Why Am I Still Angry At My Ex Years Later?
Why Can’t I Shake This Anger Towards My Ex?
Letting go of old flames isn’t easy. Even years later, those pesky feelings can stick around like gum on your shoe. If you’re still fuming about your ex, you’re not alone. This guide will help you understand why you’re stuck and how to move forward.
Heartbreak is a real pain in the neck. It’s like stubbing your toe – it hurts like crazy at first, then it lingers. Sometimes, that ache turns into a grudge that won’t quit. But don’t worry, there’s hope!
I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. Trust me, holding onto anger is like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets sick. It’s time to break free from that emotional jail cell.
In this guide, we’ll dig into why you might still be mad as a hornet at your ex. Plus, I’ll share some tried-and-true tricks to help you let go and live your best life. Buckle up, buttercup – it’s time for some real talk!
What’s Keeping You Ticked Off at Your Ex?
Let’s face it – there are plenty of reasons why you might still be steaming mad at your ex. Here’s the lowdown on what might be fueling that fire:
They Left You Bruised and Battered
If your ex hurt you, it’s no wonder you’re still seeing red. Maybe they stomped on your heart, stabbed you in the back, or left you high and dry. Ouch!
They might’ve cheated, lied, or just plain treated you like dirt. It’s enough to make anyone’s blood boil. The worst part? Sometimes, these jerks just waltz away without a care in the world, leaving you to pick up the pieces.
You’re left scratching your head, wondering what the heck happened. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. No wonder you’re angry and resentful. Your brain’s working overtime trying to make sense of it all.
You’ve Still Got the Warm Fuzzies
Here’s a real head-scratcher – sometimes, we stay mad because we still have feelings for our ex. Crazy, right? But it’s true!
Being angry is like keeping a tiny piece of them with you. It’s not healthy, but it’s a way to hold on. Deep down, you might be hoping they’ll notice your anger and come running back.
But let me tell you, holding onto hate is like carrying a hot coal – you’re the one getting burned.
Scared to Turn the Page
Sometimes, anger becomes our security blanket. It’s familiar, comfortable, and keeps us from getting hurt again. Letting go feels risky – like jumping off a cliff without knowing how deep the water is.
But here’s the thing – holding onto that anger is like wearing a lead jacket. It’s weighing you down and keeping you from flying free.
I get it, it’s scary to move on from these negative feelings. But trust me, there’s a whole new world waiting for you on the other side of that anger.
How to Bury the Hatchet and Move On
Forgiveness is like a superpower. It can heal old wounds and set you free. But let’s be real – it’s not easy. It’s something you do for yourself, not for them.
First things first – figure out why you’re still steaming mad. Did they do something awful? Was it a messy situation? Maybe it’s a bit of both.
Once you’ve got that sorted, you can start to forgive. Now, don’t get it twisted – forgiving doesn’t mean saying what they did was okay. It’s about letting go of the anger that’s eating you up inside.
You don’t need to ring them up to forgive them. But if you want to keep things civil, a chat might help. You can tell them how you feel and ask for their support.
If talking face-to-face feels like too much, try a letter or a text. Do whatever feels safe for you.
If you do stay in touch, set some ground rules. Don’t let them push you around or take up too much of your time. You’re in charge here!
Kicking Anger to the Curb
Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or giving up on your dreams. It means letting go of the pain and living your best life.
When you forgive yourself, you stop beating yourself up over the past. You accept that tough stuff happened, but you’re ready to move on and be happy.
So, how do you start? Here are some tricks I’ve picked up along the way:
Face the Music
Take some time to think about why you’re angry. What happened? How did it make you feel? Write it down if it helps. Sometimes seeing it on paper can make things clearer.
Find a cozy spot where you feel safe. Maybe it’s curled up in your favorite chair with a warm blanket. Or maybe it’s hanging out with your bestie. Whatever works for you.
Just thinking about what happened can help you figure out what you need to do next.
Put Yourself First
Be kind to yourself while you’re working through this. Treat yourself like you would a good friend.
Try writing in a journal or doing some meditation. These can be great for your mental health.
If things get tough, slow down. There’s no race here. Do what feels right for you. Don’t push yourself too hard.
Reach Out and Talk
Talking to others about how you’re feeling can be a game-changer. Friends and family can remind you that you’re awesome, no matter what your ex did.
They’ll be there to give you a hug and help you get back on your feet. If you’re really struggling, it might help to chat with a therapist or counselor.
Talking about your feelings takes guts. But it can be super helpful when you’re trying to move forward.
Close the Book
Closing the book on your relationship can mean different things. Maybe you’ll toss out all the stuff that reminds you of your ex. Or maybe you’ll pack it away in a box.
Getting rid of these reminders can help you avoid triggers that make you angry all over again.
You might decide to meet up with your ex or write them a letter. If you write a letter, you don’t have to send it. Some people like to burn it or bury it. It’s all about what helps you feel better.
Remember, do this at your own pace. Don’t rush into anything that makes you uncomfortable. You’re doing this for you, not for anyone else.
Wrapping It Up
The first step to helping yourself is putting these tips into action. Just reading this shows you’re ready to let go of that anger and move on.
Maybe you’re thinking about letting someone new into your life. Or maybe you just want to process the past and move forward. Whatever your reason, you’re showing up for yourself. That’s huge!
Remember, be patient with yourself. Healing takes time. But I promise, it’s worth it. You’ve got this!
Author: Michelle Landeros, LMFT
Michelle Landeros is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families thrive.