The pain of a breakup coupled with all the confused feelings have a significant effect on both parties, it would be rare indeed for anyone to escape unscathed. The intensity may be different for the one who wanted the breakup than for the one who was dumped, but both people will go through vitually the same emotional stages of the relationship breakup.

Understanding and being able to recognise the different stages of the breakup as they occur can help you move through the process a little faster and somewhat easier. Each step is necessary in order for you to heal properly and be able to find and accept love again without any hangups lingering from your breakup. Don't try to shrotcut the stages, it is best if you let them happen naturally, just remember, and try your best to notice, that after you've gone through each stage you should be feeling stronger and more confident, this will help your recovery process as well.

There is no time limit for how long each step should take to get through. How long it takes will depend on a lot of things such as how secure you are in yourself and what type of a support system you have.

Here are the 6 vital stages in the relationship breakup:

The shock of the breakup will probably keep you from feeling the real pain initially, but once the shock gives way to the realisation of your new circumstances the heartache will take over.  This is a physical pain. You might not be able to eat or sleep. Everything seems like too much effort. You just want to crawl into a corner and be left alone.

This is the stage where you just can't believe that your relationship has really broken up, that your partner has truly gone out of your life. Surely it's all a gigantic mistake and it will sort itself out. Disbelief is a natural reaction, but be careful not to let it take over. The quicker you can move on from this stage the better. Until you can face the reality of your breakup you will be stuck and unable to either do something about your breakup, or learn to cope with your broken relationship and your ex.

Fear and hurt gets replaced with anger. Don't be afraid of this step, anger can help you come to terms with everything that has happened, and you have every right to feel angry with your ex. Being dumped is never easy or pleasant, especially from someone who had sworn their undying love you. However, try and keep this anger to yourself, it can ruin any chance you may have of repairing your relationship if that becomes a future goal.

Resentment never achieves anything good, the only person it will effect will be you, and in a bad way. Although it is a common and natural stage to go through, don't linger with this one. Being bitter could hinder your future relationships, either with your ex or even with someone new. Bitterness can take over and become a way of life that you never escape from. So try and forgive your ex as soon as you possibly can, that is the real cure for resentment and it's more about healing you than being nice to your ex.

Grief is natural, it's okay to mourn a breakup. You have lost your relationship and your partner and this loss will have to be dealt with if you are to move on from this trauma. Try and be aware of any depression that you might be feeling, your mental state can be quite vulnerable during this stage and you really should spend as much time with friends and family as you can. Once you are through this stage, you will be over the worst of it and well on your way to recovery. This is when a new love becomes possible. But, don't rush into anything, dating is okay but take it slow,

You will finally reach a point where you realize it's over. You are stronger and better able to start thinking more about your future and less about your past. This time can be bittersweet: you've realized and dealt with the fact that your relationship is over which is sad, but you're also excited about new opportunities and you're convinced you will find love again.

The more you know about the emotional stages of the relationship breakup and how to deal with them the easier and quicker you can move on from living in the past to a bright new future. Just make sure you understand that this is all normal and it will get better, just hang in there.