Am I the only one secretly relieved when a difficult person moves away?

Feeling a sense of relief when a challenging individual exits your life is a very common human experience. It doesn't mean you wished them ill, but rather that the emotional energy required to interact with them was significant. Many people find that the absence of a draining presence allows for a noticeable reduction in daily stress and tension, even if there's also a complex mix of other emotions.

Research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships suggests that individuals often report improved well-being and reduced stress after ending relationships with demanding or unsupp

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Does everyone feel secretly relieved when a difficult person moves away?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel secretly relieved when a difficult person moves away?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel relieved when a difficult person moves away?

Is It Weird?

Why am I secretly relieved when a difficult person moves away?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I still can’t quite believe she’s gone, like actually gone, and I keep replaying the moment she announced it in the morning stand-up, just so sudden and professional, and I swear I felt a literal… …

relief at loss

” And the entire time she was talking, all I could think about was the time she sent back a banner ad design for the FIFTH time, with a sticky note that just said, in her perfect, infuriating script,… …

relief at loss

I’m sitting on the floor right now, just staring at the empty takeout containers, and it's quiet for the first time in what feels like forever. …

relief at loss

ok so this is kinda messed up but the *relief* when they announced that mr. …

relief at loss

You know that feeling, that absolute SURGE of relief, when someone who's made every single day, every single day, a little bit worse just... …

relief at loss

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to feel relieved when someone dies?▾
No, experiencing relief after someone's passing, especially if they were difficult or suffering, is a natural and complex part of grief. It often coexists with sadness and other emotions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human relationships.
Why do I feel lighter after a challenging person leaves?▾
The feeling of lightness often comes from the cessation of chronic stress and emotional strain. Dealing with difficult individuals can be emotionally exhausting, and their absence removes a significant source of daily tension, leading to a sense of relief and mental spaciousness.
What if I feel guilty about being relieved?▾
Guilt is a common reaction when relief follows a difficult person's departure. It's important to understand that feeling relief doesn't diminish any other feelings you might have, such as sadness or concern. Emotions are rarely simple, and it's normal for them to be mixed.

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