Summers are usually known for lots of romance (cue "Summer Lovin'"), more than likely due to the beautiful weather. However, this summer I have witnessed a lot of breakups and people struggling to get past them. I've been there myself, but this isn't the end. I swear to you.

Relationships are wonderful parts of life. They can lead you to a lot of happy memories, marriage and maybe even your soulmate. Sometimes, that isn't the case. Sometimes the person you swear will always be yours will leave. Maybe you will even be the one to break up with them. Regardless, your life will change when a relationship ends. Your routines will change. The future plans you had will be no more. They are unavoidable parts of life, and I'm writing this to try to help the experience go a little smoother.

It's important to remember to always protect your heart. There is not one person on this Earth that cares for your heart more than yourself. This is not to say to be untrusting of others. In fact, trust them with everything you have while keeping in mind that you must take care of you as well.

Another essential for surviving a breakup is to keep yourself busy. If you fill your time with lots of activities, you won't be spending as much time thinking about the breakup. Your friends will be there for you and more than willing to help keep your mind busy.

Immersing yourself in a new activity or hobby is always good. Writing is always something that has helped me. Getting out your thoughts on paper can help your brain feel clear.

Taking a vacation, whether it be alone or with friends/family, can give you a nice break from home. It can also help you realize how small you are and make your problems/past seem manageable.

I have known people that have made a list of things that they couldn't do when they were in a relationship. For example, I had a friend that couldn't have a pet because his S.O. was allergic to dog hair and decided to get a dog to help with the loneliness and explore a part of life he couldn't before.

Throw everything of theirs away. Just do it. There's no reason for you to have it, and it will only remind you of them. Donating their stuff to Goodwill will free you of it and also help out someone in need.

Do not talk to them. If they call you, don't answer. Block their number. The very beginning of a breakup is a time when your feelings are very weak, and talking to them is only going to open up the wound. Maybe in the future talking to your ex will be okay, but not right now.

I hope that this article will help with the struggles of breakups. They are rough and painful, regardless if you are the break-up-ee or the one that was broken up with. You will get to a point where you feel okay and like your old self again. Hold on and remember the person you were before the relationship. Always know that you were wonderful before and are just as wonderful now.