Breakups suck, BIG TIME. If you’ve gone through one or more in your life, you know what I’m talking about.They’re the reason we hesitate when starting new relationships in the first place. But if you can make it through one and come out on top, then you’ll be able to learn things about yourself that you never knew before. So I compiled a list of a few things that you should and should NOT do when you’re recently single.
What to do after a break up:
- Take it one day at a time.The first few days are the worst. Even if you’ve gone through a break up before, you tend to forget that it gets better. But it does. Before you know it, you won’t feel like crying anymore. You won’t even think about your ex and you’ll be ready to move on with your life.
- Lean on your friends. They’ve all been there too. I am telling you right now, a break up is not something you should go through on your own. You can go on dates with them instead. While they might not pay for you, you’ll have just as much fun with them, if not more.
- Remember why it ended. During your post-break up sulking, you’re going to think about the past and all of the memories you had with that person. Try to not focus only on the good. Just remember why it’s not meant to be.
- Find a new hobby. You’re about to have much more free time than you realize. Try to spend it doing something productive that is going to make you feel good about yourself. I highly recommend working out, but if that’s not your thing, choose something that you’re passionate about and which is fun for you.
- Face your feelings. Don’t avoid what you’re feeling. Let it all out in whatever way you need to. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to eat a few gallons of ice cream, do it. If you’re like me and you're bad at expressing your feelings, try something new. I recommend writing your ex a letter that you never send. Tell them about all of the ways they hurt you and also all of the things they did that made you happy. Keep the letter for a while and read it over when you need to. Then, when you’re ready to move on, get rid of it.
What NOT to do after a break up:
- Watch romantic comedies, listen to love songs, or read romance novels. Stay away from them for at least a month. They are only going to make you feel worse about the fact that you’re single.There’s no sense drilling it into your head even further.
- Forget about your morals. Being a slut isn’t going to make you feel better. Only do things that you know you won’t regret. You should be doing things that build you up, not tear yourself down even further.
- Use alcohol or drugs to cope. You’re just creating more problems for yourself. Focus on making yourself better. You need to be happy in the long term, not just for the night.
- Jump into another relationship. This is one that I’ve always had trouble with, so take it from a serial monogamist, don’t do it. You need time to work on yourself and figure out what you really want in a partner. Also, it sounds cheesy, but don’t fall in love with someone else until you truly love yourself.
