Every breakup is hard, especially when you’re the one who unexpectedly got dumped. Obviously there are exceptions to every ending, but in my life every breakup has had a similar timeline of emotions. They all start with feeling like it’s the end of the world, and end with eventually feeling at ease with it all.
1. Confusion and Shock.
The breakup hasn’t fully hit you yet. One second he was yours, and the next second he’s gone. You can’t comprehend that fact yet. It’s like when school finishes session but your body still naturally wakes up at the same time that your alarm went off previously. Your mind may realize it’s over, but your body hasn’t learned yet.
2. I Miss You.
You can’t handle not having him in your life. You think you need him. You miss every little thing he did and said to you. You feel empty. You cry into your pillow way more often than you should. You text him in hopes that he’ll say he misses you too… But more often than not, he doesn’t.
3. I Hate You.
This is when the anger strikes. Your friends are angry with him for hurting you, so you start feeling the same way, too. Every little thing he did that slightly bothered you while you were dating suddenly makes you even more angry. You “hate” him for leaving you, but really you would still take him back in a heartbeat.
4. Everything Reminds Me of You.
Everywhere you go, you find things that in some way, shape, or form remind you of him. You look at the sky and think, “His favorite color was blue,” you see a service dog around campus and think, “He loved puppies.” The most reasonable situation where you’re reminded of him, however, is when you see other couples. It sucks, because that used to be you.
5. Girls Night Out.
Your friends can’t stand seeing you upset anymore so you all hang out as a distraction; and it works! That is, until you get back home that night and realize you still miss him. The plus side, though, is that you realize how amazing your friends are and decide to start spending all your time with them to keep distracting you.
6. Wow That Boy Is Cute.
Guys seem to have a radar for when a girl becomes single again. Previously, you only had eyes for your boyfriend. But now that you’re single and all these guys are talking to you, you start to think that maybe you’re ready to move on.
7. Someone Make Out With Me Please.
You miss the physical stuff. And you realize how attractive guys on campus are. You may be looking for a rebound, but either way, a girl has needs. He left you so he could be with other people, so why can’t you do the same?
8. All Boys Suck.
Every little thing that a guy does offends you. He doesn’t text you back fast enough or he didn’t compliment your outfit that day. If your ex could hurt you so unexpectedly, you realize another guy could do so as well.
9. I Don’t Need a Man, I Have Friends.
You start living for yourself again. You realize your true friends are who stayed with you through it all. You start to actually have fun with the people you surround yourself with and it feels good to be single. You feel like you can do anything.
10. New Boyfriend, Where You At?
The cycle continues. Now you’re adjusted to being single and you’re ready for a new guy who won’t hurt you. You tell yourself the next time will be different and you’ll find your dream man. Whether or not you actively start looking for a new partner, you realize you want one. Your guard is up, but you’re not opposed to finding someone who will slowly take it down.
Sources: [Cover Photo by Maranatha Pizarras on Unsplash, GIFs via Tenor]