Step 1: First comes the realization that this person that once meant the universe to you is the cause of your heart metaphorically and physically breaking in two. One of the hardest parts of a relationship ending is learning to accept the independence that comes with it. That leads to the hardest part, learning individually to love you again.

Step 2: Keep reminding yourself that heartbreak doesn’t go away overnight; you need to accept that you’re going to need as long as it takes to realize that you’re the most amazing part of that past relationship. This time should usually be spent surrounded by friends, family and any sort of fluffy animal that can give you new and beautiful memories to cherish.

Step 3: Your world will feel like it’s exploding right before your very eyes. Your life won’t feel like your own and you will have a hard time recognizing your own self. That constant aching you feel all over will nag you and chances are you won't feel like yourself. This is also a phase that will come and go, but only if you recognize it and change it.

Step 4: You will miss him. There is no doubt that you will feel the void that he so happily and beautifully filled. You need to understand that somewhere down the road your relationship went wrong. You may continue to think that he is truly the one or that this is a mistake but you need to recognize that right now, you two are not right for each other and you cannot hold onto the past nor hope for the future. You need to learn to be happy without him because it was possible before it is possible again.

Step 5: Give yourself time to grieve, just not too long. Everyone needs a day to cry, we are only human.

Step 6: Understand that this is just a point in your life and you are going to be ok. Just like any emotion, heartbreak doesn’t stay forever. Every mountain has its lowest and highest points, you just need to throw on some hiking boots and climb your way back up because the view at the top is worth it.

Step 7: Surround yourself with people who will tell you how beautiful you look despite your runny nose, smeared makeup, and puffy eyes. You are fierce and remarkable and you ARE gonna make it through this.

Step 8: One day you’re going to wake up and feel better, and I promise you this will happen. One day you won’t want to cry, or vent about your feelings, or even reminisce on the good times you had with your past love. You will finally adjust and be happy with just being you.

Step 9: Recognize that when you are ready, you are worth loving again. When that person comes along don’t be afraid of take a chance. Love is all about leaping, you gotta fall a few times to rise above.

Step 10: NEVER forget that no one is more deserving of your love than you.