The higher each these three are, the more effectively an individual is able to overcome the loss. It is also important to realize that the grieving and loss that comes in a relationship is, in part, a way of honoring the good that the relationship had. The stages that individuals go through when they end a relationship, are generally the same stages that a person goes through when they become aware that their own physical death is forthcoming. The stages are denial, anger, plea-bargaining, grieving or depression, and finally acceptance. Each of these stages takes on a characteristic that is unique to the individual.
Many individuals know a relationship is in trouble or over before it is.
This is part of the stage of denial. Anger and frustration are normal parts of human emotion. It is important to realize that anger is as well a mask for fear. When we are angry, we are often afraid of things happening or not happening. The plea-bargaining stage involves an individual looking at what it is that they might be able to do to get the person back in their life.