This New Dating Trend Will Help You Finally Get Over Your Ex

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We all have those little reminders of past relationships—an old sweatshirt tucked away in a drawer, a playlist filled with “your songs,” or a number you can’t bring yourself to delete. But holding onto these things can make moving on harder than it needs to be. That’s where cobwebbing comes in.

Cobwebbing is all about clearing out the emotional (and sometimes physical) clutter left behind by past relationships. It’s more than just tidying up—it’s an intentional way to let go. Maybe it’s finally deleting those unanswered texts, getting rid of gifts that no longer bring you joy, or unmatching with people who are just taking up space in your dating apps.

The idea was introduced by Bumble’s relationship expert, Dr. Caroline West, who believes that by clearing out these lingering attachments, you can step into a fresh, open mindset—one that’s ready for new possibilities.

Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. And if you’re ready to start fresh, we’re here to help.

How to Clear the Cobwebs of a Past Relationship

Accept That the Past Is Over

Holding onto what was will only keep you stuck. Cobwebbing is about accepting that some chapters are meant to end. Instead of wishing things had gone differently, trust that every ending makes space for a new beginning.

Let Go of Emotional Attachments

Memories can feel like ghosts, lingering in the corners of your mind. The cobwebbing dating trend encourages you to release these emotional ties—whether it’s an old text thread, a saved voicemail, or a playlist that still makes you ache. Free yourself from the weight of what no longer serves you.

Remove Physical Reminders

Objects hold energy. The hoodie, the love notes, the coffee mug they used—these small things keep you emotionally connected to the past. This dating trend isn’t about erasing history; it’s about reclaiming your space and your peace.

Detach from the Illusion of ‘What Could Have Been’

The hardest part of moving on isn’t letting go of the person—it’s letting go of the future you imagined with them. But that future was never meant to be. A new dating trend like cobwebbing teaches us that reality is always better than fantasy because it’s real.

Forgive—Not for Them, But for You

Forgiveness doesn’t mean they were right or that the pain didn’t matter. It means you refuse to carry resentment any longer. Letting go isn’t about them; it’s about setting yourself free.

Rebuild Yourself, Brick by Brick

You are not who you were in that relationship. You’ve grown, you’ve learned, and now you have the chance to build yourself stronger than before. The cobwebbing dating trend isn’t just about moving on—it’s about rediscovering who you are without them.

Embrace the Unknown

Fear of the unknown can keep us clinging to what’s familiar, even when it hurts. But what if the best love of your life is still ahead of you? Trust that by letting go, you are making space for something greater.

Choose Yourself Every Single Day

At the core of cobwebbing is self-love. Moving on isn’t a single act—it’s a daily choice. Choose to heal, to grow, to open your heart again. The past shaped you, but it doesn’t define you. Your story is still being written.

At the end of the day, cobwebbing isn’t about erasing your past—it’s about freeing yourself from what no longer serves you. So take a deep breath, clear out the old, and step into your next chapter with confidence. You’ve got this.