" Delete their number "

" Erase the pictures "

" Throw away the gifts "

But why? Is it really going to help?
Some say yes. Some say no. I say take those experiences and keep living.

Everyone grows up with the crazy idea in their head that they need to go out and find love and that's how they'll find happiness. And sure, having someone to see new things and go on adventures with is amazing. Someone to talk to about everything and anything. In the beginning things are always great .. the relationship normally begins with someone new so there's so much to learn about that person: their likes, their dislikes, what they enjoy doing, etc. And the moment you click with someone, it seems like they're your whole world.

So of course, toward the end of things, it's very strange when you look at that person sitting across the table and you have nothing to say. You ask about the weather and what they're doing that day, and that's it. You look deep in that person's eyes and feel the love you still have for them, but in different ways. You want to make it work because it's all you know, but deep down you know it's not meant to work out. It's like you feel the drifting, but you want to try everything to work .. because it's drilled into our heads at a young age that someone needs a significant other to live their happy ever after.

But when the end of the relationship comes around, for whatever reason, the first thing people try to do is erase that whole memory from their lives. You have family and friends in your ear telling you to delete numbers and pictures, as well as throw things away but what does that actually help? It won't erase the memories from your mind. So why not just take the experiences and learn from them?

Sure, the end of the relationship is hard on most everyone but don't let yourself fall into the stereotypical end of relationship funk. Wouldn't you rather take those experiences and apply them to your everyday life? Maybe it could even give you further insight of what you want for yourself and next relationship. I'm not saying you have to bounce from person to person, but don't let someone take your happiness in life away because your first or second relationship has ended. Don't spend the rest of your life dwelling on what could have been. Keep living! And when you see that person on the street or in the store, don't run away and hide, or be sad inside ... smile and walk by because at the end of the day, that person gave you something ... whether it be happiness for a part of your life or realization of what you need to be happy.

So in the words of Frank Sinatra, "you gotta love livin', baby, 'cause dyin' is a pain in the ass."
And always remember, if you aren't happy, it isn't the end.