Ah, missing someone. It’s like carrying around a little emotional ghost, isn’t it? You feel their presence even when they’re long gone, and sometimes it’s comforting, other times it’s just plain haunting. But here’s the thing: just because you miss someone doesn’t mean you need them back in your life. In fact, missing them might just be part of the messy, beautiful process of moving on.
Let’s get real for a second. Missing someone—especially an ex—is totally normal. It doesn’t mean you made a mistake by ending things or that you’re weak for still caring. It just means you’re human. You shared moments, memories, and maybe even a piece of your heart with them. Of course, there’s going to be a void when they’re no longer around. But here’s the kicker: that void isn’t a sign you need to fill it with them again. Sometimes, it’s just there to remind you that you’re growing, changing, and making space for something—or someone—better.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been there. I’ve spent nights scrolling through old photos, replaying conversations in my head, and wondering if I should text them “just to check in.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t. And you know what? I’m glad I didn’t. Because missing someone isn’t the same as needing them. Missing them is like craving your favorite comfort food from childhood—it’s nostalgic, it’s familiar, but it doesn’t mean it’s what’s best for you right now.
Think about it this way: when you miss someone, you’re not necessarily missing them as they are now. You’re missing the version of them that lives in your memories. The one who made you laugh, who held your hand, who felt like home. But people change. Relationships change. And clinging to that idealized version of the past can keep you stuck in a loop of “what ifs” and “if onlys.” Trust me, I’ve done the loop. It’s exhausting.
So, how do you deal with missing someone without letting it derail your progress? First, give yourself permission to feel it. Don’t beat yourself up for missing them—it’s not a step backward. It’s just part of the process. Second, remind yourself why things ended. There’s a reason you’re not together anymore, and that reason probably hasn’t changed. And finally, focus on the present. What can you do right now to make your life fuller, brighter, and more you? Maybe it’s picking up a new hobby, reconnecting with friends, or just treating yourself to something that makes you smile.
Here’s the truth: moving on isn’t about forgetting someone or pretending they never mattered. It’s about acknowledging that they were a chapter in your story—not the whole book. And while it’s okay to miss them, it’s also okay to keep turning the page. Because the best chapters? They’re still ahead of you.
So, if you’re missing your ex right now, take a deep breath. It’s okay. It doesn’t mean you need them back. It just means you’re healing, one day at a time. And that? That’s something to be proud of.