Although spring is synonymous with new beginnings, this is not always the case romantic relationships among today’s youth. Their relationship was expected to peak during their parents’ generation marriage. Today, relationship cohesion is often a matter of convenience over a period of time. Many youth relationships fizzle out and end. It can be fatal for a person self-esteem.
A lot anecdotal reports point out that April is the month of separation. Theories behind this time range from excitement to a desire for a fresh start.
Psychological consequences of divorce
According to Freeman et al. (2023), “Today’s Western-educated young men and women spend most of their third decade of life (ie, ages 20-29) in celibate unions. Although formal marriage is delayed or denied, most young people still seek companionship, with about 75 percent of premarital marriages in the U.S. now completed.”
Yet even in celibate unions, when these romantic relationships fail, studies show that divorce is likely. traumatic for young people.
However, evidence presented by Aviles et al. (2020) at European magazine Personality indicates that “(b) being alone during the evening adolescence and adulthood does not pose a threat to young people’s self-esteem. Although the months of a breakup can be devastating, studies show that within three months, people can return to pre-breakup levels.
Rumination has negative effects
However, there is an exception to the three-month recovery period – rumination. Apparently, rumination can be harmful on several levels, from physical health to psychological effects.
In a study focusing on the role of rumination and coping strategies in shaping adjustment to divorce stress (Mancone et al., 2025), “Rumination emerged as a significant predictor of negative outcomes in academic performance and physical health.” Rumination can impair a person’s ability to get things done and even harm psychological health.
How to stay positive after a breakup
- Avoid thinking: it leads to negative things depression.
- Start your days with gratitude: By expressing gratitude – even for a lost love – you remind yourself of the good times you had with yourself.
- Resist angry speech: Despite the temptation to speak ill of your former love, speaking kindly will encourage you to be the center of attention.
- Practice Image Swap: If you’re feeling lonely and stuck in a dark hole, find a picture of yourself in a happier time. Focus on your inner world, the person you love and find worthy of new love.
- Try using a gratitude journal: Research by Gary Lewandowski, Ph.D., found that writing about the positive aspects of a breakup is easier, trustpower, energy, happiness, optimismrelief, satisfaction, gratitudeand wisdom.
- Be careful not to repeat the past: when you are looking for a new love, be smart characteristics that led to your breakup.
- Think about reciprocated love: the new person may not be “the one” for you, but the “current” one can lift your spirits and you two can bring each other some happiness together.
The importance of giving back: Remember that the warmth of a sensitive and caring person by nature is like sunshine – a little goes a long way.
Copyright 2026 Rita Watson, MPH
