breakup therapy
The story
running into my ex at a friend's party last Friday really threw me off balance. I had just begun breakup therapy, thinking I was making progress and starting to heal. but then seeing them again was like opening a wound that was still fresh. we hadn't seen each other since we decided to part ways last month, and the memories came rushing in. I remember vividly how it was around May 18 when we had that last long conversation which led to our separation. it’s strange how you can be so sure about moving on and then everything topples when you least expect it.
so there I was, standing awkwardly by the punch bowl when they walked in, chatting and laughing and looking so carefree. I felt this rush of emotions: regret, sadness, anger, all battling in my mind. we exchanged polite hellos, and I could feel myself slipping back into the past. it made me question if this breakup therapy is even working for me or if I'm just wasting time. seeing them smile, without a trace of the turmoil I felt inside, hurt more than I anticipated.
our mutual friends kept coming up to us, talking about old times, and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. maybe it was the late hour or just the vibe of the night, but doubts crept in. was the breakup a mistake? are we meant to be? they didn't approach me afterwards, which felt like a relief but also stung a little. i'm stuck wondering if i'm just overthinking everything or if there was truly something left unsaid between us.
back in therapy, I've been trying to focus on myself, learning how to let go and move forward. but this encounter forced me to confront unresolved feelings that I thought were behind me. the therapist mentioned how healing isn't linear yet I can't shake off the feeling of sliding backwards. do these feelings mean something more or are they just remnants of what once was? should i bring this up in my next session?
as I left the party, I kept pondering my next steps: should I tell my therapist about this unexpected encounter? am I giving this run-in too much significance? does anyone else get this stuck in their thoughts after seeing an ex unexpectedly like that? breakup therapy felt like the right step forward but now...what would you do?
