8 Steps Of Surviving A Break-Up

     When trying to find blog topics I usually wait for some kind of sign. It usually comes in the form of some ridiculous life experience. Currently I could write about Auburn, in light of our recent win, but that's been over done. We won, Bama lost, it happens, lets move on. I could write about how I had 13 people squeezed into my apartment. I could write about how for the first time in years I actually have a crush (ridiculous I know, it's like i'm 12 again). However, I'm not going to write about any of that.

     Recently a big issue in my life and the lives of those around me is learning to be single. How to act, how to embrace, and how to get over it. Sounds petty, I know but what most people don't realize is that it's harder to get over than we originally think. It comes in steps like a 12 step program for addiction. Lets call it the
8 Steps Of Surviving A Break Up. 

1. The Love Hangover: This is the immediate post-breakup time. It can range in length, to each his own and what not. This is the time when you convince yourself you had a good breakup, you'll still be friends and you'll always love each other. 
2. Ribs and Ice Cream: "You better go get yourself some ribs and some ice cream 'cause you have been dumped." - He's Just Not That In To You. This is the eat your feelings stage. When you realize that it really is over and you no longer have any reason to live except for food and Gilmore Girl reruns. 
3. Hell Hath No Fury: Now you're just mad. You did nothing to deserve this kind of betrayal and you are officially on the rampage. You now have to look hot everywhere you go just incase you run into him or his friends or his family. You can't let him see/know how much he hurt you. You flirt with his acquaintance (NEVER his friends, you'll seem desperate) in front of him. You stalk on social media, and you officially become that "crazy ex-girlfriend."    
4. The Hussy Hustle: When your friends finally pull you out of your food coma, away from the TV, and out of your pajamas, you turn to face the world. Large amounts of
   alcohol are usually involved along with several late nights. You spend this time trying to drink away your feelings, and once you've got those out of your head you try to find comfort in the arms of a stranger. None of this will help in the long run, but it will provide short term comfort. This step will probably take the longest to get through because you're working through some major issues. 
5. Nothing But His T-Shirt On: Take it on back to step 2 because this step is back to thinking life is over. When you've had one too many strangers and you've had one too many rum & cokes you start to seriously question your life choices. You crawl into this dark place and start to wonder how things could've been different. Were you actually meant to be together? Were the last six months of partying worth it? Might as well go find the tissues because you're in for the long haul on this step. 
6. Ch-Ch-Changes: Turn and face the strange. For the first time you finally start to realize you might actually survive. You've been sad long enough and sitting around feeling sorry for yourself isn't helping anyone, especially you. But every time you look at yourself or your room you're reminded of a past that isn't coming back, you need a change. This is the step where change happens: a move, a new hair cut or color, maybe you get a pet, any kind of change to alter your life. 
7. Mr. Nice Guy: The first guy you try to date after the break up will most likely be a complete opposite of your ex. Your new Mr. Nice Guy will be perfect in every way, he'll be everything you wanted in a boyfriend. However, something will be off. He just won't fit, like wearing jeans one size too small. You'll end things with him, but it will give you the confidence to move to your final step. 
8. Acceptance: This is your 8th and final step. You've gone full circle and are now mentally prepared to live your single life. Being single isn't going to be great, but it'll do. You've learned what you want out of a relationship and have a rough idea about how to get it. Your ex no longer defines you, and you now know how survive on your on. 

      Maybe this isn't rocket science, and maybe I haven't scientifically proved it but I have confidence in these steps. They will lead to recovery, and trust me - no one has died from a break up. Your single years might just be the best years of your life. 

                                                      Stay Sassy - A.