Get into an immediate rebound relationship
One of the least advisable things you can do straight after a breakup is jump straight into a rebound relationship. Though it might be tempting to push off feelings of loneliness by finding someone else immediately, there’s almost zero chance that the relationship will work out long or even medium-term and, when it inevitably explodes, you’ll have hurt a completely innocent third party.
Go back to a different ex
In the immediate aftermath of a bad breakup, it’s easy to get rose-colored glasses for all the relationships that came before the one that just ended. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that in the case of older ex-partners, you broke up for a reason! Going back to a different ex eliminates any chance for the serious reflection and growth that comes before a healthy relationship.
Bad mouth them on social media
Nothing alienates friends and annoys coworkers like going public with a messy breakup. While you’re totally entitled to change your Facebook relationship status or take down the cutesy couple holiday pics, airing your partner’s dirty laundry all over your Instagram story just makes you look desperate and immature. If your ex really did something unconscionable, keep it to the best friends’ group chat.
Permanently delete all your pictures
Burning all the photos in the album or, as is increasingly more common, taking all your couple pics off Instagram, is a rite of passage for anyone going through a breakup. With that said, unless your ex is the kind of person you definitely never want to speak to again, you should opt for archiving images over destroying them. Who knows when you might want to look back?
Lean on their family
Often, the hardest part of a relationship ending is saying goodbye to all the people you wouldn’t have known if you weren’t sharing a life with your partner. While it can be difficult to break up with a partner’s family in addition to them, because they likely did nothing wrong, continuing to see and talk to them as if nothing is different is pretty inappropriate.
Have too much fun
Everyone is entitled to their reckless and rebellious phase when newly single, but there’s a difference between staying out until 4 AM three nights in a row and kissing someone whose name you don’t remember because you like their band tee, and completely blowing up your life. Know your limits, don’t party alone, and skip the tattoos in Miami.
Ask their friends for information
Most people have the self-awareness to know that blocking an ex on everything after a breakup is wise, but just after doing so comes the realization that you have no idea what is going on in their life, how they’re coping or if they’re seeing anyone new. As tempting as it is, don’t pester their friends for info, as this looks downright sad.
Make a permanent appearance change
Changing your look after a breakup is a good and healthy thing to do. After all, it can give you a much-needed confidence boost and help you feel in control of your own life and body. However, while a fresh haircut or a new eyeliner style is totally okay, things like plastic surgery, dramatic weight loss or even some tattoos should wait until you’ve some distance from the split.
Date their friends
There’s a reason some version of “don’t date your partner’s friends, even after you’ve broken up” is present in both girl code and guy code – it’s a taboo not worth breaking no matter how bad or painful the split. Dating your ex’s pals might feel like satisfying revenge in the moment, but it’s only going to lead to more hurt feelings in the long run.
Withdraw from friends and family
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the split, it’s easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed after a breakup. As such, there can be an instinct to pull away from family and friends in order to avoid talking about what happened. Nevertheless, it’s important to have platonic and familial love in your life always, but especially after an emotional blow like a relationship ending, so give them a call.