Chances are if you re newly single, you re upset. Maybe you thought that they were different, maybe you thought they were the one. Maybe you imagined yourself living in the same fifth-floor walkup for the rest of your lives with six, non-crying beautiful children who would somehow magically fit into a one bedroom so you d never have to move—or maybe you believed that your significant other would eventually stop sucking down microbrew beers in the shower. Maybe you thought they would change their ways for you because you are so obviously exceptional! But too bad: They never changed, and it turns out they never will. So let s accept it and move on.
Sure, a recent split can feel like a fresh wound, one that s hard to grapple with. But before you wade into the standard period of mourning seat for one (with extra shrimp) at Benihana, making friends with Ben Jerry, boring your friends to tears with relationship post-mortems, and tearing up while listening to acid-house remixes of Mary J. Blige why not just skip ahead to the fun part? Pat yourself on the back for your newfound freedom, and let s celebrate your fresh start.
How to embrace this new lease on single life? Skip the shamans, the psychics, and the clichés about “living, laughing, and learning.” Keep it simple: Do everything you missed out on. First, hang out with the friends that you never had time to see. And don t talk about your breakup. No one cares—and neither should you! Go out to brunch, order loaded-up eggs Benedict, and catch up on everything you ve missed while you were coupled up—and wear a mood-lifting Pepto pink mohair sweater while you’re at it.
Another remedy for the case of the common breakup? Dancing. Cop a blinged-out frock and go retro with some Sister Sledge. And when in doubt? Go skimpier and sexier: You need some rays of Vitamin D after being held captive on the couch with a Netflix subscription. Need a companion? Find one and some lingerie—no strings attached (or simply detachable). But one of the best cures for sadness, broken heart or not? Exercise. Invest in some sleek workout duds and hit the pavement running—sweating is a fantastic way to release endorphins (and all that muscle tone is just a cherry on the cake).
Remember: There are always going to be those pings of sadness. There will always be those pangs in your stomach when you hear about their new relationship or you see a suspicious Instagram (maybe block them on Instagram). It happens. And if you do need to indulge in that stomach-churning feeling? Turn on some melodramatic French flick where the female protagonist comes out on top. But even while you do, dress to impress yourself—because at the end of the day, the best part about being single? It s all about you, baby.
