When do anniversaries or other significant dates stop hurting?

[Spacedust1]

My marriage broke down over a year ago. I was the one who left but I left because I was so unhappy. I felt my spouse had checked out of our marriage and relationship a long time ago and I was so lonely and lost. I tried to fix things but I was the only one trying.... eventually for my own well being I walked away. But I miss them and the previous good times (from years ago)so much. Anniversary and birthday and Christmas dates are so difficult.... and I grieve the future I thought we had together. I feel sad so much of the time.

Varies hugely depending on the circumstances, the specific dates.

First year after I split with my ex of 10 years everything was just a bit weird. Second year, totally fine.

However, I still have a problem with enjoying Christmas because a very good friend died on Christmas Eve when I was 18 and I'm now 45. I also find November 9 a difficult day as that was the birthday of my first girlfriend who was killed in a car crash when she was 20.

Probably when you start dating someone else spaced people tend to move on a lot quicker when they are distracted by someone shiny and new!