How to Forget Someone: 11 Practical Step-by-Step Tips
“How do I forget someone I loved so much?”
So many people ask me this. And if you’re wondering the same thing, just know—you’re not alone. That’s why I put together this simple guide on how to forget someone who meant a lot to you.
The truth is, yes—you can move on. It might feel impossible right now, but it’s not. Forgetting someone doesn’t mean you erase your memories or pretend they never mattered. It just means you stop letting those memories hurt you. You learn how to let go, slowly and gently, and start feeling more like yourself again.
In this article, I’ve answered the most common questions people ask when they’re trying to move on. I’m also sharing 9 simple and practical tips, step by step, to help you heal your heart and finally feel some peace.
“Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t letting go, but learning to start over.”
— Nicole Sobon
“The only way to get over someone is to get under yourself.”
— Tarryn Fisher
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Why Is It So Hard to Forget Someone Who Hurt You?
A lot of people also ask, “If forgetting someone is possible, then why can’t I forget the one I want to forget?”
I always tell them, “God has given us the amazing ability to move on. But many people don’t use that power. If you take small, purposeful steps, you can absolutely move someone out of your heart—no matter how much you loved them. Forgetting someone is within your control.
The truth is, most people who struggle to forget someone believe they can’t. And that belief is what stops them. Psychology shows that what you believe is what you can do. If you believe it’s possible, you will find the strength to do it. But if you think, “I can’t forget them,” you’ll stay stuck, no matter how simple the way out might be.
The memory of someone may never fully go when you walk away. But over time, the emotional weight of that memory will get lighter. You’ll slowly adjust to their absence, which will help you move forward in life.
This isn’t about erasing the memory, but learning how to live with it. You might still remember them, but you’ll find a way to move on without feeling the same emotional pull, and that will help you heal and grow.
This might be hard, but it’s totally possible—and it all comes down to your inner strength.
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11 Practical Step-by-Step Tips to Forget Someone You Loved
Here are 11 simple, step-by-step tips will help you let go, move forward, and feel more like yourself again.
1. Make a Firm Decision to Forget Someone
The first step in moving on is making a strong decision. You need to choose to let go of the person, both emotionally and mentally. This decision is more than just a passing thought—it’s about saying, “I’m ready to focus on myself and my future.”
When you’re clear and committed, the process of moving on begins faster, and your heart starts to heal. The firmer you are, the quicker you’ll shed the emotional weight.
2. Use Hypnosis to Accelerate the Healing Process
It might sound unusual, but hypnosis can be a helpful way to let go of someone. Hypnotherapy works by tapping into your subconscious mind, where strong emotions are stored. A skilled therapist can help you break the emotional connection, reducing the pain and changing how you feel about it.
It’s not magic, but it helps you reframe your memories and replace old emotional triggers with healthier, more empowering thoughts. So it’s a powerful tool to help you heal faster with less emotional strain.
3. Don’t Talk About Them
Letting go means not talking about the person anymore. It’s not just avoiding them—it’s also about not bringing them up in conversations with others. If someone mentions their name, change the topic.
Because talking about them keeps their memory alive and makes it harder to move on. So by stopping these conversations, you’re showing yourself and others that you’re ready to move forward and take back your emotional space.
4. Stop Checking In On Them
It’s natural to be curious about what they’re doing, but checking their social media or asking friends about them is self-sabotage. Their life isn’t part of yours anymore. Every time you check in, you make it harder to heal.
It’s like reopening a wound that hasn’t fully healed yet. Focus on your own life and growth, not on their past.
5. Delete Their Photos and Messages
Holding onto old photos and messages might seem comforting, but they only remind you of what you’ve lost. Deleting them helps you let go and take back your emotional energy.
When you want to cut someone off, looking at old mementos keeps the past alive in your present and blocks healing. By clearing these out, you make space for new memories and fresh emotional growth.
6. Follow the No Contact Rule to Forget Someone
If you really want to move on, you have to stop all contact. This means not just ignoring calls or texts, but also stopping yourself from checking their social media or texting them “just to see how they’re doing.” If you absolutely have to interact because of work or mutual friends, keep it brief, professional, and neutral.
Every little interaction can bring back old feelings. Cutting off contact helps you regain your emotional energy and focus on your own healing.
7. Let Go of Items and Gifts That Keep You Attached
Things like gifts or keepsakes can keep you stuck in the past. If you want to move on, it’s time to let go of these items. Whether it’s a sweater they gave you or a gift that reminds you of happy times, holding on to these things keeps the emotional connection alive.
Donate them or throw them away if you need to. Letting go of these physical reminders is a freeing step toward emotional healing and creating space for new experiences.
8. Stop Planting “What If” Thoughts
It’s easy to get caught up in “what if” thoughts, like wondering how things could’ve gone differently. But the past can’t be changed, no matter how much you think about it. These thoughts only bring regret and pain.
So instead, focus on the present and your own healing. When “what if” thoughts pop up, remind yourself that the past is over, but you can shape your future.
9. Stop Living in the Past
It’s tempting to keep reliving good memories from the past, but doing so keeps you stuck. While those memories may be beautiful, they belong to a chapter that’s closed.
The past can’t bring you new experiences or growth—it only brings more pain. Let go of the idea that going back will make you feel better. Embrace the present and let your future unfold without holding onto what was.
10. Don’t Lock Yourself in a Room
When emotions feel overwhelming, you may want to hide away, but isolation makes it harder to heal. Instead of locking yourself away, try to get outside, go for walks, or spend time with friends who lift you up. Even small joys can help.
Being around others and staying active will remind you of your worth and help you move past the pain.
11. Stay Away from Sad Content
Listening to sad songs or watching sad movies might feel like it helps, but it keeps the sadness alive. Instead, choose uplifting and positive media. Look for things that inspire hope, peace, and strength instead of being sad.
Surrounding yourself with positive content will help you heal and focus on the beauty and joy still in life. I hope these 11 steps help you break emotional attachment, allowing for recovery and emotional freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forgetting Someone
Q: How long does it take to forget someone?
Answer:
It usually takes about three months to start moving on, with more healing happening by six months. It’s not about forgetting completely, but about feeling better and ready to move forward.
Q: Why do we even want to forget someone?
Answer:
You want to forget someone when thinking about them brings pain or sadness. Letting go helps you feel better and move on with your life.
Q: Is it normal to forget someone who died?
Answer:
Yes, it’s normal. Over time, the pain softens, and you find peace. Healing doesn’t mean you loved them less, it just means you’re learning to live with their memory in a healthier way.
Q: Can you forget someone completely?
Answer:
It’s hard to forget someone who mattered a lot to you. But with time, the pain fades, and the memories don’t hurt as much. It’s not about erasing them, it’s about finding peace without feeling weighed down.
Q: Can you forget someone you truly love?
Answer:
It’s really tough to forget someone you truly love. But with time, the love softens, and you can heal. You may always love them, but the pain will get easier to handle.
Q: What are the best ways to forget someone psychologically?
Answer:
- Acknowledge that healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel hurt.
- Shift energy towards your own emotional growth and well-being.
- Reduce or eliminate contact to give yourself the space to heal.
- Redirect painful memories to positive or neutral thoughts.
- Therapy or support groups help process emotions and facilitate healing.
A Golden Reminder to Forget Someone
Stick to what makes your soul feel calm.
It could be prayer, quiet time, nature, or just sitting with your thoughts. These things help you come back to yourself. When you find that peace inside, heartbreak doesn’t feel as heavy.
If you believe in God, open the Bible or the Quran.
Let Him comfort you. God is always there, loving, patient, and never leaving your side. When you hold on to Him, even deep pain slowly starts to fade.
Now think about this:
If your mind can forget to eat or sleep when you’re hurting…
It can also forget someone who stopped bringing peace to your life.
Your mind is smart.
It’s already working to help you heal, even if you don’t feel it yet.
You’re stronger than you think.
And one day soon, this won’t hurt so much.
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