Gen Z heartbreak is far from ordinary. This generation of lovers have few ways of dealing with the pain of a breakup. Healing a broken heart takes time, patience, and an extensive list of coping mechanisms. None of them guarantee a speedy recovery, and Gen Z loves instant gratification. As with all heartbreak, there comes a time to bounce back. But what is the definition of a good bounce back according to Gen Z? 21Ninety spoke with dating experts at eharmony to analyse their recent findings about Gen Z heartbreak.
Minaa B., dating expert at eharmony shared her views on their latest data. It revealed the most common ways Gen Z singles cope with heartbreak: taking a break from dating, opening up to their besties, and breaking a sweat. While breakups can be unpleasant, how you cope with heartbreak can have an even greater impact.
Gen Z folks are reflecting on heartbreak to process future romances. New data shows that 84% of Gen Z singles believe that past heartbreaks have made them ‘more cautious’ about relationships, and 72% say it made them ‘less trusting’ in relationships. While 82% of Gen Z singles say they have experienced heartbreak from a situationship.
Gen Z Isn’t Afraid of Taking a Break from Dating
Taking a breather from the dating scene is something Gen Z’s happily embrace. Minaa B. notes that “taking a break from dating helps you gain clarity in what you are looking for. It can also help with the burnout and exhaustion from consistently dating and not getting desired results”. These days, no one has energy for every date to move to the the ‘talking stage’ just to fizzle out. Minaa B. mentions this process can not only wear you out but also requires time, attention, and intention, which can be used to heal.
The Healing Power of Offloading with Friends
Talking with friends was the number one reported coping mechanism for managing heartbreak . For Minaa B., this makes perfect sense since talking to friends helps to promote co-regulation, which is when we use someone else’s regulated nervous system to help heal and repair our disregulated nervous system. What better way to reregulate your system than being surrounded by your chosen community?
“Heartbreak can bring up feelings of sadness, depression, and even loneliness, so having a support system that nourishes us mentally and emotionally plays a critical role in healing,” adds Minaa B.
It is also important to note when offloading becomes unhealthy. Minaa B. warns that an essential sign to look out for is finding yourself “in a destructive circle of talking about your ex and not getting any relief or healing from the process,”. For instance, if you constantly feel immense rage or aggression while talking about an ex, your conversations may not be healthy. Also, note that other behaviors, like stalking or harassing an ex can also be signs that your conversation with a friend has strayed from healthy. When this happens, Minaa B. recommends seeking professional support, such as a therapist. You can receive essential feedback in a professional setting that will lead to healing.
Gen Z Manage Their Feelings With a Workout
It’s no secret that exercising has multiple stress-relieving benefits and offers physical and mental release in the name of endorphins. Gen Zers cannot get enough of their gym/workout routines when heartbroken. “Exercise helps to release tension, dopamine and serotonin stored in the body, helping with mood regulation,” Minaa says.
“Working out a holistic practice provides huge benefits for us physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she encourages.
The healing process is an emotional one. Yet, most Gen Zers are exchanging harmful breakup habits for routines that encourage recovery, and we’re rooting for them!