How to Survive a Breakup with a Non-Boyfriend
You weren't technically dating, but that doesn't make things any easier.
Boy meets girl. The chemistry is undeniable—you think about him constantly, and every text sends your heart aflutter. But that's where the classic love story ends. For whatever reason, it doesn't work out. Things are over, even though you were never officially a couple.
Breaking up with a guy you cared about, even if he wasn't technically yours, can be every bit as painful as the end of a committed relationship. Your friends tell you to brush it off and move on. Denying yourself time to process what happened, however, can leave you stuck in that terrible can't-move-on hole. Here's what to do:
Cry like it's a breakup, because it is. So what if you weren't Facebook official? You put time and feelings into this man, so give yourself time to wallow. It definitely helps to binge-watch your favorite TV show and splurge for the good takeout.
Delete his number. And his voicemails. And clear your texts. Reading back through old conversations, trying to figure out what went wrong, is pointless. Things didn't end because of a single text message you sent a week ago.
Rejoice that you don't have to change your relationship status to single. Cue your Facebook friends messaging you their apologies, asking what happened, and you having to repeat your story on your feed to everyone to see. There's always a silver lining.
Treat him like an ex. Just because you haven't had a long, committed relationship doesn't mean you have to be okay with seeing him. Take some space.
Don't feel pressured to go out that night. Yes, a good red wine is magical. But one glass too many and eight incoherent texts about why you love him will seem like a great idea. Diving headfirst back into the dating pool is not healthy. Instead, take time to hang out with your friends and focus on yourself.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
Beautify. There's definitely something to getting a mani/pedi or a blowout to really get your game back.
Call your mom. Or Dad, or that aunt who really gets you. They're mind-blowingly great at putting things in perspective. Bonus: They'll be happy to remind you how awesome you are.
Make a list of why he wasn't right for you. You'll be surprised at how long it will be.
Focus on what you deserve, not why he didn't work out. Never introduced you to his friends? The right guy will want to show you off.
Accept that he wasn't Mr. Right. Staring at the phone, wishing his name would flash across your screen, you felt like he was the one. It seemed like destiny. But it wasn't. How do we know? Because if he were The One, he would never have let you go.
Related:
What Guys Really Think When You Pursue Them
20 Signs He's In Love With You
10 Ways To Spot A Commitment-Phobe
6 Tips To Take From The Office To The Bedroom
Photo Credit: YouTube
-
Prince William Says He Wants to "Challenge Homelessness" While Promoting New Documentary
"We see it every day in our lives."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Meghan Markle Connects to Little Boy She Says is "So Close" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Age
The Duchess of Sussex greeted young fans during a solo appearance at the Children's Hospital L.A. 2024 Gala.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Suki Waterhouse Wears Floral Maxi Dress Alongside Robert Pattinson in First Joint Appearance Since Becoming Parents
The pair welcomed their first child, a baby girl, back in March.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
30 Female-Friendly Porn Websites for Any Mood
All the best websites, right this way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
The 82 Best Cheap Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget
"Love don't cost a thing." —J.Lo
By The Editors Last updated
-
Diary of a Non-Monogamist
Rachel Krantz, author of the new book 'Open,' shares the ups and downs of her journey into the world of open relationships.
By Abigail Pesta Published
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
COVID Uncoupling
How the pandemic has mutated our most personal disunions.
By Gretchen Voss Published
-
16 At-Home Date Ideas When You're Stuck Indoors
Staying in doesn't have to be boring.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Long Distance Relationship Gift Ideas for Couples Who've Made It This Far
Alexa, play "A Thousand Miles."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
15 Couples on How 2020 Rocked Their Relationship
Couples confessed to Marie Claire how this year's many multi-stressors tested the limits of their love.
By Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW Published