How I did it: I thought it'd never happen.. I thought about him off-handedly daily, for about 3 years. He was my first real boyfriend, so I guess it was understandable.

But to be honest, I was never the sappy "Notebook-true-love-exists"  type, i never thought I'd be crying my eyes out over any boy.

What it takes is time, and exposure to new people. Go out with other people, experience new flavors- it'll help you realize the good and bad things about your past relationships. It'll help you realize you didnt let "the one" go, and that you're capable of finding meaningful relationships again. You'll learn so much about yourself in the process of getting over an ex; what makes you tick, etc.

Lessons & tips: Avoid him the first few weeks/ months/ whatever. You say you can handle "being friends", but in the beginning, the wounds are too fresh. It's just gonna be easier not to see him for now. You need to form new memories and experiences, ones that DONT involve him, not at least until you have moved on enough to handle it.

Next, get back to the things you loved doing, but phased out becasue you were too busy in a relationship. spend time with that friend you ignored. take up a new craft/ passion/ hobby. reconnect with your family/ siblings/ cousins. talk it out, but dont make it all about you. meeting new people shows you that life DOES go on, there are meaningful experiences awaiting you that have nothing to do with that boy.

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Oct 15, 2011, 10:23PM PDT | 0 comments | 9 cheers