How Long Does It Take to Get Over a Breakup? Gen Z Weigh In

It's All About Depth

The deeper the connection, the longer it might take. John, for example, suggests:

“It depends on how deep the relationship was.”

He believes that if a relationship were really meaningful, you might need up to six months to recover. But for something more casual or short-lived, one to three months could be enough. His strong view?

“A year is too much for both cases.”

Brian* agrees, saying it's all about "how deeply the couple had bonded." While everyone's different, he feels being stuck emotionally for a year is far too long. He suggests:

Weeks of reflection to start moving on, and three to six months as a typical healing period.

Not All Breakups Are Equal

Sometimes, moving on is quicker. Esther points out that if the relationship was a rebound, it's often easier to let go. If you weren't fully invested, you might heal without much struggle.

Moses has an interesting take, suggesting some people know early on if a relationship won't last. He explains:

“Everyone makes a decision on the first date.”

If one person realized things wouldn't work out from the beginning, they might start moving on long before the actual breakup. 

Read more:

The Grieving Process: It's Not Just Sadness

Moving on from a relationship often feels a lot like grieving. You're losing someone who was a significant part of your life, and that brings a mix of emotions, not just sadness. Understanding this can help you be kinder to yourself.

Denial: "This can't be happening." You might find yourself refusing to believe it's over, perhaps replaying conversations or hoping they'll change their mind. It's your mind's way of cushioning the blow.

Anger: "How could they do this to me?" You might feel furious at your ex, at yourself, or even at the situation. It's a powerful emotion that can sometimes mask deeper pain.

Bargaining: "If only I had... then they wouldn't have left." This is where you might try to find ways to undo the breakup, imagining different scenarios or promising to change.

Depression: A deep sadness and a sense of loss set in. You might feel withdrawn, lose interest in things you once enjoyed, or struggle with daily tasks.

Acceptance: This isn't about being happy the relationship ended, but about accepting the reality of the situation and starting to look forward. It means making peace with what happened and seeing a path ahead.

"Grief isn't a linear process. You might jump between these feelings, or experience them in a different order. That's perfectly normal."