love pOst / the breakup by Odilia Rivera-Santos

I think it's important to have a sense of humor about love and the ways in which we all fail even when we try very hard to make a romantic relationship work. However, I know breakups can be devastating and shake up a person's self-esteem and self-confidence.

Here are some tips for getting over the end of a relationship

1. Change your perspective about the relationship; instead of saying the relationship failed, you can just say the relationship lasted for the amount of time it was meant to last.

2. Accept that the end of your romantic relationship might also mean the end of a friendship. Your former lover/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend has a right to choose whether to stay in contact with you.

Respect the other person's wishes. If the person says he/she wants no contact, let go.

3. If you cannot let go of the relationship and keep rehashing details and arguments, consider going to a therapist or spiritual counselor. You might need help moving on.

4. Instead of analyzing the other person's behavior, motives, and personality, consider your own behavior, motives and personality. What do you want to do differently in your next relationship?

5. Get rid of all the souvenirs from your relationship and really clean house, literally and psychologically.