Hold yourself on your own. A man's job in a romantic dynamic is not to be your butler, bank account or your father.

Have things to look forward to: Plan a trip, treat yourself to the spa, make plans in the future so that you can focus on what you're looking forward to versus how unbearable your present is. Understand that your brain is detaching. It's the same part of the brain that is activated as a cocaine user feening for their next fix. You're literally in withdrawal. Understand that it takes time for your brain and neural pathways to detach. You're not going crazy - it's just a process, and that process takes time.

Hold yourself on your own. A man's job in a romantic dynamic is not to be your butler, bank account or your father.

Gratitude is a choice. Happiness is an attitude.

I've learned through the years how to base my identity and sense of self-worth on myself and not others. I've learned the most critical tool of all: self-love. Now, if it doesn't work out with someone, sure, I'll be hurt. But I'll be bruised, not broken. And I may lose my balance, but I won't be wiped off my feet.

If you want to know someone, just look at who they choose to spend their time with.

Strive to be authentic, not perfect.