How to Get Over Your Ex
Image Courtesy: @oliviarodrigo on Instagram
So you clicked this link, probably thinking it was going to be about getting over your ex — you know, like the title says. But, big surprise, it isn’t about your ex. With whatever you are going through, I thought instead I would offer a “self-love letter” of sorts. It’s probably better than another article telling you to just get on a dating app or get back out there because, to be honest, that probably isn’t what you need to hear anyways.
Whether you are reading this for yourself or for someone else, breakups are a really crappy thing to be going through. No doubt about it. In order to get through one, here is what you actually need to be reading right now.
You deserve to love and be loved. BUT this doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships. There is so much love to share with friends and family, too. We can love so many people in so many ways, so don’t limit yourself to thinking it can only be found romantically.
Shower. Eat. Take care of yourself. Brush your teeth. These are self-explanatory, but necessary. Have you eaten a decent meal yet? Have you had a glass of water (and, no, coffee doesn’t count)? Do your hair, put on a new outfit, paint your nails. You’ve got this.
Check one thing off of your to-do list each day (or make a to-do list in the first place). Basically, don’t let a breakup take over what YOUR goals and passions are. It simply isn’t worth it. As hard as it is, completing a to-do list can help you try to maintain some aspect of consistency. Setting a morning alarm and waking up for it is a good way to ensure this happens. Also, it can be super helpful to make really tiny goals . . . you can literally put “make my bed” on a to-do list, even if it is just so you can cross something off.
School matters. But it isn’t everything, either. Your teachers all have lives too, and if you are struggling, it might be worth shooting them an email just so they know how to help you best. Maybe that means an extension on a paper, or just some forgiveness with an assignment. Chances are, they know what you are going through, and it is at least worth an ask.
Go outside. Touch the grass. Find something bigger than yourself to spend time doing, whether that is being more involved in a club or school, hanging out with friends or maybe finding time to do something you haven’t before.
Last but not least: you are a one of a kind human being. There is nobody else like you. Isn’t that so cool? That means you have a unique purpose and a place in this world as an interesting and dynamic individual. You have the opportunity to do anything. I think we all forget how much impact we can have on the world just by being ourselves.
Finally, I want whoever is reading this article to take a deep breath. Nobody wants to hear this, but healing and moving on truly does take time. We are all human, and people aren’t perfect. You have so much more to look forward to in the future that you haven’t even thought about yet that is striking and beautiful and fulfilling. That’s all.
Strike Out,
Writer: Maddie Schlehuber
Editor: Kimani Krienke
Notre Dame