It may also be really hard to see him with the new girl. Protect yourself from that emotional pain by keeping your distance, at least for a little while. Avoid interacting or seeing him on social media and avoid texting or calling. You may also want to get rid of anything that reminds you of him such as photos or gifts.

If he tries to keep something going while talking to the new girl, avoid this messy situation. Show him and everyone around you that you have the maturity to maintain a clean break, even if he doesn’t.

Try to understand his position. He may be doing what he thinks is best for his life. If he wasn’t interested in trying to salvage your relationship, then either way, it’s the best case scenario long-term for you to have broken up. If someone asks about the breakup, you can say “It’s been a difficult experience for me, but I wish him the best regardless. "

You can say to him, “I respect your decision even though I don’t like it or agree with it.

If she tries to talk to you or gossips about you to other people, maintain your integrity by not responding to her bitterness. If you do want to respond to something she says, keep it simple and friendly. You can say “It wasn’t meant to be for us, but I hope it works out between the two of you. " If she’s a friend or if you have mutual friends, be extra cautious about not being resentful. You may want to be friends with her again in the future, or you may not want to poison your social circles by disrespecting her. If you need to vent, talk to a friend who isn’t close to her (or the guy).

Enlist the help of friends if you’re having a hard time with self-care. Make dinner with people you’re close to or go to the gym with someone who is into exercising consistently.

Talking it out with a friend can give you a good way of reflecting on your feelings. Make sure it’s someone you trust to be sensitive with your emotions and really listen to what you are saying. Avoid using alcohol or other substances to keep your feelings away. In the long run this will only hurt you.

Was he honest and straightforward when he told you he was into someone else? Did he let you know what was going on before it got serious with the new person?

Don’t be afraid to say no if friends want you to go out and you don’t feel like it. True friends will understand that you need time before you can return to your normal way of being.

Praise your strengths. Make a list of things you love about yourself. If you’re having a hard time coming up with them because of how you feel, ask people you know love you, such as a parent or best friend. They will be able to point you in the right direction.

People who do good deeds actually live longer and are healthier overall. Being kind reduces your stress and activates chemicals in the brain related to happiness and love. [13] X Research source

Try to regularly have dinner with a friend during the week, so you’ll have something consistent in your life. Even if you aren’t feeling up to an activity, you may want to try it anyway. You never know how you’ll feel once you’re actually out doing things with people you like. Try to find a balance between staying in and going out that feels right to you.

Ask your friends to take you with them when they do things they love, like yoga or kayaking. Their enjoyment will be contagious and help you appreciate the moment too.

It helps to make a list of ways you would like to grow. Try to think of things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for, like learn to be a better writer or take up running.

Not all rebound relationships are bad news, though. It depends on the quality of the match. If you find someone wonderful, there may be nothing wrong with “rebounding. " It’s only a problem when you don’t actually like the person very much and you’re only with them to feel less alone or ignore your pain. [15] X Research source