This is the stage where you’ll beat yourself up for every little thing you’ve ever done in your entire life. You can’t believe you sent your ex another email telling him what a creep-coward-monster he was. (By the way, when are email designers going to figure out that the most valuable feature in email for many ‘ex-ers’ is the “recall” feature?). EXile is temporary, although it doesn’t feel like it. All this WILL pass. It’s a cliché, but time heals.
Respect your family and friends.
Kids (if you have them) may want to help, but keep in mind you look pretty freaky at this time - streaks of mascara, unwashed hair, sobbing into your Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Cherry ice-cream. It’s not a pretty sight and can do irreparable damage to young minds. Your kids remember you as a happy mom, the smiling, ever cheerful problem solver. You have been their hero for years. This is a hard transition period for them too. How you handle this time will impact them, so be authentic and truthful above all else.
Get help if you need it!!
Consider seeing a counselor, or joining an online support group. Your friends really can’t help you through this state of EXile.. You are not the person they used to know, but that’s ok. You are NEVER going to be that person again. The great news is that you are on the road to a future that will be filled with new opportunity, new friends and challenges, and probably, although at this point you refuse to accept it, a new love.
