1. Shock
We’ve all been there right? When it happens but in your mind it hasn’t quite happened. In denial, shock, confusion, whatever you want to call it, it’s real. This doesn’t mean that you didn’t see it coming completely but in that moment you are filled with so many emotions that the only thing you can think of is “no.” This can’t be happening to me? It’s a crucial part of the process that needs to happen because it leads to the realization of what’s really happening here.
2. Heartbreak
Definitely the worst step, but arguably the most important. Sadness is an understatement when it comes to this stage. Although it is not a good feeling, this is the stage to sulk. It’s the stage to cry and keep crying so much and that’s okay. Crying doesn’t make you weak and heartbreak doesn’t mean your heart broken forever. It may feel like this feeling will never go away but as they say, it takes time. I was never one to believe the time thing worked but it does. It’s annoying and takes way more time than you think, but one day, you’ll wake up and everything will be fine.
3. Anger
This isn’t an anger that makes you mean to others, but rather mad at yourself for ever letting this bother you so much. It’s a stage that sets you up to become a badass girl who doesn’t need a man. You can be mad at him, but the main point is to be mad that this stupid kid was ever in control of your emotions. The anger stage doesn’t last too long, (and may include some irrational outbursts), but it is a very important next step when trying to remove yourself from the heartbreak of it all.
4. Laughter
Definitely my favorite stage and probably the most rewarding. This is the stage where you and your friends can look back and laugh at the fact that you cried for hours on end eating whatever was in sight (because we actually do that and this is the win stage of a breakup). You’ll laugh at the “he was the one” and the “I’ll never get over him” lines that you said entirely too many times through your ugly cry face. This stage is for reflection and admiration for your strength and the idea of actually moving forward. Even though it is funny that you wasted so much time, those feelings were still real and deserve some recognition.
5. Moving On
If laughter isn’t the best stage, this sure as hell is. The moment when he texts you asking for another chance or snaps you (because he will) and you feel nothing is the ultimate victory. You no longer wait around for him to post on social media which you know will only hurt you anyway. You no longer secretly wish he would ask for you back even though you are telling everyone you “hate” him. You start to really realize that you are perfect in every way and that although it is extremely cliché, it is his loss. It will always be his loss, don’t forget that.
