9 ways to say goodbye forever easier

Maybe you just ended an unhappy relationship, lost a loved one, quit your job, lived away from home, or even said goodbye to an attached pet. Separation is something we all have to deal with sooner or later, and it’s always difficult. No matter what you face, always remember that you are not alone. This wikiHow will help you sort through your emotions and get through saying goodbye (or goodbye).

Table of Contents

Overcome emotions.

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Each person will react differently to separation. Some people feel sad and lonely. There are also people who breathe a sigh of relief because a difficult and complicated relationship has ended, or even feel guilty. It doesn’t matter how you feel, don’t label those feelings as “good” or “bad”. It’s all a natural part of saying goodbye, so you just need to be aware of your current emotions and take good care of yourself during this time. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Let the emotions flow naturally, as long as it’s healthy. For example, if you are sad and feel like crying, just cry out loud. If you’re angry, try writing these feelings down in a letter or releasing the anger from your body by going for a jog.

Let the person know how much they mean to you.

Apologize or forgive the person if you feel the need.

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Heal old hurts before saying goodbye. If there’s something that needs to be made clear to each other, now is the time. If you know you’ve hurt the person in the past, or if there’s something you regret not doing, tell them you’re sorry. And if you’ve built up some resentment for too long, let go and let the person know that you forgive. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, you could say, “I’m sorry I’ve been out so much lately. I’m too focused on work when I should have spent more time with you.”
Or something like, “Dad, I know you’ve always tried your best to take care of me. I’m no longer angry because you weren’t around when I was young. Instead, I’m glad that from now on I’m happy. father and son will be able to be closer together.”
Think carefully before sharing something hurtful. Think about whether the person really needs to know this, or are you just trying to clear your conscience? For example, if your best friend is moving somewhere else and won’t come back, do you really need to admit that you and her brother secretly kissed?

Organize rituals depending on the situation.

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This can be helpful if you can’t say goodbye in person. If a relationship ends unexpectedly, or a loved one dies suddenly, you may not be able to say goodbye in time. This omission will make it difficult for you to move on. Funerals, visits, and memorials are important ways to express grief when a loved one dies. However, there are times when you will want to organize your own private ceremony to say goodbye in your own way. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Writing letters to the deceased and reading them aloud where you feel close to them is also one way. You can then tear the letter up, burn it, or put it in a drawer. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
If a relationship ends, you may want to box up old photos and mementos, then burn or throw them away.

Focus on happy moments.

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Cherish the time that person spends with you. Breakups are really hard to accept and grief is a normal emotion. However, you need to try not to let that overshadow the wonderful relationship you once had. Instead, think about the happy times that have passed, and reflect on the positive impact they have had on your life. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Try saying something like, “My feelings are in turmoil right now and I’m still trying to get through. But I still want to tell you that I always cherish the good memories we had.”
You’ll even be able to find the good that comes from saying goodbye. For example, when you take care of a parent at the end of your life, you both have a chance to heal old wounds before you’re apart forever. Similarly, if a marriage ends, another door to a new, romantic, and healthier relationship opens.
If possible, take the time to create happy memories with that person before you have to say goodbye forever. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Lean on the people around you.

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Tell people around you what you need. Don’t try to grapple with pain alone. Reach out to the people who provide support and care in your life and let them know what you’re going through. At the same time, you should also be open about how they can help you. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

For example, you could say, “Since we broke up, I don’t know how to stay busy and miss him. Are you free this week to have coffee with me?”
If you just want someone to listen, say, “Can I talk to you about what I just went through?”
If you don’t have someone to talk to, find a grieving community in your community, or join similar groups online. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Wait for the pain to subside.

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Grief from loss is a process and doesn’t follow any rules. You may feel fine for a moment, but soon be overwhelmed by the pain. Remember that this is normal, and that there is no set timeline for making you feel better. In fact, there’s always a part of you that feels sad about this loss, and that’s okay. Just continue to take good care of yourself and don’t let pain stop you from building new and healthy relationships in the future. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Keep yourself busy with other things.

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Fill your free time with hobbies and activities that you find interesting. It’s okay to take a moment to grieve, but most importantly, come back to reality. If you’ve lost a relationship that was once very important, now is the time to look at things in a new light. Fortunately, when you indulge in the things that bring happiness, life gradually becomes full and meaningful. ^{[11] X Research Source}

You can read a book, go out for coffee with an old friend, sign up for a new skill, or get a side job.

Talk to a therapist.

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A professional therapist can help you work through complicated emotions. If you’re stuck with feelings of grief, loss, or anger after saying goodbye to someone important, remember that you’re not alone. See a therapist who specializes in this area to sort through your emotions and look at the past in a new light. They can also help you learn techniques to start the healing process and move on. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Steps