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

It's a very common human experience to feel a sense of lightness or relief when a source of ongoing stress or conflict is no longer present in your daily life. Even if the departure of someone difficult involves other complex emotions, the absence of their presence can naturally reduce tension. Many people find their environment feels calmer and more peaceful once that particular dynamic is removed.

Research into emotional responses to interpersonal stressors indicates that a significant majority of individuals report improved well-being once a persistent source of conflict is no longer present i

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

Am I the Only One?

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?

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

Why do I feel guilty for feeling relieved after someone leaves?▾
Guilt often arises when our feelings don't align with what we think we 'should' be experiencing, especially when someone departs. However, relief is a natural reaction to a reduction in stress, and it doesn't diminish any other feelings you might have about the situation.
What's the difference between relief and happiness in this situation?▾
Relief often means a burden has been lifted, leading to a sense of calm or ease. Happiness is typically a more active, joyful emotion. You might experience relief without necessarily feeling happy, simply because a challenging element has been removed from your life.
How can I deal with the mixed emotions of someone leaving?▾
Allow yourself to experience all the feelings that arise, whether it's sadness, relief, or anything in between. Focusing on how your daily life might improve and what new possibilities open up can be helpful. It's natural for complex situations to evoke a range of emotions.

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