Now that we’re nearing the holidays, we’re getting closer and closer to breakup season. If you’re an early casualty, or if you’ve been burned a while back and are still licking your wounds, perhaps a little perspective can help. Though finding something to be thankful for after a breakup is easier said than done, approaching your heartbreak with an attitude of gratitude will make the healing process much easier. Here are just a few things you can think about to help you look on the bright side.
1. No more fights.
If your relationship’s demise went down like 97% of breakups (yes, that statistic was totally made up), there was probably a lot of bickering, fighting, and all-around nastiness from either party. Even the healthiest relationships have some fights, and though fighting done the right way can actually be good for a relationship, they’re always exhausting.
Now, the worst of it is over. The storm has passed, and it will take some time for you to pick up the pieces and make sense of what’s left, but now you can actually move on instead of being at each other’s throats over the same issues day in and day out.
2. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Relationships are all about compromise. It’s about sitting through yet another romcom even though you’d rather be watching a sports documentary, just because it’s what your girlfriend wants. It’s about skipping the pasta because your boyfriend is struggling with his keto diet. It’s about waiting days to watch that Terrace House episode because your partner wants to watch it together.
Now that you’re single, screw that.
Feel like eating a mountain of carbs at 2am? Go ahead. Want to binge-watch Mad Men from start to finish? No one’s stopping you. Want to splurge on that designer bag? Go on and treat yo self. You are the master of your destiny.
3. You’ve finally got the whole bed to yourself.
Ever woke up in the middle of the night in a chill because someone was hogging the covers again? That doesn’t have to happen again, at least, not anytime soon. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as spreading out on your bed like a starfish and just falling asleep, just like that.
4. You don’t have to worry about impressing your ex’s family anymore.
No family is perfect. Even if you loved your ex’s family, they must have had some… quirks that got on your nerves. Maybe they had questionable political stances. Maybe they cared a little too much about your relationship. Or maybe it was just exhausting to put your best face forward when you were spending time with them. Now, you have less people to worry about pleasing. That’s certainly something to be thankful about.
5. You can spend more time with your friends.
It’s easy to neglect your platonic relationships once you’re stuck in your own little relationship bubble. Now’s the perfect time to spend some quality bonding time with your BFFs, so just let yourself enjoy it.
6. You’ll realize just how strong you are.
Breakups suck, but it’s soul-crushing experiences like this that build character. You’re a survivor. If you can get through this kind of pain, you can get through anything. Siri, play “Stronger” by Britney.
7. You don’t have to spend $$$$$ on your significant other’s Christmas/birthday/anniversary present.
Romantic presents are expensive. ‘Nuff said.
8. You’re now closer to finding real love.
It might not feel like it now, but this heartbreak is bringing you one step closer to finding the right person for you. The less time you spend with someone who’s not in it for the long haul, the better.
Ever struggled to pick yourself up after a breakup? Share your heartbreak survival tips below!
