Dating in the 21st century is hard. Think about it, social media totally screws with you and there always seems to be this added pressure. But guess what? There might be something even worse than dealing with the pain of a broken heart: Dealing with the results of a breakup. Sad albums like Carole King's Tapestry and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill exist for a reason, right?

Here is some insight for those reeling from heartbreak. It will get better. I know, cliche, right? Who am I, some person writing from the other side of the screen? How can I possibly make you feel better? Don't just take my word, I polled my Instagram followers and asked what they learned from a breakup. Maybe knowing what other people went through will make you feel better.

1. Never settle

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Yes please! Here's my beliefe, if something is meant to be, it will be. If you know you are worthy of a certain type of love, why settle for anything less? Know your worth and make sure the person you are with honors that worth.

2. Just because you treat someone with love and kindness, doesn't mean they will.

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I think this follows the one above. You want to be with someone who puts the same amount of effort into a relationship, because yes relationships are work. Just because you are putting in the effort, doesn't mean your partner will too, and if that is the case... well it might be time to move on. You cannot be the only one trying to make something work because relationships are in fact a two-way street.

3. Just because you love someone, doesn't mean they are meant for you.

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You might love someone, but the timing doesn't work out, or the distance is too great to take. You might love someone, but know the relationship isn't healthy for either one of you. All of that is okay. If you and that person are meant to be, things will in fact work themselves out.

4. You are in charge of your own happiness

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Exactly! To whoever is reading this, please remember you don't need someone else to complete you or make you feel happy. You are a whole person, and you need to invest your time in what makes you smile and enjoy your day.

5. There are many fish in the sea

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One of the many people I polled told me her breakup was like a wake-up call. She was in the same relationship for several years, and when it was over, she realized just how many people were out there. Now, she is enjoying being single and all the perks that some with it. Remember, there are many different ice cream flavors and sometimes you need to try a few samples.

6. Learn to refocus your energy on your career

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I know I can relate to this one. From personal experience, I know it is always easier to center your attention on something else. Now, I am not saying bury yourself in your career, it's important to have fun. But don't dwell on a subject when you can be working towards benefiting yourself.

7. Sometimes cutting all ties is for the best.

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Can you really be friends with your ex? Should you still follow them on Instagram, like their photos or have them on Snapchat? Social media complicates how exes progress after a relationship ends. Sometimes, removing these people from your life is the best way to deal with the issue. You can no longer be haunted by the possibility of seeing their face, or that person coming back into your life.

8. With time, the pain does go away.

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Time may heal all wounds, but it still does hurt. That is okay. Listen to whatever sad song, eat as much ice cream as you need to feel better. Don't let yourself dwell on the past, instead let yourself be sad so you can later move on.