Guys, just sharing more experience here.
Indeed relief came to me when I allowed myself through the pain. Also, the day I forgave myself I started smiling back again (I was the one who initially broke up with him – when my gut feelings were screaming quite loud that he was wrong for me – but after that i was severely manipulated, and then regretted, and then he didn’t want me back, etc).
Also, the real bad pain just goes away from one day to another.. All of a sudden. So hang in there and cry as much as you want.
I won’t say I’m a 100%- next week I’ll have to travel to the city where he lives and where we both used to live together and this has been bringing me back bad feelings. i was resisting but realized i shouldn’t. if i feel like crying i will and whatever. i’m strong and resilient and I’ve progressed!