Heartbreak. That five-syllable word that feels like a tornado ran over your soul, reversed, and did it again just to make sure you felt it. But here’s the kicker, no one really prepares you for it. Sure, movies show sad montages of eating ice cream in pajamas, but they don’t cover the ugly, weird, and unexpected side of heartbreak. So, let’s get real.
1. You’re Not Just Crying Over Them, You’re Mourning an Entire Future
You weren’t just dating a person; you were emotionally invested in potential. The cute vacation you planned in your head? Gone. That aesthetic couple Instagram post you never got to upload? RIP.
Your heart isn’t just grieving a human, it’s grieving the version of your life that could have been. And that’s why it hurts like someone just ripped your soul out with a spoon.
How to Cope:
- Write down all the things you thought you lost.
- Now, write down all the things you actually lost. (Spoiler: It’s mostly illusions.)
2. The “Moving On” Timeline Is a Scam
“It takes half the time of the relationship to move on.”
Who made this up? A sadistic scientist? The truth is, healing is different for everyone. Some people bounce back in weeks, others take years, and some pretend they’re fine and then randomly start sobbing in a grocery store because they saw their ex’s favorite cereal.
How to Cope:
- Delete the imaginary deadline in your head.
- Allow yourself to feel, without guilt.
3. You’ll Stalk Their Socials (And Hate Yourself for It)
Let’s be honest: You will check their Instagram. You will scroll back to old texts. You will analyze their new profile picture like it’s a crime scene.
And that’s okay. Just don’t let it become a daily ritual.
How to Cope:
- Set a “stalk limit.” (Once a week, max!)
- Mute or unfollow them if seeing their posts feels like a punch in the gut.
4. Your Brain Will Lie to You
Your brain, normally an intelligent organ, will suddenly become a pathological liar:
- “Maybe they’ll come back.” (They won’t.)
- “Maybe they didn’t mean it.” (They did.)
- “Maybe if I change myself, they’ll love me again.” (No, just no.)
Your brain is just trying to protect you from pain by offering up delusional hope. Politely tell it to shut up.
How to Cope:
- Journal your feelings to see your progress.
- Read old texts (cringe at them) to remind yourself why it ended.
5. One Day, You’ll Wake Up and Not Care
Here’s the best-kept secret: One day, you won’t wake up thinking about them. Their name will come up, and your heart won’t do gymnastics. You’ll feel nothing.
It won’t be dramatic. No fireworks. Just quiet freedom. And it will be the most liberating feeling in the world.
How to Get There:
- Focus on yourself, not them.
- Find new obsessions (a hobby, a new show, a gym crush, whatever works!).
Heartbreak sucks. But it won’t kill you. In fact, it might just be the thing that makes you stronger, wiser, and, let’s be real, a little hotter.