Breakups suck, as we all know. But it seems like they're extra hard when you are still a teenager.
At this age, we take so many pictures. Blame it on our generation — "always on our damn phones" — but we like to cherish the moment and capture it as well. There's nothing wrong with that.
But here's where we mess up.
Our feelings are hurt, whether we're the one doing the dumping or our partner is. And oftentimes, we are angry. So, what do we do? We delete all the pictures! We want to erase this person and just be done with the whole situation. But we can't do that.
Deleting the pictures of them from our phones, or even deleting their contact information, does not mean that they are gone. The memories are still going to be there.
What we need to do is take the time to heal and process.
Yes, this hurts. You don't want to see your ex's face on your phone whenever you're scrolling through your pictures, but you need to let yourself move on at your own speed. By attempting to erase them out of your life so quickly, you aren't dealing with what has happened. Instead, you're just filling up your phone's trash bin and filling up a bottle of emotions. That's not good for you.
You need to accept what has happened. Sure, it didn't work out, but your life isn't totally over. You can continue on, if you let yourself take the time to process.
We also tend to post things on social media that don't really need to be posted.
Whether it's an angry status or tweet, or something to make your ex jealous, do not post it. For one, nobody needs to know your personal business like that. Also, it is immature. You have to be an adult about this, and trying to get back at them through social media is a very childish route to take.
Instead, if you still have things to say, tell them! Don't hide behind your screen because you're hurting. It'll feel good for you to say your piece. If you're mad, let them know. Communicating with your ex will go over a lot better than posting about them. And it is very important for you to let out all of your emotions out in order for you to move on in a healthy way and like an adult.
Lastly, stop checking up on them!
You are broken up, so why take the time to look at their Snapchat stories or check their likes on Instagram? What's the point? When you are ready to do it, I advise you to unfollow them — whether it be temporarily or not. Otherwise, the temptation will still be there.
During your time of dealing with it all, you cannot move on if you are still looking at their social media profiles. You just can't.
What you need to do is focus on yourself. There are a billion people out there, and we are so young! We haven't met close to half of the people we will meet in our lifetime.
Emotions run deep during a breakup, especially during our teenage years. But in order for you to get over it like an adult, you have to take the time to process what has happened. So, don't delete the pictures yet. Don't burn old love letters. Don't even delete texts if you aren't ready. It's hard to let go, but it's even harder if you try to let go too soon.
Being an adult about a breakup means handling it in the most mature way possible, but also giving yourself time to break it all down, get it all out and then move on when you feel ready.
