Break ups rot- anyone who tells you other wise is lying- or they were never in love. Even when you know it's the right decision, admitting that and following through with it is hard. Whether you were the first to voice it or not- as things begin to drift apart, you realize that in order to maintain any kind of sanity you have to shut off some of your more raw nerves. You move almost like a zomb... [+]

Break ups rot- anyone who tells you other wise is lying- or they were never in love. Even when you know it's the right decision, admitting that and following through with it is hard. Whether you were the first to voice it or not- as things begin to drift apart, you realize that in order to maintain any kind of sanity you have to shut off some of your more raw nerves. You move almost like a zombie through the last moments until you are left with yourself. That's when the worst part happens- when you have to tend to your exit wounds. When you begin to assess the damage, take a good look around you, and start the next chapter of your story. As a card carrying hopeful romantic, I have been at this point a few more times than most. I have always found that it helps to really belt out a maudlin tune to get my emotions ready to work- prime the pump if you will. You just need to be careful that you don't go all Brenda Walsh and have REM on repeat- look what that did for her!! You need songs that are somber-ish, sad-like, but with sparkles of hope and reassurance here and there. My advice- this playlist, a bottle of red wine you find for under $20, and a few hard core girlfriends on high alert near their phones should you need a boost!! You were fabulous before- you're even better now! [-]