We've all heard the ancient adage that sunsets symbolise the beauty of endings. But is it truly the case? The definition of a sunset varies across cultures and individual perspectives. It can represent the conclusion of the day, the transition from light to dark, or a calm moment that encourages reflection. But how can something so peaceful relate to outgrowing relationships? Just as a sunset denotes change, people outgrowing one another represents personal progress. Both experiences, which blend difficulty and beauty, need adaptation. It is normal to form connections and eventually outgrow some of them.

As we mature, we move on from specific individuals and circumstances because our needs and priorities change. It requires bravery, self-awareness, and a readiness to prioritise our health to undergo this process. This shift is caused by several factors, including changing interests and emotional distance. Our objectives and interests may change as we get older, causing us to distance ourselves from those who no longer share our path. Once-fulfilling conversations and events might start to feel hollow. It could be time to end a relationship if it prevents you from growing or achieving your goals. This insight is sometimes the result of intuition, and other times it is the result of feeling constrained or suppressed.

Now, the question that comes to mind is that if it were always this easy to let go of things, wouldn’t everyone be doing it? There are a multitude of emotions associated with a situation like this. It can trigger a grief so intense that it is similar to that caused by the demise of someone. The feeling arises from the loss of emotional connection, shared experiences, and the future anticipated tied to the relations and situations. It can also build up resentment and anger, loss of identity in some scenarios, and loneliness, which is a core emotion tied to grief. One might also feel stuck in an endless loop of betrayal, frustration, and regret. 

Perhaps, this is what the Earth also feels when it moves from light to darkness. That transition might have been difficult in the beginning, but eventually, it got adjusted to the change and made it beautiful too. With this, we come to the last stage, which is acceptance - a place where one gradually comes to terms with the loss and begins to move forward. And just as the sun keeps rotating, so we can have a new day, you too can embrace the change and try rotating for this new version of you who is not stuck in loopholes anymore. 

As Harry Styles mentioned in his song, “you don’t have to feel sorry for leaving and growing up”.