Getting over an ex? These survival tips really come in handy. Trust.

So your ex has started seeing someone new, and there two things wrong with this picture: One, you only broke up about ten minutes ago. Two, you’re still in the sweatpants-and-pie portion of the break-up process, which makes you wonder how the eff he’s moving on so fast.

Here are 8 survival strategies to help you through this liver-damaging time:

1. Give yourself time to be PO’d

Most people will tell you to suck it up and keep your shit together. I’m not one of those people. It’s your right to feel how you feel, and while I wouldn’t recommend pulling a Jerry Springer, wallowing in the comfort of your own home—and sweatpants—is totally your prerogative.

In my experience, it’s actually better if he moves on first, because it helps you deal with that lingering post-relationship baggage you don’t realize is still there. (Which means you won’t unintentionally drag it into your next relationship.)

2. Get the cyber-stalking out of your system

I could also tell you not to go on your social networks and find out everything you can about his new squeeze, but we both know you’re going to. We also know pictures of her are going to make you gag. (You may even print out a couple and draw little moustaches on them.) You’ll also find every reason to despise her and rant about his horrible post-you taste in women, so why not just grab a bottle and get the rip-fest out of your system? Resisting will only make the urge stronger.

3. Don’t get sucked into a comparathon

That being said, don’t compare yourself to her or try to make sense of why they’re now together. It’s natural to be furious—especially if you find he treats her better than he ever treated you—but at the end of the day, none of it will change the fact that you weren’t a good match.

4. Put the kibosh on breaking news

Your besties may feel like they’re doing you a favor by reporting ex sightings and making jokes about his new gf. It’s an instinctual way to show support, and deep down a sweet gesture—but if you find the news flashes upset you, let them know you’d like to keep your time together an ex-free zone.

5. Steer clear of him

The worst thing you can do when getting over an ex is go places you know he frequents. (A live PDA spectacle? Ew.) Unless, you know, you’re a fan of ripping your own guts out.

6. Don’t play it cool

There will be times when you’ll bump into him and awkwardness will inevitably ensue. Just because you can’t find anything else to talk about, do not ask him about the details of his new relationship. (See point about ripping your own guts out.) You may feel laid back and “cool” about it in the moment—as he goes on and on about how “into her” he is—but afterward you’ll end up a sobbing pile on the floor. Stick to the awkward silence. Ignorance is bliss.

7. No drunk texting

If you’re one of those unicorns who can drink and text coherently… well, I’m jealous. But drinking can sometimes turn us into lonely, emotional blobs who text our exes out of fear of being alone. Not only is this unhealthy, it’s unfair to the other person (especially if you were the one to break it off). Text one of your BFFs instead. It’s their job to help you through your emotional blobbiness.

8. Do your own thang

Getting over an ex takes time, and everyone processes breakups at their own speed. Just because he started dating faster than you doesn’t mean you didn’t mean anything to him—maybe that’s just his style. Maybe your way of dealing is taking your time, enjoying your sweatpants, and not rushing the process of finding Mr. Right. Go with your gut and jump back into the dating pool when it feels right for you.

What do you think is the hardest part of getting over an ex?

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Image: Dating again photo via Shutterstock

The post He’s Dating Again Already?! 8 Survival Strategies for Getting Over An Ex appeared first on EcoSalon.

How to make period sex a little more sexy and a little less… massacrey.

There’s no way around it: periods are a total pain in the vagina, and depending on how severe can be a total buzzkill in the bedroom. It’s not because we’re embarrassed by them—this isn’t high school, after all—but because we feel disgusting. We’re crampy, we’re bloaty, we’re definitely moody, and we just want to deal with our random diarrhea attacks in peace. With chocolate and Netflix.

My hatred of period sex has nothing to do with society conditioning me into thinking it’s “gross” or “wrong,” and I’ve never cared about what boyfriends think about it either. It’s a perfectly natural bodily process, but during said process my head simply isn’t in the game. Sex becomes this mechanical, awkward romp, and the logistics don’t do it for me.

But when your boyfriend’s looking at you with his I’m-about-to-hump-the-sofa-cushion face, you’ve got to do your best to play red rover in such a way so it benefits the both of you. Here are some pointers that really do help:

1. Always be prepared

Spontaneous period sex is one of the biggest buzzkills, since you’re not so much focused on the sex itself, but keeping the mess to a minimum. Lay a dark towel on the bed, and keep some handy wipes in your nightstand for a quick and easy cleanup afterward.

2. Set the mood

You might not feel all that hot, but you can always fake it till you make it. Dim the lights, light some candles, wear some kinky lingerie. Soon, you’ll be too busy getting busy to notice your period.

3. Have shower sex

If you’re not-so-prepared and don’t want to put your makeout on pause by looking for a towel and all that jazz, suggest getting frisky in the shower. It’s the best way to have period sex without feeling like you’re having period sex.

4. Do the menstrual cup thing

Menstrual cups are a sex-friendly alternative to tampons and sanitary pads. It collects blood instead of absorbing it, so you can leave it there during period sex and switch back to your regularly scheduled programming afterward.

5. Try new positions

Lying on your back or side will be less messy than a woman-on-top approach, since you know, gravity. Try upgraded versions of the standby positions, such as missionary with your legs hooked over his shoulders.

6. If the ick factor’s still going strong…

The cramps, the bloating, the wanting to crawl under a rock…ing. If you feel completely disgusting and miserable during your period, there’s nothing wrong with waiting until your heaviest flow days are over before pouncing on your guy. I mean, what’s the point of powering through if you’re just not into it? It’s your vagina. It’s your life. Do with both what you will. Period.

How do you feel about period sex? Yay or nay?

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Image: Couple in bed via Shutterstock

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