What are the stages of breakup grief?

While based on the Kubler-Ross model, breakup grief typically moves through: Shock/Denial (numbness, disbelief), Deep Grief (sadness, crying, physical aches), Bargaining (replaying scenarios, 'what if' thinking), Anger (resentment, fury at your ex and yourself), and Acceptance (forward movement, peace). These stages are not linear — you may cycle through them multiple times before settling into acceptance.

How long does it take to get over a breakup?

Research suggests an average of 3-6 months for most breakups, though deeply significant relationships or trauma bonds can take 12-24 months. The old 'half the relationship length' rule isn't well-supported by research. What matters more than time is how you process: avoiding suppression, maintaining no contact, building new routines, and allowing yourself to grieve actively rather than passively.

Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better?

Yes. The initial shock/numbness phase can feel more manageable than the deep grief that follows because numbness is protective. When the numbness lifts and the full weight of the loss hits, it can feel like you're going backwards. You're not — you're actually progressing. The grief you feel when the shock wears off is the real processing beginning.

What Stage of Breakup Healing Am I In?

Answer 10 honest questions to discover your current healing stage. Take this quiz again in 30 days to track your progress.

100% FreeNo Sign Up RequiredBased on Grief Research

Question 1 of 1010%

When you think about the breakup right now, what feeling comes up first?

Use arrow keys to navigate, Enter to continue, or 1-5 to select

The Five Stages of Breakup Healing

🌑

Shock

Numbness, disbelief, autopilot

🌧️

Grief

Deep sadness, physical aches, tears

🔄

Bargaining

"What if" loops, obsessing, replaying

🔥

Anger

Resentment, rage, clarity through fire

⭐

Acceptance

Peace, forward movement, hope

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be in multiple stages at once?

Absolutely. Grief stages are not a linear escalator — they overlap, cycle, and revisit. You might feel acceptance in the morning and be back in bargaining by nightfall. Your quiz result reflects your dominant stage, not your only one.

Should I take this quiz again later?

Yes — this quiz is specifically designed for retakes. Take it again in 30 days and compare your results. Seeing your progress mapped over time can be deeply encouraging, especially on the days when healing feels invisible.

This quiz is for self-reflection purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnosis or substitute for professional help.

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