# How Long to Forget an Ex?

> Science shows forgetting an ex takes years, not weeks.
- Title: How Long to Forget an Ex? · Psychologies | Shortify
- Summary: Science shows forgetting an ex takes years, not weeks. Forgetting an ex takes years, not weeks, as brain science reveals.
- Keywords: therese di donato, psychology, relationship, forgetting ex, brain science, attachment, emotional healing, Long, Forget, Psychologies
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/couple/crises-divorce/Theresa-DiDonato-psychologue-oublier-reellement-son-ex-prend-generalement-beaucoup-plus-de-temps-que-ce-que-lon-imagine-624991
- Author: Andréa Lepage
- Published: 2026-09-24T11:02:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: therese di donato, psychology, relationship, forgetting ex, brain science, attachment, emotional healing
## Why the Brain Holds On
After a breakup, the brain keeps emotional ties to an ex.

> The brain builds deep emotional security with a partner.
## The Science of Forgetting
A study found most people only half forget an ex after four years.

> After four years, most people have only half the emotional path to forget.
## Who Forgets Faster
People with avoidant attachment forget quicker than anxious ones.

> Avoidant individuals detach faster than those with anxious attachment.
## Gender Doesn't Matter
Men and women take similar time to move on from a breakup.

> Gender has no effect on how long it takes to forget an ex.
## New Relationships Don't Erase
Starting a new relationship doesn't automatically erase old emotional ties.

> The brain doesn't replace one attachment with another immediately.
## What Happens Next
Over time, memories calm and exes become people from the past.

> With time, emotions settle and exes become people you once knew.
## Key takeaway

Forgetting an ex takes years, not weeks, as brain science reveals.