Many people don't equate a relationship breakup with a death, but the two are very similar in the process it takes to get through them. There are distinct emotional stages of a relationship breakup. They don't always occur in the same order. You can often move on to the next stage and the next day find yourself back at the stage before. It's a rocky time. Knowing what the stages are and that they are normal can help you deal with it more easily.

Here are the stages:

1. Pain. When you are faced with the knowledge that this person who you've shared so much of your life, and yourself with, doesn't want you anymore it can cause unbearable pain. This pain will ebb and flow during the whole breakup process. Some days will be worse than others, some will be better. It is important to remember that this is completely normal but you will get through it and the pain will lessen with time.

2, Denial. No one can really believe that someone who they've shared so much with really doesn't want them anymore. It is difficult to grasp the idea that this person could walk away from such a great connection. You convince yourself that they are just "going through a stage" and that they'll come to their senses. The truth is that they may or may not.

3. Anger. After you have gotten over the initial shock and you realize that this is really going to happen you will get really angry. "How dare they treat me like this?" "After all I've done for them?" "They will never find someone as good as me". These are common thoughts when going through this stage. Your are mad at them, at yourself, and if there was someone else involved in the breakup you're mad at them too. Anger is a way to help you get the closure you need so that you can move on.

4.Grief. You will grieve for the loss of the love and companionship you once shared with your ex. This is the same as the grief you would have if someone close to you had died. This is a totally normal stage in the breakup process.

5. Acceptance. Finally you can move on. You are at the point where you actually believe that you can be happy again. You realize that no matter what happened in the breakup you are a wonderful person who is capable of giving and receiving love and you are ready to start looking.

NOT READY TO GIVE UP ON YOUR EX YET? CHECK THIS OUT!!!

The emotional stages of a relationship breakup are inevitable. We all go through them. There is no set time limit, or order. Just remember that all of these feelings are totally normal and that going through the stages is actually helping you cleanse yourself of this emotional baggage so that you can find love again.