How to get over your breakup without resorting to binge-drinking or rebound guys.
By denise ngo — Written on Jan 11, 2010
If there's one thing that redeems the terrible process of breaking up with someone, it's the transformation-rich recovery period that follows. Don't get us wrong: Breakups are a sad, sorry business, and even the cleanest ones entail some kind of annoying consequence or follow-up, like adjusting to an empty bed or having to return that awesome space heater he left at your apartment. The key to making the most of your breakup is engaging in life-affirming activities: little things that will empower you start over and set out into the great unknown (singlehood—eek!) with courage and resilience. Resist binge-drinking, rebound guys or ex sex, and consider these fun post-breakup activities instead. Breakups To Make You Laugh and... Cringe
1) Vacationing
Breakups are stifling, and there's no reason to sit around your house, marinating in everyday reminders of your ex, when you can be climbing the Great Wall of China or sipping mimosas in a European villa. If you're afraid of vacationing alone, bring a friend. If anything, you might meet a handsome stranger who can further distract you from what's-his-face back home.
2) Chopping off your hair
It's clichéd, we know, but the beautiful thing about breakups is that they provide you with a handy excuse for indulging in all kinds clichés for the sake of recovery. Makeovers help you start over by serving as a physical reminder that you've made a commitment to move on and change for the better. Remember how cute Reese Witherspoon's breakup haircut looked after her divorce from Ryan Philippe? Get thee to a salon, long-tressed one! Just remember to let your stylist handle the sharp tools—haircuts are fun, but you don't want to go down the Britney Spears route. Hairstyles: Short Vs Long. Which Is Sexier?
3) Redecorating your house or apartment
We're not afraid to go Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on this one. While washing his scent off your couch covers, taking down his pictures and putting away his paperbacks, consider using the massive cleanup as an excuse for refurnishing. Buy new curtains, repaint the walls, change your color scheme or feng shui your living room. Redecorating will not only keep you from inactivity, but it will also boost your creativity and self-esteem. Once you're finished with your home makeover, invite your friends (and their eligible single friends) over for a party to celebrate your work. Feng Shui for Love
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4) Finding a new hobby
The number of activities you can now commit to without the time constraints of a relationship are endless. Try writing a novel, making stop-motion videos, knitting scarves for the homeless, running a marathon, playing guitar, surfing or taking hip-hop dance classes. Instead of stuffing your face with ice cream and boxed pralines, become a foodie by getting busy in the kitchen and indulging in all the foods your ex disliked or could not eat. Setting fun goals that are unrelated to your relationship will wedge a necessary distance between you and your past. Would You Go Vegan For Love?
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5) Making new playlists
Don't you hate how relationships can ruin certain songs? As hard as you try not to, you can't help but associate The Weepies and Damien Rice with your dreamy, guitar-playing ex. Put that old playlist into temporary retirement, and resist wallowing in everyone's go-to breakup anthem: Celine Dion's "All By Myself." Grab a friend and head to some shows featuring new artists. In the process of self-preserving, it's easy to shut down all of your emotions and get jaded. Identifying with new music will maintain your emotional sensitivity while redirecting your feelings away from the resentment of a breakup. Top 10 Breakup Songs Of 2009