So how long can you expect that first stage to take? Well, according to experts it depends on a myriad of factors, including whether this is your first serious relationship, how long you’ve been dating, whether you live together, if you share social circles, and how many habits you’ve formed as a couple. “It all depends on the intensity of the relationship and the breakup,” Dr. Blair notes. “It’s like grief and traditionally, most losses take a year to work through.”