Shout out to everyone still looking for love, or just living their best, single life. Sometimes, we’re fortunate enough to find bonds that last the rest of our lives. Other times, people just aren’t meant for each other—and that’s OK, too.
Contemporary, digital technology is something of a double-edged sword when it comes to relationships. On one hand, dating apps make it easier than ever to connect with an endless number of potential partners. On the other hand, by putting so much of ourselves online, going through a major life change like a breakup becomes a traumatically public spectacle.
Nursing a broken heart takes time and a generous amount of self-love. So, stream sad music, stream a tragic romance movie, explore self-care apps and services, or play the excellent, interactive love story Florence. Take immediate steps to limit exposure to your ex by blocking or muting them on social media. Facebook even has a privacy feature that lets you “take a break” from someone by restricting access to certain posts.
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If you need help moving on from a past relationship, consider one of these dedicated breakup apps for Android, iOS, or the web. They’re tailor-made to gently guide you into a happier future.
Best for Self-Help
Break-Up Boss comes from relationship writer Zoë Foster Blake. The $5.99 app acts as a shoulder to lean on in a tough period. It’s basically an interactive self-help book, full of advice, affirmations, and therapeutic games (like sending a fake text to your ex). Lively illustrations from Mari Andrew lift your spirits even higher.
Platforms: Android, iOS
Best for AI Chatting
AI can do more than just generate text and creepy fake images. With Breakup Buddy, you gain an AI-powered chat companion designed to help you heal your heartbreak. Starting at $18 per month, Breakup Buddy uses techniques like CBT therapy, active journaling, and community sharing to make this unfortunate period in your life less lonely.
Platform: iOS
Best for Staying Strong
If you can find a healthy way to stay friends with your ex post-breakup, the more power to you. However, many people find that the best way to move forward without toxicity is to just cut off all contact. No Contact Rule is an $0.99 app that stresses the importance of not calling, texting, or visiting your ex, and reminds you why that’s vital for your personal growth.
Platform: iOS
Best for Telehealth
If your breakup is severely impacting your mental or physical health, you should see a doctor. With Teladoc, one of our top online therapy services, you can virtually communicate with medical professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists. Depending on your insurance, 45-minute sessions could cost up to $299 (or be free!).
Platforms: Android, iOS
Best for Purging Anxieties
Worrydolls isn’t solely a breakup app. Rather, it’s a general mental health app (free with in-app purchases) that lets you personify your anxieties as little dolls. A bad breakup can put you in a tailspin by creating uncertainty in your life, and doubt in yourself. So use these dolls to gain more control over the things that worry you.
Platforms: Android, iOS
Worrydolls Review
Anti-Dating Apps for Broken Hearts
Just as technology can help you move past an old and bad relationship, it can also help you enter a new and better one. When you’re ready to get back out there, jump into the online dating pool and find the perfect potential partner with our top picks for the best dating apps and best video dating apps. Don’t let your emotions make you vulnerable to online dating scams. If you’re just looking for fun, the best hookup apps is a good place to start. If you thought your love life was dramatic, check out how one of our writers ended up in a Tinder ad campaign. And learn these juicy secrets from a dating app founder.
