“I just don’t feel the same way.” Those words stung Jess when her crush messaged her back, crushing her heart. She may not have gotten the answer that she wanted, but at least now she knows that she deserves someone better. But will that person ever come, she questions herself. She cannot help but feel that it is in moments like those that oblivion sounds better, maybe a lot better than a heart break. It makes me feel sad, seeing my friend like that and having experienced something similar. I guess some people are just too blind to see the beauty in someone’s personality.

Sure, physical attraction might be a key factor that you look for in someone, but how about personality? How about loving someone for who they are? Each and every one of us has our own flaws and nuances. It just takes the right somebody to love you and treat you right. But in the meantime, while patiently waiting for that day to come when you are finally in a relationship or miraculously get out of the friend zone, here are ways you can get over being friendzoned:

1. Delete traces of him or her.

This may be the most challenging action. Now I am not asking to unfriend them or block them on Facebook. I am encouraging you to delete those cute pictures and messages you have kept (or screenshotted) that may only cause pain to your life. Do not avoid them in real life either or act as if nothing happened. Something did happen. You got friendzoned. So continue to be friends with them, but do not get too attached lest you feel more heartbroken.

2. Binge watch on your favorite shows.

What better way to counteract those tears than with bursts of laughter? Romantic comedies may be the remedy to that broken heart of yours. Remind yourself that it is all going to be okay, maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but you will move on. You will get over what happened by simply binge watching shows or movies on Netflix or Hulu.

3. Travel and see the world.

Check off those things on your bucket list. Book a cruise or vacation or fly back home. Visit some old friends and family members you have not seen in a while. Whatever you do, make it your moment to shine and taste what the world has to offer, be it skydiving, scuba diving, or the pleasure of swimming at the beach. I know it is almost that time of year when we are shopping for bikinis and bathing suits. Go on a road trip down south and soak in the sun.

4. Adopt a pet.

Have you always wanted a best friend that is always there for you 24/7? Well, go adopt a dog. Search for the type of breed you want. Explore local pet stores and find that cute little puppy that needs a home. Or maybe you are a cat person. Whatever pet you choose, just make sure you are not allergic to them.

5. Start a blog.

This is something that I have always wanted to do but I have never put much time and effort into doing it. This blog can be about anything from cooking to traveling to playing an instrument. It is okay to make it personal. We learn from drawing from personal experiences. We learn to overcome those adversities and write stories about them. Whatever blog you choose, just make sure you are knowledgeable about that topic.

6. Mingle with other singles.

Flirt and have fun while you are young, but stay safe. Other singles may have experienced getting friendzoned like you and you all can throw a friendzoned party, talk about what and why it happened. Drink and dance and mingle. You will make new friends and maybe find that special someone who will not put you in the friend zone, but rather establish a more serious relationship with you.

7. Learn to love yourself.

As clichéd as it may seem, you must learn to love yourself before you can let others love you. It is easier than it sounds. Learning to love yourself means accepting who you are and how you look regardless of what other people think. Embrace your flaws and imperfections, because those make you rather unique than dull. I guarantee you that by following this guide, you will get over it, that pain and heartbreak. Do not sentence yourself to a life full of misery. That day will come when your prince or princess, king or queen, captivates your heart, a heart that is meant to be freed from that prison you call a friend zone.