Breakup season

It’s about a month into the school year and most people have gotten back into the swing of school and faced first exams. This is also about the time when a surge of freshmen enter the dating pool due to their recent split-up.

Most high school love birds split up after starting college because of distance.

It can be hard when you no longer have that person in your life with whom you exchanged daily conversation and visited on the weekends.

The issue is that too many people rely on this type of relationship far after the connection is long gone.

They are afraid they won’t be able to find that connection with someone else, and they have to face the painful loss of a first love.

If this type of breakup happens to you or a friend, there are some ways to make it a little easier to bear.

Whether you are the dumpee or a friend of the dumpee, the best way to handle this situation is to remain optimistic.

Get out of the confinement of the dorm after you have had a few days to mourn the ended relationship.

Once you have pigged out on comfort food and watched cheesy movies for hours on end, it is time to get a change in scenery.

Spending quality time with close friends is a fantastic way to brighten your mood. Receiving support from people who care about you is the best thing to do in this situation.

Bottling your feelings and holding in your emotions can be dangerous and unhelpful.

It’s best to take some time to gather yourself while holding your head high and moving forward.

Keep in mind that the Counseling and Psychological Services of the IU Health Center offers two free counseling sessions each semester to all students. This can be a great option if you are looking for judgment-free advice.

Go to a free showing of a new movie release at the Indiana Memorial Union. Go out to a pizza place with a group of friends on a weekend, and let yourself have some fun.

Just remember that you do not need someone else to be happy. Wear that confidence proudly.

We are fortunate enough to attend a huge university with so many different types of people. The phrase “there are plenty of fish in the sea” has never been so accurate.

Breakups are never easy, but spending time with others can make it easier.

Remember, college is about being open to new possibilities.

­— mtackett@iupui.edu
Follow columnist Megan Tackett on Twitter @mirrormetallics.