Break Ups: How to Move on and Grow from Past Relationships

Here at Dating with Dignity we get this question all the time: how can I move on and grow from my past relationship? Since break up advice is some of the most sought-after information for Dignity Daters, we put it right here for you.
Getting over an ex is going to turn you into the new version of you! (A better version, too!) Our favorite breakup mantra is this: “Your breakup can be the BEST ‘worst’ thing that ever happened to you!” Once you do the work we suggest, you might one day realize you’re no longer attracted to him.
As you evaluate where you are in your life, you may realize that what you thought you wanted is something he was unable to give you, or that perhaps your needs changed as the relationship developed and he was unable to meet them. Of course, we know you had feelings for your ex and breaking up is never a simple cut-and-dry experience;however, you can be on a road to a confident recovery if you follow our advice.
Here are two Dating with Dignity-approved break up tips to recover with confidence, fewer tears, and hope for future romance.
1. Surround yourself with people who love you.
If your ex broke up with you, it can feel like the most brutal form of rejection. Even if you did the breaking up, it can still be a huge ding to your self-esteem; the fact that someone either doesn’t want to be with you or is okay not being with you rough! The key is not to let this affect your confidence. One of the best ways to cushion your self-esteem is to surround yourself with family and friends who love you.
It’s possible that while you were in your last relationship, you went on a “boyfriend hiatus” and neglected some of your friendships. In that case, apologize for your disappearing act and try to spend some time catching up (While also making a pledge to yourself not to David Blaine on your friends in the future!).
Being around people who think you’re the bee’s knees will help boost your self-esteem so you don’t take off into nobody-loves-me land. Trust us: not a good place to be. And you certainly don’t need to go there; because while the break up happened to you, it’s certainly not a reflection of your worth, value or love-ability. The truth is, love is necessary but not sufficient. And as a result, the best chemistry, memories and hopes are not enough to make a relationship worth saving.
2.Take a wrecking ball to the statue.
One of the most important tips in the steps toward a confident breakup recovery is called “The Wrecking Ball Method.” This actionable step will help you feel like you’re “doing something” to move on rather than continuing to break down when you think about your ex.
First, make a list of everything you want in your dream partner. This could include items such as ambition, if he wants kids or not, how religious he is, or how he treats you. Put that list away for two days.