When a relationship ends, change is inevitable. It could be as minor as deleting a photo album from your Facebook or as huge as moving out and filing for divorce. There are as many reasons for breaking up as there are people, and no two situations are the same. But there are a few ways that you can learn from that heartbreak and improve a relationship that hasn't even started yet.

Find out what went wrong.

Whether someone cheated or you just grew apart, something changed between you. This isn't always a bad thing. Learning how to grow and adapt to changes is crucial for a long-term relationship. But when trying to learn from the past, it's helpful to imagine it as a sort of machine. Which parts worked? Which didn't? How do you repair those parts?

Decide what was in your control and what wasn't.

There are so many aspects of a relationship that it's nearly impossible to pin all the blame on one person. For example, if your partner cheated, why? Was it their lack of self-control, or did they feel like you weren't there for them anymore? If a connection faltered, was it lack of communication or effort? Figure this out, and then you can start to grow.

Stop blaming things/people and own up to your weaknesses.

There are so many things people like to blame failed relationships on. Differences in personality, age gap, long distance, etc. But what we don't like to admit is this one essential truth: If a relationship is going to work, nothing can get in its way. You have to decide to make it last. A study found that couples who truly believe they are going to stay together forever are less likely to get divorced. When you make a commitment to spending your lives together, you cannot allow other factors to interfere. If long distance is necessary, do whatever you can to stay connected. If you're very different, embrace that and learn to either enjoy or be interested in things your partner likes. You don't have to do everything together! You just need to be able to share.

Move on from things that were not your fault.

I'm a master of holding onto grudges, so I understand what a difficult step this is. If your partner allowed things to influence your relationship that had no place doing so, it's time to make like Elsa and let it go. They are no longer in your life for a reason. So why are you continuing to let their mistakes hurt you? It takes time and so much effort, but it is a crucial factor in not only improving your next relationship, but your mental wellbeing.

Let your mistakes become stepping stones.

If you struggle with communication, open up more. I wrote my feelings in a journal or confided in my best friend until I learned to be more honest when things were bothering me or making me really happy. If you struggle with fidelity, wake up every day and make a list of what you love about the people in your life. Family, friends, pets, food, anything. Learn to see the things that make others lovable, and you'll make a habit of sticking around to see even more. Let your mistakes form a path to a better relationship, and find a way to walk down it with confidence.

Learn how to be alone.

THIS STEP IS SO IMPORTANT. I'm a firm believer in this principle: If you cannot enjoy life alone, you cannot truly love your partner. If you're the kind of person who has to be in a relationship, a part of you only loves your person because they act as a crutch. Whatever your reasons for needing someone around all the time, whether you're afraid to be alone or you just like the company, invest time in yourself. I forced myself to stay single for at least a year after my last relationship, and it was so good for me that I stuck with it until I found someone that understood my independence and encouraged it. My break up broke me, but now I am stronger than ever and know that I can survive another one. When you learn the difference between being alone and being lonely, it stops being so scary.

Be honest about what you want from your next partner.

Do you want a long term relationship or just friends with benefits? Are you looking for the person who will nurse you back to health or just a light flirtationship? If you don't have the same goals as your partner, it can lead to trouble. But not being honest about those goals will definitely mess you up.

I hope these steps help you grow from your past. They don't always happen in this order, and they don't even apply to every single person/relationship. But if you're struggling, they might just help you find a way to become a better significant other for your next S.O.