Surviving Breakup Season: Before You Say Goodbye, Choose Love
Riya Kumari | Dec 21, 2024, 20:49 IST
December breakups often stem from a perfect storm of misunderstandings and unmet expectations. It’s not just the holiday stress—it’s the little miscommunications that pile up, the assumptions that go unchecked. Instead of clarifying, both of you retreat, replaying scenarios in your heads and letting resentment build. By the time the New Year looms, those tiny cracks feel like unbridgeable gaps. And the saddest part? Most of it could’ve been solved with a little honesty and a lot less overthinking.
It’s official: breakup season is here. You know what I mean—that time of year when the cozy Instagram vibes turn into cryptic sad posts and you start hearing, “We just weren’t on the same page” from friends who seemed fine a month ago. The holidays are creeping up, New Year’s reflections are around the corner, and suddenly everyone’s reevaluating their lives like it’s a season finale. Unfortunately, relationships sometimes don’t make the cut.
1. Admit It’s Not Just You
It’s a strange kind of comfort, knowing it’s not all on your shoulders. The world is heavy right now—stress thick in the air, emotions tangled like old roots. Even the brightest of bonds can feel the strain. It’s not about blaming anything or anyone; it’s just that maybe this season isn’t kind to anyone. And knowing that, maybe, just maybe, you’re not the only one struggling can take some weight off your heart.
2. Cut the Passive-Aggressive Games
It’s so easy to fall into that trap—the game of who cares less, who waits longer, who stays distant. The silence stretches between you, like a canyon that didn’t exist a month ago. It’s tempting to make them prove they care, just as you want to prove you don’t need them. But here’s the truth: all that distance only feeds the emptiness. Say it. Tell them how you feel. It’s not easy, but it’s better than living in a hollowed-out echo.
3. Look Beyond the Surface Fights
You fight over the little things—who left the dishes undone, who didn’t send the text. But it’s not about the dishes. Never was. Underneath, there’s something deeper—unspoken hurts, small neglects, that have settled like dust between your words. Step back and see what’s really wrong. It’s not about the small things; it’s about what’s been buried too long to ignore now.
4. Take a Break from the Highlight Reel
The world online is a polished lie. Those perfect smiles, the holiday engagements—you don’t see the cracks behind the filters. And it hurts. Watching their joy makes you question your own, but remember: it’s just a show, not the truth. If the scrolling burns, step away. Let your own story unfold, without the noise of someone else’s picture-perfect life.
5. Do Something Small but Thoughtful
It’s the small things that speak louder than grand gestures. Maybe it’s bringing home their favorite snack or sending a random text that says, “I’m thinking of you.” It doesn’t fix everything, but it reminds you both that care doesn’t need to be big to be real. Sometimes, the quiet things are the loudest.
6. Don’t Dodge the Big Conversations
We avoid the big talks, don’t we? The ones that ask, “Are we okay?” or “Where is this headed?” It’s easier to bury the questions, to let them fester in the silence. But it only grows louder. It’s scary to ask, but the only way out is through—ask them, ask yourself, and listen. The truth might hurt, but it might also set you free.
7. Remember Why You’re Together
When everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s easy to forget why you started this journey together. Remember the laughter, the warmth, the reasons you both chose this. It’s not about ignoring the broken parts—it’s about seeing the beauty that’s still there. The love that might just need a little tending to bloom again.
8. Accept the Messiness
Love is never perfect. It’s messy, raw, tangled up with imperfection. And maybe, just maybe, that’s okay. Breakup season isn’t a test of who’s right or wrong, but of who’s willing to show up, to try, and to be real. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it won’t. But right now, what matters is that you’re here, still fighting for it, still trying to make sense of the mess. And if you can’t hold on anymore, that’s alright too. Sometimes, letting go is the bravest thing you’ll do.
1. Admit It’s Not Just You
Sad woman
It’s a strange kind of comfort, knowing it’s not all on your shoulders. The world is heavy right now—stress thick in the air, emotions tangled like old roots. Even the brightest of bonds can feel the strain. It’s not about blaming anything or anyone; it’s just that maybe this season isn’t kind to anyone. And knowing that, maybe, just maybe, you’re not the only one struggling can take some weight off your heart.
2. Cut the Passive-Aggressive Games
Breakup texts
It’s so easy to fall into that trap—the game of who cares less, who waits longer, who stays distant. The silence stretches between you, like a canyon that didn’t exist a month ago. It’s tempting to make them prove they care, just as you want to prove you don’t need them. But here’s the truth: all that distance only feeds the emptiness. Say it. Tell them how you feel. It’s not easy, but it’s better than living in a hollowed-out echo.
3. Look Beyond the Surface Fights
Hurt woman
You fight over the little things—who left the dishes undone, who didn’t send the text. But it’s not about the dishes. Never was. Underneath, there’s something deeper—unspoken hurts, small neglects, that have settled like dust between your words. Step back and see what’s really wrong. It’s not about the small things; it’s about what’s been buried too long to ignore now.
4. Take a Break from the Highlight Reel
Instagram
The world online is a polished lie. Those perfect smiles, the holiday engagements—you don’t see the cracks behind the filters. And it hurts. Watching their joy makes you question your own, but remember: it’s just a show, not the truth. If the scrolling burns, step away. Let your own story unfold, without the noise of someone else’s picture-perfect life.
5. Do Something Small but Thoughtful
I love you note
It’s the small things that speak louder than grand gestures. Maybe it’s bringing home their favorite snack or sending a random text that says, “I’m thinking of you.” It doesn’t fix everything, but it reminds you both that care doesn’t need to be big to be real. Sometimes, the quiet things are the loudest.
6. Don’t Dodge the Big Conversations
Call
We avoid the big talks, don’t we? The ones that ask, “Are we okay?” or “Where is this headed?” It’s easier to bury the questions, to let them fester in the silence. But it only grows louder. It’s scary to ask, but the only way out is through—ask them, ask yourself, and listen. The truth might hurt, but it might also set you free.
7. Remember Why You’re Together
Holding hands
When everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s easy to forget why you started this journey together. Remember the laughter, the warmth, the reasons you both chose this. It’s not about ignoring the broken parts—it’s about seeing the beauty that’s still there. The love that might just need a little tending to bloom again.
8. Accept the Messiness
Hug
Love is never perfect. It’s messy, raw, tangled up with imperfection. And maybe, just maybe, that’s okay. Breakup season isn’t a test of who’s right or wrong, but of who’s willing to show up, to try, and to be real. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it won’t. But right now, what matters is that you’re here, still fighting for it, still trying to make sense of the mess. And if you can’t hold on anymore, that’s alright too. Sometimes, letting go is the bravest thing you’ll do.