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-   -   What did you learn about yourself after a devastating breakup? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=279250)

  • Nov 10, 2008, 01:22 PM
    kctiger
    What did you learn about yourself after a devastating breakup?
    All right, I thought it would be wise for someone like me, going through a break up, to ask others who have been through it before. Think of your most devastating break up experience, and tell me what you came out of it with. In other words, what about YOU changed because of this that you are truly grateful for?
  • Nov 10, 2008, 02:53 PM
    jmw0713
    I will stick up for myself and not be a push over.

    I will know when things don't seem right, communicate and take action whatever it may be (breakup or work through).

    I will not wait for a girl to come back no matter what they tell me when we have "the talk".

    I'll sure there will be more as I move forward in my healing process.


    C-YA!
  • Nov 10, 2008, 02:59 PM
    mydogquestion

    I learned I will not change who I am for anyone.

    I will say what I am feeling sooner.

    I will give no second chances for cheaters.

    The most important part is that I am OK on my own . And knowing that makes it OK to not rush into a relationship just to be in one.

    Enjoy who you are.! Good luck.
  • Nov 10, 2008, 03:16 PM
    talaniman

    Pay more attention, and get facts, and not just make decisions based on feelings.

    Be patient, and not be impulsive.

    Stay within my limits, and be myself, no matter if any one likes it, or not!

    Never be afraid to love, or let go!

    Stand up for myself, and don't fall for the BS.

    Let people play games with themselves and not me.

    Love myself enough to be very happy with myself.

    Ain't that much love in the world, to make me do something I know I shouldn't.

    Better thought before actions. And

    Say what you mean, and mean what you say. (or else the beeyatches will run all over you)
  • Nov 10, 2008, 08:17 PM
    chuff

    I keep learning that no matter how much you keep thinking there's nobody but her... you are wrong.
  • Nov 10, 2008, 08:36 PM
    TrueFaith

    Not to be a push over or wimpy

    Needy Clingy..

    Learn to listen.. learnt to see the RED FLAGS

    Became more confidant in myself
    Liked myself more.

    The plus.. so out did the negatives :)

    The sharpest blade has to go threw the hottest flame
  • Nov 10, 2008, 09:57 PM
    talaniman

    Stay away from females you can't trust

    Don't mix up sex with love.

    Make sure you both have the same idea of love.
  • Nov 10, 2008, 10:04 PM
    NorthernNiceGuy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by chuff View Post
    I keep learning that no matter how much you keep thinking there's nobody but her.....you are wrong.

    I like that one chuff... definitely something to drill into your head while dealing with a breakup.
  • Nov 10, 2008, 10:09 PM
    NorthernNiceGuy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman View Post
    Pay more attention, and get facts, and not just make decisions based on feelings.

    Be patient, and not be impulsive.

    Stay within my limits, and be myself, no matter if any one likes it, or not!

    Never be afraid to love, or let go!

    Stand up for myself, and don't fall for the BS.

    Let people play games with themselves and not me.

    Love myself enough to be very happy with myself.

    Ain't that much love in the world, to make me do something I know I shouldn't.

    Better thought before actions. and

    Say what you mean, and mean what you say. (or else the beeyatches will run all over you)

    Perfect from the start to the beeyatches lol
  • Nov 10, 2008, 10:16 PM
    friend4u178

    Never take anything for granted !

    Always trust your gut instinct !

    Never put anyone on a pedestal !
  • Nov 10, 2008, 10:18 PM
    spyderglass

    Always be yourself, or it won't be you they're falling in love with.
  • Nov 10, 2008, 10:28 PM
    spyderglass

    Not following you FlyB, stalking you ;)
    Nah, this was at the top of the answer list and I had to put in my 2 cents.
  • Nov 11, 2008, 06:25 AM
    kctiger

    Love all of the input. It is worth it for people who are just breaking up to realize there is always a bright side to everything, and no matter how much you think you know about yourself, a bad situation can teach you even more. Here is what I have learned (thus far, and it is a copy of most of the other answers):

    1.I am good enough to be loved
    2. The world doesn't revolve around me
    3. I am not the only one with problems
    4. I am, and NEVER have been alone when it comes to dealing with this issue
    5. I don't need her to make me happy (as if she really did)
    6. Life is too short not to love yourself
    7. I can overcome heartbreak (good feeling to have)

    Still working on a lot of this, but I can see most of them coming through. Getting stronger day by day!
  • Nov 11, 2008, 08:14 AM
    MissMax143

    I learned that I was so unhappy with him because I was not myself. I did everything to try and please him to make it work, and I ignored the truth. I learned that I will not make excuses no more, or live in fantasyland believing what could never come true! I am not scared to be alone anymore I respect myself more then I ever did and I found happiness with in me!
    :)
  • Nov 11, 2008, 03:49 PM
    dahlialine

    I learned to not take anything for granted, and to be able to communicate your feelings instead of assuming they know what you're feeling.
  • Nov 11, 2008, 04:25 PM
    slapshot_oi

    Lust isn't love.

    The value of personal space and learning when to speak up when it's being invaded.

    The first impression really means everything and won't change no matter how close you get.

    But the number one thing I learned, is that there exists much worse things in life and thank God both of us are healthy and have a lot of life ahead of us.
  • Nov 12, 2008, 12:12 AM
    lovebug2140

    I ended a relationship of a year and 8 months and I learned thattt..
    1. I will never stay in a relationship that I'm miserable in just because I feel bad.
    2. I will stand up for myself
    3. I will keep my friends closer
    4. I won't let myself go
    5. ill stick to what I want. Not what someone else wants me to do.
  • Nov 12, 2008, 02:15 AM
    lovelen

    I learned not to give up friends or hobbies for your new beau. I learned to appreciate my friends so so so much more than ever before because they were there for me through all the tough times. I learned not to make his life, my life. Don't waste time fighting.. cherish every moment you have, not to take your relationship for granted. And I learned not to force things.. just let it happen.
  • Nov 12, 2008, 06:44 AM
    kctiger

    Keep it going guys... nothing like motivation for the broken hearted who join this site everyday!
  • Nov 12, 2008, 07:20 AM
    Romefalls19

    Hmm.. I learned quite a bit

    1. The person they say you have nothing to worry about, is the person you need to worry about.

    2. The warning signs are written on the wall, we just choose to look at the other walls.

    3. Sometimes, no matter how much it hurts, you have to let go for something better.

    4. Don't let anyone make you feel replacable

    5. Even though you may feel like it's the end of the world, it's not, the sun still signs the next day and that's enough to push yourself up out of bed.

    6. Break means break up

    7. If someone says "they need space" it means it's over and don't try changing there mind.

    8. There is no changing their mind when they decide to end it, so don't waste your dignity trying.

    9. You will find a new love, you have to know where to look.

    10. The greatest strength comes from your weakest points

    11. If they say "I think we need to see other people" it really means "I've already started seeing someone else, I just don't want to feel guilty anymore"

    12. Myspace and Facebook are the DEVIL in break ups.

    13. NOBODY is worth sacrificing yourself or your beliefs for.

    14. If the flame has burned out, stop trying to relite it, enjoy the time you spent and just let it go.

    Sorry for so many, but I had a lot of time to reflect
  • Nov 12, 2008, 10:55 AM
    Fredj88

    Don't give up your friends for any girl
    Be more alert
    Not so trustful
  • Nov 12, 2008, 11:01 AM
    Fredj88

    The person who is the most jealous in the relationship Is the one whose moslt likely to cheat

    I also learnt that I'll never cheat I pondered it in my previous relatio ships but never did it and after being cheated on and this horrible feeling I know I never will
  • Nov 12, 2008, 11:08 AM
    ZoeMarie

    I broke up with him after being together for over 4 years and being engaged for 3 of those years. What I learned was:

    1. not to stop hanging out with my friends because the guy doesn't like them
    2. not to stay with someone because you're afraid of being alone
    3. not to sell myself short
  • Jan 11, 2009, 08:39 PM
    husky04

    Thought I would put my thoughts on here.

    - A break means its over for good

    - When they say "we should be friends" it's a way of making themselves feel less guilt.

    - Facebook and myspace are the worst places to be after a break up.

    - Don't try to change the persons mind when they make the decision, they have been thinking about it for a long time.

    - You are never alone when it comes to dealing with this issue
  • Jan 11, 2009, 10:44 PM
    a la king

    From a guys perspective..

    -A relationship is a partnership. No slacking. EVER!
    -Comfort is a dangerous thing and you should always be alert and on your toes.
    -Be supportive
    -Listen and be listened to.
    -Somethings might be trivial to you - but not to them. Don't make their things seem trivial. Same goes for them to you.
    -Be a man. Sensitivity is good. But don't be a pu$$y. It's very unbecoming.
    -Stand-up for yourself. You need to be respected.
    -Don't eat so damn much. You'll get fat.
    -If they need space after a fight (not a 'break', just a couple of hours time out) - give it to them!
    -Don't be dependent.
    -Actions speak so much louder than words.

    That's it for now.
  • Jan 11, 2009, 11:01 PM
    Yosomoton213

    The largest one for me:

    Usually, she's telling and showing all the things you need to see and hear to decide if she is indeed "the one". Sometimes you're just too dumb to pick them up, or other times you choose to ignore them or rationalize her behaviour. But what it all boils down to... we all had it coming.
  • Jan 12, 2009, 06:04 AM
    Paininside1234
    Never beg to have another chance with a cheater.

    If I to like breaking up the relationship I will do it, instead of being manipulated into staying.

    Don't be the only one to sacrifice in the relationship

    Go no contact from the beginning

    Don't change for anyone
  • Jan 12, 2009, 06:23 AM
    LOUNTASH
    That I needed to be stronger in next relationship
  • Jan 12, 2009, 08:58 AM
    hungtoronto

    What did I learned? Well,

    1. Nothing last forever.
    2. Learn to let go when it doesn't workout even if it hurts. There's only one parachute and you should jump first. Don't be a .
    3. Stop being obsessed with breasts and thighs like colonel Sanders.
    4. You are not invincible. Breakup hurt like a SOB so don't just go for anyone. Even if you think you'll not fall in love with her.
    5. Stick to your principles.
  • Jan 12, 2009, 09:02 AM
    Str8stack71

    Break ups are a time for "self evaluations"... sit back and look at yourself and how you are... what should you change about yourself? Is it realistic to change this or are you wanting to change it because the person you broke up with says you need to change it?. have a level head and honestly and wisely, self evaluate... accept and be self aware of your potential personality flaws and/or relationship downfalls..
  • Jan 12, 2009, 11:00 AM
    plonak

    I learned these things:

    1. Your significant other doesn't have to be your whole life.

    2. You don't have to take care of them, they can take care of themselves

    3. If none of my family or friends like him, there proly is a reason for it.

    4. Last but not least Don't ignore those glarring red flags!!!
  • Jan 12, 2009, 02:38 PM
    chuff

    I want to share a story with you all and then tell you what I learned. My most recent ex that used to work in my building and her company moved her down two blocks to another building. I hadn't seen her in a few months since this happened and last week she came over to our building to eat lunch with a friend. The picnic table and benches are right outside my office window. There is a place to sit that is out of my view, and I happened to turn in my chair to look out the window and she was leaning over looking in the window at me. The moment our eyes met she sat back down out of my viewpoint.

    To answer the question, what I've learned is no matter how much pain you go through, I think if your good enough at some point they realize the mistake they made. For me, that's good enough to call it closed and move forward emotionally. But you don't have to get to points like this, just accept it as fact.
  • Jan 13, 2009, 12:34 AM
    ThatGuy2

    1. There is no such thing as meant to be, the one, true love, or soul mates. There is only the love that you work hard for with your significant other. That in itself, is real love.

    2. Love does not simply fall into place, that is infatuation. Love takes hard work, and as soon as one fails to do so, it will crumble as a whole.

    3. Communication and honesty are the key foundations to a loving relationship. Both must be present or all will fail.

    4. If you are not focused on your significant other for companionship, you are cheating. If you feel the need to hide your conversations with another man from your partner, you are cheating.

    5. When looking for a life partner, search for compatibility instead of acceptability

    6. You can't try to change a person to someone you want, you must accept the person for who they are. You can only change yourself.

    7. Aim to strive for a better you, but don't let another person change who you are.

    8. NEVER EVER pressure or guilt your loved one into doing something they don't want to. Do not emotionally blackmail them by making them feel guilty.

    9. Do not let your partner become like your mom. Some of them like to do that and it's up to you to know when the line is crossed.

    10. Do not backtrack, keep pushing forward or you'll end up in a non productive circle. Accept the truth for what it is and stop giving yourself false hope. When the relationship has ended, you must not dwell in the past.

    11. Having a sense of humor is a good thing in general and for a relationship. However, know when you are crossing the line between humor and insensitivity.

    12. They might expect you to know what they are thinking without having to tell you, so keep this in mind and pay attention to what they say, their attitude and their actions.

    13. When the times are tough, your family and friends are always there for you. Remember what they have done during the hard times and keep them in your heart always.

    14. Do not build your life around the person you love and vice versa. Have them a part of your life but do not make them your life.

    15. When you love and accept reality, you will be forced to move on without the bitterness within. Strive for this.

    16. Take responsibility for your feelings and the actions you make.

    17. If you know for sure that the relationship will be going no where, it's better to end it sooner than later.

    18. Do not look for a rebound after a serious relationship has ended. It's unhealthy for you, unfair to the rebound, and disrespectful to the ex.

    19. Cut all ties and avoid contact for your own sake. NC is the way to go after a break up.

    20. Eat right, sleep well, and work out to get ripped after a break up. You will feel so much better about yourself and will take your shirt off at every given chance^^
  • Jan 13, 2009, 12:36 AM
    ThatGuy2
    Double post due to lag sorry
  • Jan 13, 2009, 12:47 AM
    starbuck8
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ThatGuy2 View Post
    double post due to lag sorry

    Spelling error in rating! *there* It's late! Haha!
  • Jan 13, 2009, 05:08 AM
    Dare81

    I learned

    Don't be reckless with other peoples heart and don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

    No matter how hard you try you can't make someone love you, that has to come from them.

    Make sure your partner doesn't become the sole reason for your existence

    Things are not always as they seem.

    Things can only get better when you are at your lowest point

    The only person that makes a difference in your life is u
  • Jan 13, 2009, 07:14 AM
    starbuck8

    I think the post from ThatGuy2, should be put into a sticky. Anyone else agree?
  • Jan 13, 2009, 07:15 AM
    kctiger

    Yeah, I do. It is pretty profound. This entire thread is pretty good!
  • Jan 13, 2009, 07:20 AM
    starbuck8

    Rules to live by before a break-up! If everyone thought about these things ahead of time and followed them... well... the relationship forum would have fewer broken hearts!
  • Jan 13, 2009, 07:22 AM
    kctiger

    We need to have a before and after thread. The first post someone has, compared to their latest, just to show how far you actually come by coming to this website. I swear, it is better on here than any kind of pill or other form of therapy you could get...

    It is amazing how much I have grown on here, and others as well. Just incredible progression from start to finish.

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