How to Fall in Love Again After Being Hurt

Loving again after being hurt takes patience and time.

After being hurt in love, you may be hesitant to try again without some encouragement. Loving someone always carries some risk, but if you have been injured before, learning to trust again takes time and effort. While the process is not one that can happen overnight, it is possible to open up and love again, even after being hurt.

Instructions

1. Rely on your support network. If you have been hurt in love, other people may not feel safe. Spend time with the people you still trust. Take their advice and allow them to care for you.

2. Reevaluate your past relationships. Determine the nature of past problems and identify the warning signs that signified major issues.

3. Spend time on your own. While you may wish to cling to people after you have been hurt, take some time to yourself to be alone with your thoughts. This helps strengthen your sense of competence and independence.

4. Go out when you feel ready to do so. While it is tempting to shut yourself away, going out helps you push your boundaries and explore new opportunities. Take a friend with you if you feel shaken or nervous.

5. Trust your intuition. If you feel that a situation is leading you toward being hurt again, pause and reevaluate what you are doing.

6. State what your goals are when it comes to love. Be clear about what you want out of a relationship, both to yourself and to any prospective partners. This avoids confusion and heartbreak further down the line.

Tips & Warnings

• Take things slowly. If you feel rushed, put on the brakes until you feel more centered. This prevents you from making snap decisions that you will later regret.

References

• New Day Counseling; Affairs & the Aftermath: When Someone You Love Betrays You; Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC
• Alaska Wellness; Love After Betrayal; Jackie Garretson
• Go Ask Suzie; Happiness After Infidelity; Suzie Johnson