I"m assuming your split is pretty recent. This stuff takes time. You have to allow yourself to hit rock bottom in grieving...really feel the pain and work through all the bad you feel you're drowning in. Work through it one thing at a time and pat yourself on the back for each part of the puzzle you fix. Every so often treat yourself. Start looking into things that used to bring you pleasure before you 2 were together-try to find yourself again. Find what made the old single-you happy and use that as something to build on. You can add new things along the way too. Unfortunately it's true that many of the places the two of you used to go are best left alone for now. There are a handful of venues/restaurants I still won't visit...but I'm making new memories and that's what's important for you to do in time too. Do these things in small steps. Have faith in yourself that you CAN do this but give yourself the proper time. It won't happen overnight but you can come through this and better than you were before. We're all here for you-vent whenever you need. :)

@stardust7 It was somewhat recent. It was a month ago yesterday. It's just hard because we were together 7 years and a lot of firsts were with him. He was the first person I moved in with (I moved out of my parents house in with him). I also bought my first house with him and we moved to a small city an hour away. Luckily my sister lives here, but before we moved I did nothing here. So, the majority of my experiences, were with him. I didn't have too much single time prior to him as I was 20 when we got together.

Its just difficult because he has moved on. He's with someone else and doesn't struggle with this. He even takes her places we used to go to. It's just so unfair. To top it off, I keep dreaming about him which just makes it worse when I wake up.

@ChelseaLeigh I want sooo much to travel and try new things. I just need to financially be in a better spot now. He contributed to a lot of my debt (he lost his job a couple times and I had to rely on credit to get by). So now I'm just trying to stay afloat. I can't wait for the day I can get out and have some new experiences.

It's never easy moving on.... and it will take time. Keeping yourself busy will only delay dealing with what's happen (been there - done that). I couldn't find in your posts that you're seeing a counselor. I truly believe that having a professional to work out the difficulties can give you a new foundation and eliminate you from carrying the baggage of your past into your future. It will take time. Engaging in another relationship before you've healed from this one, may set you up for more heartache. Keeping company with your female friends while you heal from this relationship will help you feel less lonely and give you an opportunity to socialize. Learn from your experiences and strengthen yourself.

@charliegirl815 I haven't started seeing a professional counselor yet as I am still looking for best options. I have been allowing myself to grieve and have been dealing with it over a month. I actually have no intention of trying to find another relationship at this time, I just want to still enjoy the things I used to when I was with him. Little things like TV shows or movies. Its tricky hanging out with my female friends only because most of them now live in other states (all best friends since high school). I have gone out with a couple people from work and it seemed to help a little, but its just the times I am alone or try to do things like I used to that I get a little upset.

I totally understand. I lived with my parents, then went to living with my now ex. Never a day alone. He left for our best friend's wife. Now 24 years later, I'm getting a chance to find out who I am without the influence of my parents or ex. It's a very interesting journey and I get stronger everyday. Try going to new places. Try new things. I'm not saying it's easy. Lord knows that I struggle sometimes but, I keep going. Focus on you. You are worth it.

Also, of course he had someone else waiting. Cowards can't leave on their own. That's his weakness not yours. You will come out stronger but it will take time. Good days and bad but you will survive this. Hugs.

@Danceintherain Thank you! I already feel like each day is a little better than the last, but just have set backs. I have so many things that I want to do, but I am just waiting to be financially stable to do them. And he is a coward. He hasn't been "alone" ever!

I understand how u feel. I'm going thru a break up as well although not as long as u were in the relationship. It hurts like hell to see pictures or gifts or anything that reminded me of him.. I couldn't even see his name on my phone without feeling something. It's a horrible feeling but trust me it will get better n the pain will gradually fade away.

@Unspoken9 Thank you. I know it will get better with time. It's just hard when you grow up with the person. I was 20 when we started dating. But I know I will get there and be a stronger person in the end.