Is it okay to get married right after ending a long-term relationship?

We’ve all known someone, whether a friend or family member, who seemed destined to end up with their long-term partner, only for the relationship to unexpectedly end. Then, almost in the blink of an eye, they marry someone else and live what appears to be their ‘happily ever after’.
This isn’t limited to just us regular folks, plenty of celebrities have followed the same path (you can probably think of a few).
But the question is: Is it healthy to take the leap so soon after a breakup? Should one even consider entering another relationship, let alone marriage, right after the end of a serious long-term commitment? Find out from experts.
Shows like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’ have popularised the idea that getting over a breakup takes about half the length of the relationship. However, studies and surveys suggest that it can take about three to six months to truly heal.
But for Ruchi Ruuh, a Delhi-based relationship counsellor, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to fully recover after leaving a relationship.
“Every relationship is different, and so is its ending. The variables that make it different for each person are the depth and length of the relationship, how invested you were, how it ended (mutually, through infidelity, or misunderstanding), how well you handle difficult situations, your coping skills for grief, and the kind of support system you have,” she tells India Today.
Ruuh adds, “The recovery from a breakup can take anywhere from a few weeks to years, depending on how traumatised you feel afterward. Again, it’s different for everyone because healing is non-linear, and the grief from a breakup can come in waves.”
Aarti Chawla, a Mumbai-based relationship psychotherapist and life coach, agrees that recovery depends on the depth of trauma an individual experiences.
“Sometimes you have other things to fall back on, such as a thriving career, family, or friends. It then becomes easier, and you can bounce back in no time. But if you lack a support system, it may take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being,” she adds.
Aarti further shares, “Science suggests that it takes at least 90 days to change our thoughts, beliefs, and habits. So, that’s the cooling-off period for a person to recover and create a new life.”

Healing from heartbreak can take time for some (Photo: Getty Images)

According to Aashmeen Munjaal, a Delhi-based mental health and relationship expert, being mentally prepared for a new relationship after ending a long-term one varies from person to person, depending on factors like emotional healing, self-awareness, and readiness to move on.
“You may need more time to develop a stronger sense of self, rebuild confidence, and establish emotional stability before being truly ready for a new connection. Some people are quick to jump into another relationship after a breakup,” she says.
Meanwhile, Ruchi Ruuh believes that there is no set rule here, “You might feel you’ve resolved the emotional pain, worked on rebuilding yourself, and are ready to move on. Some people do enter other relationships quickly because it provides them with support for healing.”
Munjaal further mentions that rushing into a new relationship after a long-term breakup can indicate unresolved emotional issues and a fear of being alone.
It could be the avoidance of dealing with the pain of a breakup by seeking validation and comfort in a new relationship.
Such behaviour may suggest underlying mental health concerns like anxiety or insecurity, so it’s important to reflect on these patterns and seek support if they interfere with your well-being.
“We often see people with anxious attachment styles quickly jumping into new relationships because it makes them feel secure and emotionally reassured. This could stem from an inability to be alone, low self-esteem, or even codependency,” states Ruuh.
Aarti Chawla adds that rushing into another relationship could indicate a lack of self-love. You must always love yourself enough to heal and care for your well-being without seeking external validation to overcome insecurities.
Experts believe that getting married quickly after ending a long-term relationship can be a complex and personal decision.
While it’s possible to find love again soon after a breakup, it’s essential to consider your emotional readiness and the reasons behind your decision.
“Jumping into marriage without fully processing your emotions and healing from the previous relationship can lead to unresolved issues, unrealistic expectations, and potentially harm your new partnership,” says Aashmeen Munjaal.
It’s important to ensure that you’re entering the new relationship for the right reasons and not merely as a reaction to past pain. Doing so will help lay a stronger foundation for your future partnership.

Consider marriage only when you are emotionally ready (Photo: Getty Images)

“Marriage is a huge commitment and requires two people to align beyond just attraction. It requires understanding, shared goals, respect, and acceptance of each other’s past. Rushing into it without spending adequate time beyond the honeymoon phase could cause compatibility issues later. While it may work for some, others might regret the decision,” adds Ruchi Ruuh.
If you feel that you’ve found someone you want to spend your life with, ask yourself if you are emotionally ready and have truly resolved the pain of your previous breakup.
You should also consider whether you still have feelings for your ex or hope to reconcile with them. “A lot of people don’t ask themselves this question and end up regretting getting married, still attached to their ex in some way,” says Ruuh.
Remember, new relationships can feel exciting and energising, but real relationships begin after the honeymoon phase ends. Ask yourself if the person you are with is truly someone you want to spend your life with. You should also assess your compatibility and shared goals as a couple.
It’s equally important to understand your motive for moving forward with a new relationship and whether it comes from a place of fulfilment or fear.
While your emotions are important, you’re not in the relationship alone. Make sure to align your emotional readiness with your partner’s.