You're A Heartbreaker

The only thing worse than going through all the awful emotions of a break-up (reference: stages of grief) it's watching a friend go through it. I think I finally see what others have had to deal with in me for forever.

My good friend is experiencing a break-up with her first relationship since her divorce. The guy is really nice. I like him. But it just isn't working out. I know she has to come to the inevitable conclusions on her own so I'm stepping back from speaking opinions. This is new for me.

So the Kubler-Ross model tells us there are 5 stages of grieving. They can be done in any order.
Denial
Bargaining
Anger
Depression
Acceptance

"No, this isn't happening.
We'll get back together-it'll be like before.
I can be better-give me a chance.
Fuck you - I hate you - you are the problem!
I don't want to go out or talk to anyone ever.
Hey wait, I don't have to deal with his shit anymore. This IS better."

And then you drink a beer and sing some karaoke. At least, that's how it works for me.

I feel so bad for her right now. I know I just have to encourage her to look ahead.
As I like to say, "Hey, at least I didn't marry THIS one, eh?"
But I know how important that relationship is - the one right after the end of a long-term relationship. It proves that you can move on. It proves that you are capable of loving and of being loved. After a divorce, those things seem nearly impossible.

Also, this is a lot of heartbreak for her to have to deal with in a short amount of time. It's not like she started dating this guy immediately after the ring came off or anything. She definitely waited an appropriate amount of "mourning" time. But more than 1 heartbreak every 3 years can wear you down.