How to Cope With Anger, Bitterness, and Injustice from Past Relationships, Especially When They Now Seem to Have Changed to a Different Person
Journal Prompt:
Make a list of all the things your ex did to hurt you. (Example: didn’t listen when I talked, didn’t show affection, didn’t help with the kids…)
Describe the feelings you had because of how your ex treated you. (Example: I felt unlovable, I felt ignored, I felt like I wasn’t enough…)
Write about the things you did to try to make the relationship better. (Example: I asked them to understand my needs, I asked them to go to counseling, I shut down my emotions and focused on making them happy.)
Write a list of your ex’s behavior choices that you could not change. (Example: They chose not to go to counseling with me, They chose not to honor my needs, They chose not to help me with household chores to make my life easier.)
Now that you can see your ex’s behaviors were not something you could control, release yourself of fault or guilt for their choices. Understand that when you feel angry about your ex’s behaviors now, remind yourself that you are validated in what you feel about them, but their choices DOES NOT determine your worth, the type of person you are, or what you deserve.
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