I have come across people who hold the notion of “being replaced” or replacing someone themselves to be true. This makes me wonder if we can actually “replace” people. (Can we?)

When I thought about it, it didn’t fit my conscience. I believe and know for a fact that two people cannot be the same no matter how identical their reactions or responses to certain situations may be. I mean this whole idea of wanting to replace someone because they are not there with you anymore is something that does not make sense to me. The role that an individual has played in your life, the way they made you feel, the way you made them feel is and will be very different from your equation and rapport with someone else. I am not limiting this understanding of mine to just romantic relationships, it could be any sort of relationship that humans are capable of sharing with each other. Every human is unique in their own way. We are all a mixture of good and bad; complete acceptance comes with an awareness of this fact. This is what makes my stance on not “replacing” people stronger. 

The act of “replacing” someone is an insult to the person who you think is a potential candidate for the replacement. What about their individuality? What about the prospect of distinction that they can bring in your life? Your strongly held schemas will dictate your interactions with them, thus, not allowing you to be surprised by them, by the things and experiences they have to offer you. There is no sense of permanence in the act of substitution; it’s an endless cycle. 

Spare yourself and your fellow human from this agony. Learn to let go; not the memories you have of that person, but the idea of being attached to them. Relieve yourself from the unnecessary pain and try opening up to the possibilities for something good, something new.