As a recently single human, I have learned a plethora of things. Breakups are definitely not all bad – in fact, I am having a great time enjoying some freedom and learning more about myself and the world. Here are some of those things I learned:
- Doing things alone is actually not terrible.
- Being the mature one tends to work out in your favor; react appropriately to running into each other, difficult conversations, and whatever else may come your way.
- Southern accents are seriously underrated, and seriously attractive. (Shout out to my new Louisiana friends!)
- No one else should ever dictate who you spend your time with.
- It’s okay to drink. A lot sometimes.
- Animals bring hella comfort when necessary, find friends with cute dogs.
- Let’s at least try to remain friendly with each other’s friends. My friends like you, your friends like me. No sides.
- Now is the time to do all those crazy things you always wanted to do!
- And time to explore those “what-if” boys you always wondered about.
- Don’t give in to doing things you don’t want to do simply for the sake of another person.
- People who make you question yourself are not worth your time.
- Do not say yes to dates with awkward boys just for the hell of it. Not even free food is worth that amount of awkward.
- Saying hi is nice and polite.
- I sing (badly) when I’m happy. I used to belt out whatever song popped into my head as I walked around work, studied, or rode in the car. I noticed that had stopped for quite a few months – well it’s back now. Sorry, roomies.
- Spontaneous retail therapy is completely acceptable.
- So are spontaneous concerts and road trips with friends.
- Throw yourself into your work. First as a distraction, then to exceed. The library got to know me pretty well during the first few weeks, and the near 4.0 pays off nicely.
- Friend dates are a lot more fun, especially when it comes to formal events.
- It’s not worth it to spend your time upset. Get over it. Be happy. Hope that they do so as well.
- Pretending to understand another person’s favorite shows and movies is exhausting. Don’t do it.
- Find friends who will let you sit on their couch crying and eating all their food after a rough day.
- Also find friends who will take you out for spontaneous cheer-up ice cream.
- BE HAPPY FOR THE OTHER PERSON! They got into their program? Cool! You see them walking around with a huge grin on their face? Good for them! There is no reason to wish unhappiness on another human.
- It’s okay to still admit that your ex has some good qualities. No matter what happened, they are most likely not 100% evil.
- Manicures and beer usually fix the problem.
- So does wine. Wine and desserts.
- Change is not bad. New people are not bad.
No way in hell am I an expert on everything. I honestly don’t know **** about relationships, which is probably why mine didn’t work. Since then I’ve gotten way too attached to some guys, ignored some pretty great ones (including Ralph Engelstad’s grandson, still a little angry about that one), and made far too many comparisons. But hey, that stuff happens, and overall I have HAD FUN. Maybe too much. Now that’s something I can be an expert on.
