There is no easy way to break off a relationship that you had with someone that you once cared for so much. Sometimes all we need to get through the rough times are a few words of encouragement. Here are six tips for any broken heart.
1. Take a deep breath.
The most important thing is to keep calm. You need to accept you will be sad and you will cry, but being sad isn’t an excuse to be angry at the world, shut others out, or to go off on your ex. Just take a deep breath and accept that in the end everything will work itself out, even if you don’t see it now.
2. Go with your gut.
If you are anything like me you are going to look up countless articles on “what to do after a break up,” or “how to move on.” You are going to find generic advice like not speaking to your ex, start dating, and loving yourself. While this advice can be taken into consideration, you only know what works best for you. If you need closure, talk to your ex. If you are not ready to date yet, then don’t. If you know the only way you are going to feel better is by eating gallons of ice cream, then by all means you do you. You know yourself better than anyone.
3. Just because you are single now, does not mean you are alone.
When I got out of my own relationship I sat in bed and did not talk to anyone because I thought I had lost the only person I talked to about everything. I had so many amazing friends that would have been willing to listen to me, but I didn’t take advantage of them. If you have a close friend that will sit and give you their full attention while you rant about your ex, then do not take them for granted. Use friends and family to help and support you. Not only will they be happy you are opening up to them, but will also help you sort out so many emotions by speaking them out loud.
4. Move on...on your own terms.
The number one piece of advice after a break up is “move on, there are other fish in the sea!” While this is an encouraging saying, it is easier said than done. It is perfectly okay to not want to move on right away. Instead of using the term “move on” I like to say, “getting past the breakup.” This helps clarify that you are not trying to see someone new right away, but getting over the person you were once with and the pain that may come with it. This takes a lot of time, but eventually you will be able to say you moved on.
5. Work on your own happiness.
Go shopping, get your nails done, dance around your room and sing nonstop with your girlfriends. Focus on what makes you happy and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinions. Once you allow yourself to get out of your “I feel so sorry for myself” phase, putting a smile on your face doesn’t feel as difficult anymore. As for the memories you made with your ex at specific places, replace them with new ones. Now every time you go to the restaurant where you had your first date, you can think of the girls night out you had instead. You shouldn’t have to depend on anyone for your own happiness.
6. Stay positive.
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong
Break ups are rough, but you can do this. Take everything you are going through as a learning experience and remember everything happens for a reason. Now relax and go enjoy your new single life, I promise it isn’t as bad as it looks!
