Recovering The SelfA Journal of Hope and Healing

Relationships

How to Deal With a Major Breakup in College

Guest Blogger: Katheryn Rivas

Breakups are difficult during any stage of life. They can be particularly challenging in college, however, especially if you and your ex go to the same school. Seeing each other on campus can stir up confusing emotions. Running into each other at a party can leave you feeling heartbroken. Sharing many of the same friends can be stressful. If you’re in college and in the process of recovering from a breakup, there are steps you can take to make your situation a little easier. Here are some strategies you may want to consider as you continue to heal in the wake of your breakup:

Talk to a school counselor

Your college probably employs licensed therapists to help students through difficult times. If you find that your post-breakup feelings overwhelm you and interfere with your daily life, visiting with one of your school’s therapists can be a huge help. A counselor will be able to help you sort through your feelings and develop a plan to cope with them.

Talk to your mutual friends

Let them know whether or not you’re ready to hang out with your ex. A lot of awkward situations can be avoided if you’re open with your mutual friends about how you’re feeling. Don’t worry. Most of them won’t want to take sides and will set aside time to spend with both you and your ex separately. You don’t have to and shouldn’t give up your mutual friends just because of the breakup. Your friends will play a major role in your emotional recovery.

Discover new hobbies and interests

Any transitional period gives you an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to redefine yourself. One way to get your mind off your breakup is to explore new hobbies and interests. You could, for instance, join the rowing team, the school newspaper staff, or start collecting records. No matter what hobbies and interests you decide to explore, you can use the time after your breakup to grow and learn more about yourself and what you’re passionate about.

Have faith in time

There’s probably no old adage as true as “time heals all wounds.” Every single day that passes will bring you closer to feeling ok about not being with your ex.  A few months from now, you’ll rarely think about your old flame. When you run into him or her on campus or at a social gathering, you’ll be able to exchange pleasantries and move on without over-analyzing the interaction. People are incredibly resilient and can recover from even the most difficult situations if they give time a chance to work its magic in terms of healing.

Give yourself a pat on the back for being a human in this confusing, crazy, heartbreaking world, and consider the tips above as you nurse yourself back to health after your breakup. Oh, and remember there are plenty of other fish in the sea!

 

About the Author

Katheryn Rivas is a freelance writer and professional blogger who frequently contributes to www.onlineuniversities.com and other education sites as well as self-help and positive psychology sites. If you have any comments or questions, drop Katheryn a line at katherynrivas87@gmail.com.

 

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Recovering The Self is a forum for people to tell their stories. Individual contributors accept complete responsibility for the veracity, accuracy, and non-infringement of their reporting.
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