Relationship Advice

There's no shortcut, darling. I wish there was. But here's what I know: let yourself feel it. Don't rush. Cry when you need to, rage when you need to, and eat chocolate when you need to. Surround yourself with people who love you, move your body, and be gentle with yourself. One morning you'll wake up and it will hurt a tiny bit less. And then a bit less the next day. You will get through this. I promise you that.

You probably already know. That's why you're asking. In my experience, when you spend more energy trying to convince yourself to stay than actually wanting to be there, that's your answer. When the thought of another year feeling this way fills you with dread rather than hope, listen to that feeling. Your gut has been trying to tell you. Trust it.

First, and I cannot stress this enough, take your time. There's no deadline. When you do feel ready, start by remembering who you are outside of a relationship. What makes you laugh? What lights you up? The best relationships come when you're already whole on your own. And when you do meet someone, don't compare them to your ex. That's a different chapter. This is a new one.