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Breakups: 10 Things You Should Never, Ever Do After

Posted: 07/03/2012 10:22 am

You know the biggies already, Folks. We're not going to waste your valuable skimming time telling you things you already understand, like: don't sleep with him anymore, don't call his mother to complain about him and don't mistake him for a "pal" just yet. But there are lots of other areas for potential self-sabotage at this very vulnerable time in your "recovery." That's right. We used the "R" word. Let's call it what it is. Here's a roundup of further and notable no no's:

#1. Don't take it out on your body
We've all seen the chick flicks -- a wailing broken hearted girl gobbling up a double gallon of ice cream, getting over that ex. Cliché but, hell, it'strue. We know how tempting a tub of rocky road Haagen Dazs is right now -- and go for it occasionally. Enjoy the fact that you don't have to suck in your gut for a bit. But make sure it's just for a bit. You don't want the
self loathing stuff that comes after too many of those binges. Be kind to your body, and it will be kind to you. Get your ass off that couch and into the gym. Bonus: you'll look hot in your dresses and jeans!

#2. Don't be "on the hunt"
Debunk that ridiculous myth: "The best way to get over a man (or woman) is to get under
another one." Don't get us wrong -- we're all for sex! Get yourself a lover, or just a vibrator, but don't jump on the relationship bandwagon too soon. Take your time. And when anyone asks you why you're not going out with someone because you're sooooo great with that sad sack face of theirs -- tell them to take a hike. Remember, most of your pals aren't having the hot sex they claim to be having at home -- but YOU can be. Enjoy your new freedom!

#3. Don't stalk him her
You're way too smart to stalk him or her physically after your breakup. Of course you are...BUT...on social media? That's tempting. Dump him and all his friends and family. It's simply too easy to track him or her on these outlets. We had our exes BLOCKED from all of our accounts because we knew one of those 3 a.m. nights after a martini or three, we'd go sniffing. Don't. You don't need to know where he or she's going or who he or she's
going with. All hurtful. Move on.

#4. Don't tell "your story" to everyone
Hold back. Don't tell everybody how you've been wronged. Boooooooooring! Save your droning for your journals and very, very good friends. The longer you hold on to "your story" and keep soliciting sympathy, the longer it will take you to move forward...and we don't want your pals to dump you, too.

#5. Don't hold on to the memorabilia
Dump the keepsakes. Dump all those memory triggers. Use this as an opportunity to de-clutter. Dump all the toxic people and things in your life and learn to live light!

#6. Don't waste energy on revenge.
Revenge is utter crap. Don't get even. Get over it.

#7. Don't isolate yourself
You're way too fabulous to be a shut-in. Get out and beyond your 4 walls. Push yourself away from your comfort zones -- take some risks! Meet your fabulous women friends for cocktails. Wear red lipstick and some killer stillettos and work it because you can.

#8. Don't settle for crumbs
That means anybody's crumbs -- not your ex's, not your friends', not your new date's. Guys usually tell you up front who they really are. Learn to listen. Don't date the damaged, bad kissers, texting lunatics or potential "projects." Take this time to raise your standards.

#9. Ease up on your regret bullshit
See your ex for what he or she truly was and try not to obsess about what could have or should have happened. That romanticized, idealized version can torment you after a breakup. Don't let it. It's done, over, finito.

#10. Don't beat yourself up about relapses
Relapses happen. Anniversaries, birthdays are a bitch. Remind yourself to be grateful that you are not with him or her any more. Remind yourself that people do NOT change. He or she isn't a better person/lover/friend to someone else. He or she hasn't aged like a fine wine for crying out loud! This time needs to be about you and your recovery. Choose to be happy. Get off your ass and over your ex NOW.

Maryjane Fahey and Caryn Beth Rosenthal are the co-authors of "DUMPED," a breakup bible for women to get off their asses and over their exes in record time. You can preorder it now -- Tom Cruise already has ...

Then like, tweet at, whatever them... they're very friendly.

http://www.DUMPED411.com
http://www.facebook.com/dumped411
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3_acBo6vEo
http://twitter.com/CB_DUMPED411
http://twitter.com/MJ_DUMPED411

 
 
 
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06:19 AM on 08/24/2012
nice piece but nobody's said what to do if we had a baby and im the one with custody....remember it will take me DOUBLE the time to get up again bcos I have more responsibilities and a 'forever keepsake'....
01:43 PM on 07/10/2012
This is all good advice....they are exes for a reason...their season has come and gone...it's their loss...on to bigger and better
03:14 PM on 07/08/2012
As to number 1, from what I can see, most people hit the gym after breaking up, not the refrigerator. I wish more people took care of themselves during relationships like they do after a break up.
05:30 PM on 07/07/2012
Needed this article today. Good timing.
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06:08 PM on 07/06/2012
Take time also to make yourself into a better person instead of getting into a new relationship (seen this so many times). Also be honest with yourself. When your honest with yourself you feel so much better. Also don't regret the relationship it was to teach you something.
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06:02 PM on 07/06/2012
Don't even think you can become friends/best friends with your ex after the breakup either. They are suppose to be in your past for a reason.
avg american
It's about jobs, jobs, jobs...
05:17 PM on 07/06/2012
Great Article...
Thx for the advise.
02:22 PM on 07/07/2012
We're glad you enjoyed! Caryn (coauthor of DUMPED!)
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DSevere
Deviant mind
04:34 AM on 07/06/2012
Funny how the headline says "breakups" but the article assumes the woman is always the one to get dumped.

I actually was the dump-er in most of my past relationships. And then helpful advice is more like, "how to tell when he's just venting and when he's turning into a scary stalker." And, "how to move your stuff out of apartment you share with as little drama as possible." ;)
05:19 PM on 07/07/2012
I agree, I feel like it should be titled, "Things you should never do after you get dumped." If it's just a breakup, or if you are the dump-er, this article doesn't really apply.
06:03 PM on 07/04/2012
i once eat my girlfriends hair until she woke up, and that is around the time things got akward
09:17 AM on 07/05/2012
I just lost my appetite for the rest of the day. Actually, I thank you for that.
05:39 PM on 07/04/2012
I onced tricked a old boyfriend that he was the father of my twins ( they were born two years apart) and we only dated 14 months.
He was super lazy and agreed.
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jennnn10
I got an A in Micro-bio.
10:21 PM on 07/04/2012
super lazy and maybe not very bright?
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AKQueenie
No such thing as coincidence, just synchronicity.
02:30 PM on 07/04/2012
Loved It!! Thank you!
01:58 PM on 07/05/2012
So glad!! You are most welcome!!!! Best, Caryn
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victorianism
Theultrathinnothingnesshasabeautifulendforusall.
08:35 AM on 07/04/2012
Before you go, you have to give him/her something to remember you by. Calmness and gayness over leaving are among such things he/she will never forget and you can easily deliver.
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jennnn10
I got an A in Micro-bio.
10:23 PM on 07/04/2012
thats good. i think people sometimes think they have to 'make them pay' or arent going to let them off easy, not realizing that grace is a virtue, particularly when you've been dumped.
08:16 AM on 07/04/2012
I think it's important to not discuss the other person at all if you had a relationship based on respect. Especially if you share a lot of friends. But, hiding my ticker is the best thing I ever did. It's too distracting and you aren't meant to be part of every conversation that happens for hundreds of people anyway, including people from your past. Not every post is an invitaion just because fb decided that, nor is the other person's posts or comments meant to get your attention in anyway. If they wanted your attention, they would message you. It's really that simple.
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Lisa Shields
Poet & Advocate For Special Needs Children
08:01 AM on 07/04/2012
A small addendum...don't wallow in regret. If he or she is doing ok, or even splendidly without you, don't lose it. I know men and women who in fact broke up with their ex's---and then had a melt down because they survived the dumping "too well. If you find yourself thinking "I guess I did him/her a favor" with bitterness, it's time to pull the hell back...
02:00 PM on 07/05/2012
Exactly how we feel!! No bitterness.... you wanna feel gooooooood so forgive the guy for yourself, move on and have fun! No regrets! LIfe's too short for that, right?!!! Best, Caryn (coauthor of DUMPED!)
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turnerj41
03:10 AM on 07/04/2012
thanks Ho, 5 years too late on telling everyone... suck it up people. best thing to do, especially if you were cheated on, is to cut it off and mean it.