Problem: Article: Though you might feel the need to be tough, realize that the true sign of strength is being able to be vulnerable. You cannot heal if you stifle your emotions. When you feel the urge to cry, do so. If you are at work or in public, step away to the restroom for a few moments. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable will make it easier to process negative or unresolved emotions in the long run. Don't be afraid to let everything out. Avoid constantly ruminating over the loss, however. Schedule time each day to think about it, cry, and mourn your relationship. Once that time is over, move on to something else. If your friendship ended abruptly or in anger, you may not have had the chance to say goodbye. You do not need to send this letter nor do you need to bash your friend in it. Consider reflecting on the positive memories that you had with them, acknowledging the value the friendship added to your life, but then end the letter with a goodbye. Acknowledge what you did wrong in the letter or what you could have done differently, but don't fixate on it. What's done is done. Beyond a letter, you can also benefit from some daily reflections surrounding the loss. Each day, perhaps when you come home from work or school or when you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, take a few moments to write down your thoughts and how you are feeling. . Meditation can be a great tool in helping you stay present, focused and relaxed rather than constantly thinking about your lost friendship. Meditation helps to clear the mind so that you can think more logically and calmly about issues you are facing. Take ten minutes each day, either in the morning or when you get home, to meditate in a quiet space where you will be uninterrupted. There are several meditation apps available for download including "Calm" and "Headspace." Social media will only trigger you to think about your friend more, thus making it more difficult for you to cope and move on. For the next few weeks, stay off of social media as much as possible. Deactivate your accounts or simply delete the apps from your phone. If you must still use social media, then you can at least unfollow or unfriend your old friend so that you don't see the things they post. You might even consider blocking them. If you're tempted to call your friend, consider blocking their number as well. It can take six weeks to fully grieve from the loss of a deep friendship, although it sometimes takes as long as two years. You shouldn't expect to wake up a few days later and feel completely normal and fine. Don't rush the process, be gentle with yourself, and give yourself space to heal. You might have some anxiety surrounding how you will deal the next time you see them, especially if you two work together or are in the same friend group. Or you might see them out and about in the city one day, as well. Plan a script in your head so that you feel prepared at all times. It can be very simple like "Hello, Janine. I hope you're doing well." And then you can walk away. You don't have to approach them, but if you are in close proximity, at least you have a few words that you can speak that are both polite and short. It may help to tell mutual friends about the end of the relationship so they can help you steer clear of your former friend. Many people often only consider the breakup of a romantic relationship as being tough, but a longtime friendship dissolving can be equally as heartbreaking. Notice signs of depression that could become debilitating. If you feel that you cannot get out of bed, don't enjoy life any longer, or can't keep up with your basic responsibilities, consider getting outside help. Look for therapists in your area.
Summary: Cry it out. Write a letter. Write in your journal. Meditate Avoid social media. Give yourself time. Develop a plan for when you see them. Reach out for professional help.

Problem: Article: Regardless of your situation and reason for being single, it's important for you to identify what being single means to you, especially if you do see yourself in a relationship in the future. Practice not always needing another person's validation or understanding. Learn to be comfortable being alone, and practice loving and accepting yourself as a single person. Because you don't have to worry about another person's preferences or schedule, you can go where you want, when you want! You can take a day off of work to make a day trip to an unfamiliar city nearby, or perhaps a weekend trip in your own city, to explore freely. Being single also means you get to choose your destination. You don't have to compromise or go somewhere you have no interest in being. The choice is all yours. If you've always wanted to live a vagabond's life, now is your chance. After all, being a relationship might interfere with your desire to hop from campsite to campsite, or call the wilderness your home. This option is particularly great if you are young and love to travel. Living in a tent allows you to move about freely, without a house payment or rent, with only a few things to pack up before your next adventure. Being in a relationship typically requires you to share your decision-making with another person. This can mean that you are stuck in a job you don't love in order to provide security or peace of mind for someone else. If you're single, you just have to make sure you can take care of you, so leave that job you hate behind, and chase a position you'll really love. If you do quit your job, make sure you have another job lined up first: being single and (unintentionally) homeless is not quite as freeing as being single and financially stable. Being in a relationship, while it can be wonderful, means sharing your time and life with another person. Being single, you do not have to worry about letting someone else know if you plan to be out for the evening, or you're off to make a grocery store run in the early morning--or even if you'd like to take a weekend vacation to another city. Having your time all to yourself can be quite empowering. You do not have to fill up your spare time with activities. If being at home, or taking long walks on your own makes you happy, go for it. Having time to yourself means having time to do what you love. Being single doesn't have to mean being free from all relationships. It can also mean that you have more time and energy to put into your existing friendships. If you have a friend in need, you can rush to their aid without checking in with a partner. If your friends want to go on a trip to a music festival, there's no one holding you back. Some studies have found that single people can actually be happier. The key is in making sure you have strong, fulfilling friendships. Remember that your friends are the family you choose. If you don't have supportive, loving friends, make it a goal to find some.
Summary:
Define what being single means for you. Take a spontaneous trip. Live in a tent (or a similarly transient lifestyle). Change jobs, if you don't like your current job. Realize your time is your own. Focus on your friendships.