Just trying to understand how people process matters of the heart....

I'm sure that most of us have encountered heartbreak in our lives whether it be in a relationship, marriage or even if you had feelings for someone but they never felt the same, or whatever other reason it may be. Some have experienced more than others. How did you manage to get through it and move on, have you managed to get through it? How has it affected you or changed you as a person for the better or worst?

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DrWatson · 70-79, M

I think we simply have to accept the idea that there will be a period of time during which the pain seems unbearable, when it seems that the pain will last forever, when it seems there is no escape from it.

But eventually that abates, if for no other reason than it is mentally and emotionally too exhausting to maintain that kind of focus.

Gradually, we are open to the other things and other people in our lives that cause us joy.

That doesn't mean that we necessarily come to minimize the hurt (although, we might do that if we gain new perspective on it). But the pain dulls, and we are able to incorporate the experience into our lives as we move on.

And until that happens, things just....hurt.