How long does heartbreak take?

Will I ever have sex again?

Am I not good enough?

Those are some of the questions you might ask yourself when the inevitable “it’s not you, it’s me” the first-ever-break-up scenario happens. The answers can vary, but you are always good enough, just not for that person.

The following few months after heartbreak feel like you’re withdrawing from a drug labeled “significant other” it can hurt. Some side effects include:

• crying hysterically
• stalking (online)
• tweeting excessively
• a desire to drink alcohol, and
• over-use of selfies

The first few months are the most difficult:  Convincing yourself they were the perfect person with no bad traits, comparing yourself to their new partner and desperately seeking any form of validation whether it’s a Tinder match or an Instagram like.

via GIPHYAfter a relationship, you learn a lot of things. Yes, they may have written cool indie songs about you and you may have loved their fried egg sandwiches, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of your life. Listen to some better music and make your own fucking fried egg sandwich.

Wallowing in self-pity gets you nowhere. And while there is something strangely beautiful about listening to Keaton Henson while realizing your partner is now in love with someone else, knowing you were loved prior to the break-up, there comes a point where you have to get the fuck over it.

Yes, getting the fuck over it is difficult but knowing Miles Kane once checked you out a gig gives you, at least, some form of hope.

After a slow withdrawal from “significant other” comes a realization of truth – you don’t need to rely on anyone for your happiness. Learning to make yourself happy and doing what you want to do with your life is overwhelming. You no longer need a partner.

via GIPHYHere are some tips on how to get over a relationship besides “getting the fuck over it” – because if only it were that easy.

1. Stop stalking.

Some people are detectives and know everything. Who the fuck is this person? Did they fuck? I thought brunettes weren’t their thing? Why did they like that picture? I recommend that the day the breakup happens to delete everything regarding that person. You will drive yourself crazy thinking they’ve fucked every newly added friend.

2. Stop being a bitch.

Yes, it’s pretty difficult if they move on within two months, especially if it’s with someone you suspected. But keep your thoughts to yourself. Ranting on Twitter about them is just mean.

3. Listen to your family and friends.

“Sorry, but they don’t love you anymore” is not what you want to hear from your mum, but the truth needs to be told. It’s true. They don’t love you like they used to. Hearing your family and friends’ past experiences will eventually help you understand heartbreak.

4. Get an online dating profile.

Online dating is for everyone – whether you’re looking for a quick fuck, a friendship, someone to have a drink with or,
potentially (unlikely), a relationship. Whatever it is, dating is a great way to learn more about yourself and what you want in a relationship.

5. Go on a relaxing vacation.

Alone time is much needed. After surrounding yourself with family and friends for so long, eventually, you need to come out of this comfort zone and spend time with your own thoughts. You might have a little cry behind your sunglasses, but hey, at least you’ll look good with a tan.

 

6. Go on a fun vacation.

Go on a fun holiday with your best friend. Get drunk, dance, flirt, make yourself sick and do it all over again. Being single is SO much fun, especially if your best mate is single too!

7. Do the things you want to do.

I got a fringe, a nipple piercing, and I smoked weed. Yeah, they’re tame, but I would never have done these things when in a relationship. Not because I wasn’t allowed but because I forgot who I was. Now you no longer have a partner to buy for, you can now spend all your money on – that’s right – YOURSELF!

8. Have sex.

This may not be for everyone, but convincing myself I would never have sex again until I was in love again took too long. I quickly got over that idea.

 

9. Take selfies.

Your self-confidence may tend to drop a little after heartbreak. Taking underwear selfies for yourself and
yourself only is a great way of realizing the sexy singleton you are.

10. Forgive and never forget.

Okay. So you’re never going to forget your first love. But they’ve moved on and so will you. And you don’t have to forget them; just accept the fact that the past is the past and you have a great deal of your life left to live. They were a big part of your life but there is plenty more to life than love. After all, without heartbreak, you will never appreciate love – or your favorite emotional songs.