Mending a broken heart is always difficult, but mending a broken heart following unrequited love almost seems impossible. For many of us, unrequited love can leave us with a feeling of emptiness, a heavy heart and a head full of regrets. During this time, it is important to take the focus away from “what could’ve been” and instead make room for new possibilities.

Unfortunately, in many instances we try to use the bait and switch method to romance and make attempts to replace that old, long love with a new one, which in the long run, will only make matters worse. The key is not to jump into a new relationship right away but instead take time to focus on us and really analyze what about ourselves made us fall for this ‘impossible love’, what about this person drew us in and kept our interest and how do we keep ourselves from falling into this trap once again.

In essence, we want to ensure that we are no longer the victims of unrequited love but are instead, on the receiving end of a healthy, reciprocal relationship. So how do we manage this? We start by taking care of ourselves and mending our broken heart. In order to appropriately heal, it is important that we set aside some time with ourselves. Although it will feel as if loneliness is the enemy, getting to know our wants, our desires and our resources will prepare us for future relationships. This time can be used to self-reflect, get in some time to exercise, relax our minds and bodies, maybe even take in some yoga.

Revisit our past, but let’s not relive it. Simply thinking about that unrequited love and focusing on things that led to us to our current state will help us identify what went wrong; were we truly happy?

Did that relationship fill a void that was lacking elsewhere or were we more in love with the thought of the having the impossible? If we gave 100% of ourselves and only got 10% in return then what did we get out of this relationship? We need to be realistic and honest with ourselves.

Finally, we have to lose the fear and explore. Taking in the local flavors and participating in activities we enjoy will allow us to get in touch with ourselves once again all while meeting people that share similar interests. 

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