[LoneStar49]

Hello everyone. I'm sure a topic like this has been posted before, but frankly, I don't have the energy to even look so I thought I'd start this one.

After the breakup, what did you do to cope on a day-in and day-out basis?

It's been 6 days for me. I've gone through the tears. Literally rolled into a ball on the floor - sobbing. Today is the first day I haven't cried, but I think it will take another week for the puffiness to leave my eyes. I've managed to choke down about a half a sandwich twice a day and today I celebrated by eating a little popcorn. I can't focus on anything. Normally, in times of stress, I work jigsaw puzzles. Spread them out on the table and sit there for hours and hours. Hasn't worked this time. I'll read a few pages of a book and put it down. I can't stay focused on a television show but I'm not a big TV watcher anyway. I decide to get in the car and go somewhere and then have a panic attack...I just want to go home! And can't get there fast enough. For what? Who knows? I've cleaned. And then I undid all the cleaning by starting to pack a few things. Now I have stuff sitting everywhere. Walking through here is like an obstacle course. I went to the pool yesterday - thinking I would lie in the sun - always relaxing. Nope. After an hour - home.

The one thing I've done is walk. I would imagine I've walked a good 5-6 miles a day. I just walk. And play solitaire on this computer.

Coping. What have others done?

[9Lives]

So sorry you are in much pain. What I did was come here. THAT HELPED tremdously. I also wrote my feelings out. I affirmed myself by telling myself THE BEST IS YET TO COME. And I really believe that. It is not the end of the world. You will breathe again. I just broke up 4 days ago so I understand your pain. I decided to breakup because he was losing respect for me and our relationship. I did not want to become just any ol thang so I just ended it with him. I miss him like crazy but I am not going to be mistreated. You have to love yourself more than you love someone who doesn't value you.

THIS IS NOT THE BEST....THE BEST IS YET TO COME. So cheer up, and get ready.

[neener]

It's been about 18 months sense I broke it off with my MM (we were together for 3 years), believe me it does get easier. I agree with jvjrose, it helped for me to write things down. I also found a short book (it's only like 50 pages) that I like to pick up and read when I think I might have a weak moment. It called "This affair is over!!: Essential reading for any woman involved with a married man" by Nanette Miner. It has helped remind me why I needed to move on. This board was also a real eye opener for me when I saw how many other women and men had heard the same excuses I had heard, it's hard to ignore that fact that what I had with him was no different than what everybody else here has or had. Hang in There