The Banner

We have all been there. You think you have found "the One," that special someone you could possibly spend the rest of your life with. Then you hear those horrid words no one ever wants to hear their significant other say: "I think we need to see other people."

Wow, you didn't see that one coming. All of the sudden you feel like a train hit you. Your first instinct is to start crying and beg for it not to be over, yet you want to appear tough and not let them see you shed a tear. Obviously this was not meant to be, and do you really want to be with someone who doesn't want to be with you? It's time to move on.

So here are seven "easier said than done" tips to getting over the breakup. Even though it is going be hard, we assure you that, if done properly, you will move on and find that special someone who knows just what you are worth.

The first step is to start the healing process. Give yourself at least one week to get over the initial shock. This is the time to recuperate, which means absolutely no contact with the ex at all. Ice cream and chocolate will become your friends this week. This is also your last time to cry over him or her, so get your tears out and make them stay out. During your recuperation time, it is not necessary to look your best. We understand. It is all about your comfort.

Step two is to surround yourself with friends. After your depressed week, you have to appear strong, and you may only be able to do this with your friends by your side. Have them help you focus on other things. Plan outings with them to get you out and about. They play a major part in this stage of getting over your breakup, so hold them close. They are going to keep you composed and sane.

Third step is to cut him or her off. You are still healing; you do not need them texting you and asking if you can still be friends. Delete them from Facebook - the only reason they were your friend in the first place was because you were dating. No longer dating means no longer friends. Take down the pictures, all of them. If you do not want to destroy them completely, then put them in a box somewhere. Out of sight, out of mind. But if you think you will never have any use for them again, throw them away or torch them in the fire. Do not reply to his or her text messages or phone calls. there may be a time when you guys can be friends, but now is not that time. They broke up with you, and you need to focus on yourself.

Step four is to separate yourself from all of the gifts he or she gave you and return each other's possessions. By this time (probably weeks later), you will be able to face them composed and maturely. If it is too hard to personally see them, have a friend go in your place. When you exchange these things, make sure you get everything back. Now, here is a secret not many people know. Instead of giving back any jewelry to them, sell it back! There is a website where you can "break up" with his jewelry called http:// www.outofyourlife.com. They will not only take your jewelry off your hands, but will pay you for it. Extra cash is never a bad thing.

Step number five is to build your relationship with the most important person in your life: God. This is the time when your relationship with God should become stronger than ever. Nightly readings of your Bible and constant prayer will make getting over this breakup so much easier. God will give you the strength when you are weak, all you have to do is give your burden to Him.

Step six is to constantly remind yourself that just because you two were not meant to be does not mean that you will be alone forever. "What is meant to be will always find its way," even if you meet the wrong ones along the way. You need to rebuild your self-esteem, and remember who you were before you were "we," because that person knows how to be strong and walk alone. Just because your heart feels like it is broken does not mean there isn't someone out there who has the glue to put it back together.

Step seven is to officially move on! If an opportunity presents itself, take it. If a cute single person ask you out for coffee or a movie, go. Give someone your phone number and have someone new to text, for we know it is hard to not have someone to talk to at all hours of the day. By allowing yourself to meet other people, you will be reassured that you are not going to be alone forever. You are going to meet someone who will see just how special you are.

We know breakups are hard and we definitely know that feeling rejected is a tough pill to swallow, but you need to have faith; one day you are going to meet someone who knows that you are "the One."