How to Break Up With Someone and Not Look Broken

It's hard to have to break up a relationship, but it's, perhaps, more difficult and painful if you're the one being broken up with. Most people expect the receiver of the bad news to look devastated and depressed. Here's how to keep your dignity and reputation intact, despite the fact that you've just been hurt.

1. Separate the past from the present.

If you can separate the past and present feelings, it will surely help you feel less pain towards the separation and have more hope towards getting over the aches. You may not be as upset about it as you think you are.

2. Accept your sadness.

You may feel shock, denial, and numb at the beginning. It may take a while for you to fully comprehend that your relationship is, indeed, over. You may also find it hard to believe what has happened, and you may try to get back together even when you know that it's over.

Remember that the earlier that you can accept what has transpired, the earlier you can begin to make yourself better. Let yourself know that you will not always feel this way. Do not put undue pressure on yourself, however, by trying to act as if you are unaffected. Take time off from work if necessary.

3. Treat and indulge yourself.

Feel better by pampering yourself with things that you don't normally do or get for yourself. Take a nice long bath. Buy aromatic bath oils, scented candles, and let yourself soak for as long as you want. Make yourself feel loved and important by treating yourself to the good things in life. It doesn't mean that since you came from a failed relationship, you need to stay feeling depressed.

4. Make a list about what things are great about you.

List all the qualities that you think best expresses who you are. Read them and tell yourself that you are all those great things. Make sure that these are the qualities that you like. You are not trying to convince yourself that you are all these things, but rather, you are just reminding yourself of all the things that a lover will get he or she is with you. A constant reminder of such things can do wonders on your daily outlook on life.

5. Surround yourself with people.