Breaking up and getting over your ex is very common. However, it’s especially difficult when you’re still in love with them. Here are some fabulous books featuring unrequited love and self-love that centre moving on and prioritizing yourself.
Some Bare Minimum Guidelines
- Quit online stalking them
- Give yourself time
- Keep busy
- Change your perspective
- Stringing along not allowed
- Stop being friends
- 100% over you
- Get comfortable being alone
- The dreaded “What-ifs“
Some Bookish Recommendations
Made all the more tempting (and socially acceptable) with social media, keeping up with your ex’s life can only exacerbate the hurt… because it’s quite clear how you’re no longer in their life.
Try setting online boundaries: unfollow your ex or briefly block them so you don’t get notifications of their life through other people you follow. Whatever you need to do to ensure you’re giving yourself the space to heal!
A YA romance that reminded me of this step was Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald because it tells the story of Sadie, who is finally attempting to move on from her unrequited long-time crush. It’s funny, it’s flirty, and it’s not too heavy!
Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Series: Standalone
Number of Pages: 336
Publication Date: January 24, 2012
Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to ’80s indie rock — all to no avail.
But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl!
A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.
Another YA romance that inspired this post was Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. One of the worst things that can happen after your ex breaks up with you, is that they come back *just* when you think you’re finally happy. Over You tells the story of Max who experiences this dilemma, as she attempts to navigating “breaking up, making up, and getting even.”
Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Series: Standalone
Number of Pages: 304
Publication Date: August 24, 2012
Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even.
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