THANK YOU, NEXT!

A chapter has closed, but the story is far from over. Love, in its truest form, will never require betrayal as a lesson. Moving forward, a life of self-worth, emotional stability, and unwaveringpeace is still available, so what do we choose?

By Agranee Singh

Getting over a cheating ex isn’t just about walking away, it’s about untangling yourself from the hurt, the questions, and the self-doubt they leave behind. It’s messy, it’s painful, and at times, it feels impossible. But the good news? You will get through this. And not just that, you’ll come out stronger, wiser, and more at peace with yourself than ever before.

At first, your mind will go in circles. Questions like why did they do it? Wasn’t I enough? Could I have stopped it? These thoughts are normal, but they don’t change what happened. The truth is, their actions were their choice, not a reflection of your worth. What you can control is how you move forward. And moving forward starts

with accepting that some answers will never come, and that’s okay.

Let’s be real, stalking their social media, reading old texts, going. through old flashbacks on snapchat or hoping for an apology that may never come? That only keeps you in the past. It’s hard, but cutting contact, or at least creating serious distance, is the best thing you can do for yourself. The more space you give your heart, the more it can breathe and heal.

Vrishti Dev, 23, a medicine student at NSMCH, Patna who got cheated on by their partner of two years describe her experience as a painful and traumatic one. ” If I could go back in time and erase a memory, I would delete the entire time frame of me dating that man. The self-worth that takes a toll when a person chooses to betray your trust is a tough one to get over,” she remarks.

Often going to the gym, working out, skincare and other self-care and self-help activities have often tended to help people out of this difficult situation. Setting fitness goals and an academic comeback is what the Z’s are chasing, whereas there’s a difference in outlook in the older demographic.

For younger people, a cheating ex can feel like the end of the world, the first real heartbreak cuts deep, and trust feels impossible to rebuild. But the thing about firsts? They never last. Love will find youagain, and this pain won’t define your future. You’re young and you have plenty to explore so love will find you in the folds of life.

As for older individuals, betrayal comes with a different kind of weight. It’s not just about a broken heart, it’s about time, history, shared lives, and sometimes even families. The grief is heavier, but so is the wisdom. Together you’ve already overcome challenges before, and this will be no different. The love you gave wasn’t

wasted, it was real, even if they failed to honor it. And life after them? It still holds joy, love, and new beginnings.

Vineeta, 48, based in Delhi, and a single mother of two shares her take on this discussion. “At my age, one doesn’t act out of spite. If my partner cheated on me, I wouldn’t continue the relationship any further, but the friendship wouldn’t subside. As adults we would peacefully co-parent our children and act civil, ” she explains.

Forgiveness is often mistaken for an invitation back. However, it is a gift given to oneself, not to them. Letting go of resentment does not mean allowing their return, it simply removes their power to control one’s emotions any longer. By releasing bitterness, true freedom is regained.

---