If you are going through a breakup, hear me out. I know and understand what you’re going through, and I know that it can only get better from here. Breakups are tough, especially when you are so young and just beginning to learn what love is. When it happens, especially for the first time, it seems like your whole world is crashing down. When we are young, we tend to make our boyfriends our everything. And when they’re gone, we are left with nothing. It shouldn’t be that way because no matter how much you “love” that person, you can and will survive without them. Each person walks into your life for a reason and will have a significant impact on your life, positive or negative. The reality of life is that most people get their hearts broken many times before finding the one. Each heartbreak is another one closer to finding Mr. Right. So lift your head up and wipe your tears, because this letter is for you.

Dear broken-hearted girl,

I just want to start off by saying you are going to be OK. I might sound crazy, but this is the best thing that has ever happened to you. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I promise it is.

You are probably lying in bed all alone with mascara running down your face. You have no motivation to get up and go about your day. Good thing you came across this letter, because you are doing it all wrong, girl.

This is the chance for you to find yourself. With him gone, you don’t have anyone to tell you what to do or to report back to when you go out with your friends. The only person you need to worry about now is you. Take this time to do things that make you happy. Go shopping. Get your nails done. Go for a hike. Read that novel or watch that movie. Whatever you do, make sure it is what you want to do. You are so young. This is the time in your life to be selfish. Surprisingly, you will learn a lot when you turn all your attention to yourself.

Keep yourself healthy. I know you want to stuff your face with ice cream and greasy fries, but eating unhealthy foods will make you feel worse. You don’t want to feel sluggish, so stay away from the greasy, fatty foods and try some fresh fruit. Go for a run. Keep your mind off of him. Not only does it release chemicals to physically make you happier, but also, all that exercise results in a hot bod. You know what they say: a hot body is the best form of revenge. Except you don’t need to seek revenge. Because he did you a favor by leaving you. Losing someone who didn't appreciate you is a gain, not a loss.

My advice to you: do not go back to him. It’s OK to be alone. You might think you miss him, but you will soon find out that you love the idea of him, not him. Honey, it is not true love if he broke your heart. You should thank him. And I know you will, whether you tell him or keep it to yourself. He showed you exactly what you don’t want in a guy.

If you broke up, there was a reason for that. You two are not meant to be. Don't make the mistake of convincing yourself that you two had the perfect relationship. In reality, it was far from it. It is not normal to fight daily. Trust issues are not OK. If he ever made you feel any less than beautiful, he was not the one. Stop making excuses for him, because he doesn’t deserve you anyway.

Life gets hard sometimes. It feels like the end of the world, but it will not feel that way forever. Your life will turn around and you will be much happier than you ever were. I know you miss him right now, but soon you will be able to walk right past him and not feel a dang thing. There are over seven billion people in the world. You can’t let one person ruin your beliefs on love. You will find it.

So kiss the past goodbye and get ready for the next chapter of your life. Get out of bed, put on some lipstick and that outfit you’ve been dying to wear, and go out with the girls. Celebrate yourself tonight. Mr. Right is out there. I promise. But please do not go looking for him. He will appear when the time is right. Live your life, love your friends, and discover yourself.

Love,

A girl who has been there.