So…you just broke up with your significant other who was in three of your classes, had all the same friends as you and now you have to go to those same classes with those same friends tomorrow…what now?

This happens more often than not where a couple is together for a period of time; they spend every moment of every day together, they have a myriad of classes with one another, and even have the same friends in some instances. This all seems perfect and well for the time being but…what happens when the two decide to end things? You begin to see how this is can be awkward.

Now of course this all depends on how you decided to break up; the awkwardness levels will vary. For example, if you had a huge fight and things were left with an angry, bitter energy between you two, then it is going to be way more awkward sitting right across from them in second period the following day than if you were to simply agree on ending things for the betterment of you both.

Sam Thompson, real name withheld, said, “It was really hard to go into school the next morning knowing what had happened the night before. We had the same friends and suddenly I had to figure out which ones I could talk to, and which ones were on her side instead.”

The interesting thing about “breaking up” with someone is that it can go beyond romantic relationships as well. Various circumstances occur where the friends we once knew and related to aren’t so good for the current upkeep of who we want in our lives. In these cases it is necessary, in order to obtain happiness for ourselves, to cut those toxic people out of the social circles previously prevalent.

Junior Jaxon Gray said, “They were constantly bringing me down and adding negativity that I didn’t feel I needed in my life. I wanted a positive, supportive friendship that helped inspire me to be my best self. I had to do what was best for my own mental health.”

Another person who has gone through toxic friendships is junior Ken Fuentes Raines, who said that things could not be the same after the incident. Everything they used to share together was suddenly ruined and the classes they once looked forward to was something that held awkward, uncomfortable tension.

The main concern of this ordeal is the way people handle these circumstances when they occur. The Huffington Post’s advice leans heavily on the idea of distraction, saying, “Take on more responsibilities…get involved in extracurricular activities. Take up yoga. The busier you are and the more responsibilities you have, the more value of worth you feel.”  

Time Magazine also agrees with the idea of distraction, using scientific research in their studies, “Distraction, on the other hand, made people feel better overall…” however, this is explained to only help for a short period of time, and not an effective recovery method. When asked about how he is feeling currently, Jaxon said, “Well after taking time for myself to recover and rediscover what I really needed in my life to be happy, I was able to walk through the hallways with confidence again. I found peace within myself through drawing and fashion. It became the new, positive thing to invest my real self into and feel good about the choices I was making.”

It seems that the general consensus ultimately leads to one thing: take the time to be you. Find activities that make you happy and lose yourself in your work. Once that’s done, you can effectively handle these situations, feeling confident and capable while doing so.