141. How to get over someone you can't stop thinking about
Nov 7, 2023
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The podcast explores the psychology behind why we can't stop obsessively thinking about someone and how to get over them. It covers topics such as emotional closure, positive bias for the past, chemical reasons for obsession, anxious attachment, excuses for staying invested, emotional detachment, the science of no-contact, and tips for moving on.
Emotional closure is crucial for moving on from someone, as our brains need a clear narrative to conclude that chapter and stop searching for answers.
Our tendency to romanticize the past and focus on positive memories hinders our ability to let go and elongates the healing process.
Deep dives
Lack of Emotional Closure
When we cannot stop thinking about someone from our past, it is often because we lack emotional closure. Our brains need to create a structured narrative to understand why the relationship ended and to conclude that chapter. Without closure, our minds remain uncertain and keep searching for answers, leading to persistent thoughts and memories of that person.
Positive Cognitive Bias and Reminiscing
Our tendency to romanticize the past and remember the good times more clearly than the bad, known as the polyanoprenchipole, contributes to our inability to move on. We selectively recall the positive memories, focusing on what made the person special and overlooking the negative aspects. This bias hinders our ability to let go and elongates the healing process.
Psychological and Biological Addiction
The emotional attachment and bonding experiences in a relationship can trigger addictive mechanisms in our brains. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin flood our system, creating a dependence on the emotions tied to that person. This parallels the way addiction to substances works and explains why we continue to seek out the person, even when the relationship is over.
Detachment and Moving Forward
To stop thinking about someone we can't get over, we need to detach physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. This includes instituting a period of no contact with the person, symbolically cutting the tie that keeps us connected. It also involves refocusing on self-love, seeking support from friends, investing in new experiences and hobbies, and giving ourselves time to heal without immediately seeking a rebound. Time is the ultimate healer, and by prioritizing our own well-being, we can eventually move forward.
We all know the feeling of wanting desperately to move on from someone - an ex, a past love, situationship, someone we know we shouldn't be with - but being unable to stop obsessively thinking about them. In this episode we explore the psychology behind why that is, but also how to get to the next stage of healing where you are free of the past memories, thoughts and your feelings for this person. We discuss:
The psychological need for emotional closure and how to provide YOURSELF closure
The Polyanna principle and positive bias for the past
The chemical reason for obsession and unrequited
Anxious attachment and overthinking
The excuses that keep us invested in the wrong people
How to emotionally detach
The science of no-contact
10 tips for getting over someone you can't stop thinking about
If you are struggling to move on, even though you've tried and are ready, this one is for you as we unpack how to move on from someone you can't stop thinking about.