Elizabeth Stone

Everything is going great, and WHAM. It’s like a bomb goes off, and the bizarre behavior begins.

It’s not too smart to have your first date in anyone’s living room.

Set all the love and history aside for a second. What exactly is it about your ex that you want back in your life?

Much to his dismay, she jumped in with both feet and magically, “he’s just not ready for a relationship” and “it’s too soon since his divorce” and… and… and…*insert mumbled, incomprehensible excuse here*

Make sure you figure out the real reasons you want your ex back first. Is it loneliness? Fear? Or that you really miss him and want him back?

7. Contacting your ex’s parents. “I wanted to call to see if your daughter is okay, since she broke up with me last Tuesday.”

If they’re not in an emotional space where they can handle further responsibilities, it might be a considerable wait before they’re ready to settle down

Hint: Love is not enough.

You are not doing yourself any favors by pouring through your ex’s wedding photos on Facebook.

6. They Take Care of Themselves, for Themselves

Repeat after me: “Love does not equal drama and pain.”

The truth is, there’s a fundamental difference between loving someone and whether a relationship with them is the right thing for you.

Later on, when it all dies down, you don’t want to look back and think “Oh man, did I really act like that?”

Make time by mutual agreement, not because you’re holding out a catcher’s mitt for their attention.

You might not even know what their standards ARE, but it feels like whatever you do is wrong.

Just because you’ve been hurt doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone else out there for you in the future.

Always avoid acting like anyone’s insta-girlfriend.

I’m aware this list is pragmatic and often brutal so don’t say I didn’t warn you.