Lesson 6 127 Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson Offer these words of wisdom to survive a breakup when you are the one being dumped: ❖ First, it’s important to have a reality check—most people will have heartbreaks. Very few people have the luck of not experiencing it at some point. Perhaps most important in handling a broken heart are the messages you give yourself. ❖ It is natural to feel really hurt. Go ahead and cry. Crying is a great way to get your emotions out. It’s normal to feel miserable when someone you like breaks up with you. ❖ It’s important to find a wise person you can trust to talk to, like a parent, an aunt, an older sibling, or a cousin. Pick a good shoulder to lean on—not a friend who encourages drama or revenge. (PP) Offer participants these basic tips for dealing with a broken heart and disappointment. It’s important. Some young people go through a serious emotional spiral down—depression and even suicide—after a breakup. ❖ Face reality, and don’t be obsessed with winning this person back. You can’t force a relationship. It sacrifices your dignity to beg for a relationship, act desperate, or try to chase the person. And you deserve to be in a relationship with someone who wants to be with you and likes you for who you are. ❖ Don’t blame yourself. There are lots and lots of reasons why relationships end. Make a list of your positive qualities. Work to make the changes you want. Ultimately, you want a relationship with someone who admires you, recognizes your qualities, is as crazy about you as you are about them, and accepts you as you truly are. Also, make a list of what you want in a partner. What qualities are you looking for, and what’s important? What can you learn from this relationship? ❖ Stay away from the revenge game. Forget about getting even or spreading rumors. It might be tempting, but it’s immature, and it can keep you from moving on after a breakup. Surviving a Breakup