many months and then part ways with no contact
I’m very sad to hear that, Phalena. I agree that it’s a lousy way to break up and you deserve more consideration and an opportunity to speak with him about the sudden change in his relationship with you. Maybe he will calm down in a few days and realize it would be better to talk some things over with you.
In the meantime, resist the temptation to make him the focus of all your thoughts. You are going through a very hard time right now and it is very important that you keep your mind anchored to some of the good, steady things that have not changed in your life. That means spending time with friends or family who care about you, exercising if that’s your routine, reading a good book if that’s something you enjoy. Do things to remove your focus from the emotional pain. Give yourself permission to feel sad, let out your feelings, and journal about it for short periods of time once or twice per day instead of going through marathon of grieving.
I really appreciate both reading the article and the good advice in the posts at this time when a long-distance relationship with a man that is important to me seems to have ended. This is or was an intense and kind of «deep» relationship with such a strong emotional connection and lots of attraction that feels so hard to lose. Our relationship developed during a difficult period of divorce after 29 years of living with my former partner that I went through last year. And this person was so supportive during that time, even though from a distance. And right now I feel like losing both such a strong support and a vibrant relationship so filled with romance too. So that was why it feels extra comforting today to read different perspectives and experiences with break-ups and difficulties in relationships.❤️All the best.