Hmm. It depends on the situation, but I don't think it's terribly unusual. I changed a lot after getting out of one relationship because the guy I was with was really controlling and manipulative. I gained a lot of confidence after breaking up with him, and I finally felt like I could be myself again. So it's not just that I changed – it's also that I was suddenly able to express myself and the internal changes I'd gone through over the year that we dated.
I think that can also happen with relationships that aren't controlling and abusive. People often change themselves (in both healthy and unhealthy ways), their behaviour, and what they focus on based on their partner. There are things I enjoy doing with my husband that I might not do anymore if we were to split up, because my enjoyment of them has a lot to do with his company and our shared interests, not my interests alone.
Also, it's normal for people to reinvent themselves sometimes, especially young people, and a breakup can trigger a need for change. A lot of emotional changes and psychological growth (or damage) often follow a breakup, so it makes sense that people are sometimes very different afterwards.
IIN to drastically change after a breakup?
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Hmm. It depends on the situation, but I don't think it's terribly unusual. I changed a lot after getting out of one relationship because the guy I was with was really controlling and manipulative. I gained a lot of confidence after breaking up with him, and I finally felt like I could be myself again. So it's not just that I changed – it's also that I was suddenly able to express myself and the internal changes I'd gone through over the year that we dated.
I think that can also happen with relationships that aren't controlling and abusive. People often change themselves (in both healthy and unhealthy ways), their behaviour, and what they focus on based on their partner. There are things I enjoy doing with my husband that I might not do anymore if we were to split up, because my enjoyment of them has a lot to do with his company and our shared interests, not my interests alone.
Also, it's normal for people to reinvent themselves sometimes, especially young people, and a breakup can trigger a need for change. A lot of emotional changes and psychological growth (or damage) often follow a breakup, so it makes sense that people are sometimes very different afterwards.