How to Deal with Unrequited Love

Are you in love with someone who doesn’t love you back? If you’re dealing with unrequited love, you’re not alone my friend. Social psychologist Roy Baumeister says 98% of people have suffered from unrequited love at one point in their life. So, what should you do about it? How do you move one? Well, here are a few tips on how to deal with unrequited love.

Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for professional advice, but general guidance. If you can't relate to any of these signs, please know this feedback is not meant to discredit anyone. It is meant to be a self-improvement guide for those of you who have been feeling a little stuck. We advise you to always listen to your intuition and always do what is right for you.

Writer: Michal Mitchell
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Azélie
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

[Psychgo]

Hi everyone! We want to make better and better content for you guys in the next few months. What are some things that you feel could really improve the work that we do? Should we do a combination of submitted stories along with educational content? Please command us. <3

[frederickrapp]

There is no more painful experience in life than loving somebody who does not love you back.

[chiefaaron]

I’m currently dealing with unrequited love at an extreme level, and this video literally gave me a hug. It’s been going on for over half a year now and it’s painful. I wish the best for everyone who is currently dealing with this too, and thank you Psych2Go for making these amazing videos :)

[jonsotbh]

"allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling" best advice you can give anyone ever

[TheFinalDJ_Coral-Alt]

The hardest part is when everything you enjoy reminds you of them-

[smartalecl]

It seems like I'm always dealing with unrequited love, which is both killing my interest in love as well as making me think that I simply can't be loved like that. I know that deep down it's not true, but the feeling is still there

Edit: this actually changed soon after I posted this comment. I found someone who genuinely loves me and I genuinely love them back. If I can find someone like that, then there should be someone out there for you

[zumarragadiego]

I feel like the feelings you get from unrequited love are really difficult to overcome. What I find the most anoying, is when you think you have overcame it and suddenly remember her, and you cannot get her out of your mind.

[trasea]

Once you realize how excruciatingly painful this is, you can be more compassionate toward those who love you but you don't love them back. It helps to remember we don't choose who we love. It's quite the mystery how we trip and fall into love.

[nandinisivakumar]

I've been fighting this for over 2 years, and sadly I'm not 100% over the feeling. But I'm damn sure that I will get over it completely. To everyone out there, who's facing this problem, you are strong, you are brave. This too, shall pass.

[anne.]

0:35 - Accept their feeling and the end of a possible relationship with them
1:18 - Stop daydreaming about them
1:58 - Allow yourself to mourn the idea of being with them
2:43 - Distract yourself with passion projects and new skills
3:11 - Realize they aren't as perfect as they seem
3:46 Know there won't always be closure, still, keep moving forward

[exreturno]

Thanks - this is something many if not most will have to deal with at some point in their lives. It's a pity this sort of advice isn't taught at school, given how common the problem is.

[cita]

It’s shattering when mourning a relationship that never was.

[Seltsamisierend]

As an INFP, "stop daydreaming" is literally impossible.

[MoltarTheGreat]

TL:DR: "Never fantasize about someone and put them on a pedestal, let go and move on, do not stay in a 'friendzone', grieve over the loss of a potential relationship."

[meowikoru]

This is precisely what I needed! I’m trying to move on from my best friend for the past two years but they’re ace-

[mikeYXiong]

I realize love can lead to hate. Let me explain, I really like someone even potentially loving them. But, she saw me as a brother. Which I was understanding of it. For 4 months I treated her the same way, but I could not shake the feeling that my actions/interaction were seen as a "brother." I hated that feeling, that I was essentially pretending to be a brother hoping and waiting for something. She did eventually find someone, which I was happy about. For 7 months, my "love" began to turn into jealousy and hate. I hated that it wasnt me and I also hated that feeling of jealousy. Like "why am I stuck on someone who only sees me as a brother?!" My actions/interaction began to dwindle on purpose, I began to distance myself. That means no texting, no quick glance, or even approaching her. At the moment of writing this, I am essentially killing her image out of me. Let tell me tell you guys who are reading this, "if she wanted to love you romantically, she would. If you wanted to love someone romantically, you would." As I said it before, I expressed myself to her and she expressed back. Anyways, if you opened up about yourself to someone and they said something that's doesn't suit your interest. MOVE ON, GROW SOME BIG PANTS. LET YOUR HEART GROW STRONGER FROM THIS PAIN.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST. Never let your love turn to hate. I REPEAT, NEVER LET YOUR LOVE TURN TO HATE. If you began to despise her, wish for her downfall just so you can hop in on her downfall or wish for breakups. That's pure evil, and I say that I am indeed evil because of those thoughts. MY ANSWER TO THIS distance as much as possible. If that person confronts you about "why your distancing yourself, "please explain your reason. Two most likely ways how it can turn out. 1) if that person accepts your decision then you both move on and don't not be friends, because obviously some people cant stand being friend with someone they liked [pain?yes. Now move on]...2) if the other person's says, anything on the line of " I'm always here if you need someone to talk to." STOP IMMEDIATELY, don't fall for that cr*p. It will only weigh you down, hoping to rely on that person whenever your hurt. We don't want that since they were the issue to begin with. No point if your decision right?

Final say to everyone who read it this far. Move on everyone, don't be held down by one person. One person doesn't make your happiness, only you can make yourself happy and you know yourself best! Ty for those who read this and enjoy your lovely life.

[mostcreativenickname]

It’s really exhausting experiencing this when everything you’ve ever wanted was feeling loved due to never feeling seen during your childhood. So you get hyperfixated on a close friend you’ve never had before, think you feel genuine love towards them and then get abruptly rejected after confessing. And they end the friendship and cut ties.

I don’t wish this to anyone.

[Savagecabbage]

It's like you guys know me on a personal level. I'm just getting over being rejected for the second time by the same crush. It hurts. A lot. Thank-you guys so much for all the work you put into these, they mean the world to us.

[kam_orl]

When someone is very clear that they can’t be there for you, you are left with no choice but to leave them. On this planet, there is no one worth waiting for… The sooner one realises this, the better!

[wandereroffates]

One of the worst, heart shattering feelings. It pains me every day and night. I hope we all overcome this pain and learn to love ourselves the most. Because we deserve that much. I also hope we can all someday find the right people for us that do love us back :)