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With social media giving us a glimpse into the lives of influencers and celebrities, it’s easy to become emotionally invested in their lives. Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were firm fan favourites during their time on Love Island and millions of people continued following their love story after the series ended. The news of their split came as a shock to many fans, and may have even stirred up unresolved feelings about your own relationship, whether past or present.
If you find yourself feeling triggered by this news, it’s important to remember that these emotions are valid. Whether it’s a sense of loss, fear, or sadness, these feelings deserve attention and care. Below are some ways you can navigate these emotions in a healthy and constructive way.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step in dealing with any emotional trigger is to acknowledge it. You might feel silly or confused about why the news of a celebrity couple's breakup is affecting you and others may struggle to understand. The important thing to remember is that your feelings are real and valid. Take a moment to identify what emotions are coming up for you - whether it's anxiety about your current relationship, sadness about a past breakup, or even general feelings of uncertainty. By acknowledging your feelings you give yourself the space to begin processing them.
Understand the Source of the Trigger
Once you've identified your feelings, try to understand why this particular news has triggered them. Often, public events can serve as mirrors, reflecting our own unresolved issues or insecurities. For example, if you’ve recently gone through a breakup, hearing about another couple’s split might bring your own pain back to the surface. Similarly, if you’re in a relationship but feel uncertain about its future, this news might amplify those doubts. It may be that you witnessed your parents’ relationship breaking down and are feeling for Molly-Mae and Tommy’s child. Whatever the reason, understanding it can help guide you as to the best way to move forward in a constructive way.
Practice Self-Compassion
It’s easy to be hard on yourself for feeling upset about something that doesn’t directly involve you, especially if friends and family are echoing these sentiments. However, it’s crucial to practise self-compassion during this time. Remind yourself that your feelings are a natural response to past experiences and that it’s okay to feel vulnerable. At the end of the day, our brains throw these feelings at us as a way to keep us safe, so remind yourself that this is what your brain is doing.
Limit Social Media Exposure
Social media may be how you kept up to date with Molly-Mae and Tommy’s love story, so if you find that scrolling through posts about their breakup is amplifying your feelings of inadequacy or sadness, consider taking a break from social media or curating your feed to include content that uplifts you. This small step can help create a more positive mental environment while you process your emotions. On most platforms you can snooze profiles for a set number of days, so make use of this tool if it will help.
Talk About It
Sometimes, sharing your feelings with someone you trust can be incredibly therapeutic. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking about why this news has affected you can help you gain perspective and feel less isolated. A supportive listener can also help you explore your emotions more deeply and offer comfort or advice.
Reflect on Your Own Relationship Journey
If the news of Molly-Mae and Tommy’s split has triggered you because of your own experiences, use this time as an opportunity for self-reflection. Think about your own relationship history - what you've learned, how you've grown, and what you want for your future. If you’re currently in a relationship, consider having an open and honest conversation with your partner about any insecurities or concerns you might have. If you’re single, reflect on what you’re looking for in a future relationship and how you can continue to heal from past experiences. As I said before, these feelings are coming up for a reason so take the time to honour them.
Focus on Self-Care and Speak to a Professional if Needed
Emotional triggers can be draining, so it’s important to take extra care of yourself during this time. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whatever that looks like for you. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being can help you feel more grounded and resilient.
It may be that your feelings are too overwhelming to deal with by speaking to friends or family or that they persist over time. If this is the case, it might be helpful to seek professional support. A therapist can help you navigate these emotions, offering tools and strategies to manage triggers and work through unresolved issues from past relationships.
Remember That Everyone’s Journey Is Different
Lastly, remember that every relationship is unique, and so is every breakup. Just because a public couple has split doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed or that love isn’t worth pursuing. It’s okay to feel upset, but try to keep in mind that your journey is your own, the same as Molly-Mae and Tommy’s was their own. You have the power to shape it in a way that aligns with your values and desires.
Final Thoughts
It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions when you hear about the end of a relationship you admired, especially if it brings up memories or concerns about your own experiences. By acknowledging your feelings, practising self-compassion, and seeking support, you can navigate these emotional triggers in a healthy way. Remember, it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to reflect, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it. Your emotional well-being is important, and taking steps to care for it will only make you stronger in the long run.