Have you ever been listening to the radio and all of a sudden you’ve had to turn it off because that song came on? It may have been ‘your’ song together, a song you listened to whilst you were crying your eyes out over them or a song that really related to your relationship. You really enjoyed listening to that song before; it may have held some happy memories for you in the past, but now it’s tainted and you can never hear it, let alone sing along to it, ever again. Another thing your ex has ruined for you.

When you meet someone with the same name as your ex, you decide instantly that nothing can ever happen between you – it would be too weird. You cringe when you hear their name dropped in conversation, so why would you want to hear it every day?

But wait. Why do you cringe when you hear their name? It’s a very common name. Why do your ears bleed when you listen to that song? It’s just a song. In fact, it’s a pretty good song and you like it. Why did you stop wearing that perfume they liked? Why do you find it awkward to walk into that restaurant?

All the memories of your ex are also associated with sounds and smells, so not only is it hard to visit the places you went together, but every so often someone will walk past you that smells just like them and memories will come flooding back and bring you down again. But you’re stronger than that. You know in the back of your mind that not enjoying something as much because it reminds you of them is just plain silly, you’re still giving them power over you and that will never let you fully move on.

So, next time ‘your’ song comes on; listen and enjoy it. Next time you meet someone with ‘that’ name; have a proper conversation with them. Smile that it happened, accept that it’s over and take back the power.

Until next time,

The Just Singles Team.

About the author…

Rachel is a Marketing Executive. She’s obsessed with Game of Thrones and country music. Her favourite pastime is cuddling up with her two Labradors and binge watching Netflix.