Break ups are no easy challenges to face. The art of getting over your ex-significant other is usually not as straightforward as it may seem. Maybe you just weren’t right for each other, maybe you broke up with them, or maybe they broke up with you. No matter what, this change of lifestyle takes some time. Here is a list of the different stages and ways you know you are getting over your ex.
1) When you start to feel better about yourself
Sometimes after a break up, self-esteem can be a little rocky, especially if you’re the one broken up with. Although it may take some time, don’t ever lose faith that your confidence will come back. Do whatever it takes to make you feel better; get a haircut, work out to release frustration, put on your favorite outfit. Make yourself feel like you again.
2) You think about them less and less
Remember when it was actually difficult not to think about him/her? Well now you can go days and days without thinking about them. Some things may come up that remind you of them, but that is okay. Slow progress is still progress.
3) You can see them without feeling like your heart just plummeted to the ground
We all know that feeling. You become a nervous wreck, you kind of feel like you want to vomit, and also want to run from the situation entirely. This all usually occurs in about five seconds. Unwillingly, or even willingly, seeing your ex is not usually a fun experience. However, it is a sure sign that you are well on your way of getting over them when you see him/her and are able to keep full composure without these nervous jitters.
4) You can think about the memories without even becoming upset
You know that song or that place that used to “belong” to the two of you? Or that one saying he/she always used to say that will always trigger all those memories you have locked away. Maybe even thinking of memories at all used to bring sadness, but after some time, it isn’t so painful. You no longer skip that song, or you can go to that place again that you used to share. You can recognize that the memories did happen, and keep moving forward.
5) You don’t hate the new significant other
Although it is hard for us to admit, we are rarely fans of the new significant other. Most of us know the feeling that hits you once you hear the news. You expect the tears to start streaming down your face, but then suddenly they don’t. Your inner Cameron Diaz from The Holiday comes out and it’s almost like you can’t cry. It may at first throw you off and make you question your own emotions. However, you may instead be experiencing a feeling of relief and pride that you have been able to make it to this point.
6) You can listen to the entire new Adele album without a single urge of wanting to contact them.
Oh that’s right, I said it. This is the ultimate test, especially for Adele fans. If you can listen to an entire Adele CD without the urge of wanting to cry about or contact your ex, then you definitely have made it. I can’t really think of much better proof than that.
If you have made it through all of these steps then, congratulations Collegiette! You have officially won a tough battle. If you are not quite there yet, do not worry! Keep the faith that you will get there someday, and you will be there before you know it. Also, don’t feel guilty in priding yourself over this victory. It is not a battle between you and your ex, it is a battle within yourself. None of these steps are in offense to your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend; they could be a very lovely person, but just not the person for you. In this case, we must move on. Now go blast some Beyonce and celebrate yourself.