It's hard when you go through your first heartbreak. Everyone handles their emotions differently. For example, some cry in the corner of their room for months and try their hardest not to leave the house while some bottle everything up and just brush it off like nothing happened. Then there are the extremists (like myself) who go on this self destructive path that can last for months or even years. I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't let your heartbreak ruin you.

Of course, getting your heart broken has to be one of the most difficult emotional tolls on your body. I remember getting physically sick when I was going through mine, I didn't feel like myself. You invest so much into the person you love and care about so once they rip your heart to shreds, it's a pain that hits you directly through your chest and into your heart. But, letting it take over your entire life with self-destructive choices isn't the way to go about it.

After my breakup, I would intentionally go after "bad boys" and when people would tell me I was doing it on purpose, I denied it completely. I didn't want to admit I was making these poor choices intentionally, but there was a method to my madness. I wanted to think I could change the people I was with by showing them there is more to life than just being a complete douchebag. Of course, that plan blew up in my face each and every time, but I continued to do it. I continued going after the guys that would hit me up only at 2 a.m. when they were feeling lonely, I continued to let guys step all over me and disrespect me, and I continued feeling like I never deserved a healthy relationship in my life because of my heartbreak and not dealing with it properly.

After realizing all these years the mistakes I was making, I did something about them. I started to put myself first and raise my standards. I decided to leave my past in the past and when I did, I actually found someone who treats me the way I deserve to be treated. You can't let one person and their actions towards you ruin the happiness deserve. Focus on your present and your future. Try your hardest not to look back.

You deserve someone who is going to look you in the eyes when you're feeling the most insecure and still tell you how beautiful you are. You deserve someone who is going to be there for you no matter how tough things may get. You deserve someone who doesn't give up on you the second they feel stressed about the relationship. Do not let your previous heartbreak make you believe that you do not deserve anything positive in your life. Do not let your heartbreak ruin you to the point of no return.