Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson
116 • LESSON 6
Surviving a Breakup
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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.
4. Get perspective. Most people go through more than one romance. This is a normal part of
life. From a relationship that ends, you can grow wiser and more insightful about yourself,
what you are looking for, and how relationships should be. Talking with a caring adult can
give you some needed perspective.
5. Beware of rebounding. Don’t hop into another relationship right away to make your ex
jealous or to make yourself feel better. This is not a good idea at all. Give yourself time.
6. Get busy. When you are out of tears, get busy and
get outside. Do things with friends or family. Go
biking, swimming, jogging, skating, kick a ball,
shoot baskets, or take walks. Make it a point to
do something physical every day.
7. Get going with life. Call friends and make plans.
Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself.
8. Remember, things get better with time.
• Caution: If you are depressed and crying several
months later, seek out a parent, relative, trusted
adult, or school counselor to help you deal with your
emotions and gain perspective.
Parent/Trusted Adult: Discuss with your teen.
Signature: _____________________________________________
• RESOURCE 6b
116 • LESSON 6
Surviving a Breakup
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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.
4. Get perspective. Most people go through more than one romance. This is a normal part of
life. From a relationship that ends, you can grow wiser and more insightful about yourself,
what you are looking for, and how relationships should be. Talking with a caring adult can
give you some needed perspective.
5. Beware of rebounding. Don’t hop into another relationship right away to make your ex
jealous or to make yourself feel better. This is not a good idea at all. Give yourself time.
6. Get busy. When you are out of tears, get busy and
get outside. Do things with friends or family. Go
biking, swimming, jogging, skating, kick a ball,
shoot baskets, or take walks. Make it a point to
do something physical every day.
7. Get going with life. Call friends and make plans.
Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself.
8. Remember, things get better with time.
• Caution: If you are depressed and crying several
months later, seek out a parent, relative, trusted
adult, or school counselor to help you deal with your
emotions and gain perspective.
Parent/Trusted Adult: Discuss with your teen.
Signature: _____________________________________________
• RESOURCE 6b
