love bites

In 3 Months, That Breakup Won’t Feel So Bad

Photo: Fox Searchlight

About three months after a breakup, you’ll likely be able to see the experience in a positive light, suggests a recent study in the aptly named Journal of Positive Psychology. In a survey of 155 young adults — who, on average, had experienced a breakup 11 weeks prior — about 71 percent agreed with positive statements such as “I have learned a lot about myself,” “I have grown as a person,” and “I am more goal-oriented.” Interestingly, these results applied whether the person had initiated their breakup or not. The researchers write that their findings “indicate that growth and positive emotions may be a larger part of the relationship dissolution of experience than previously thought.” I believe this is academic-speak for, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” or something close to that.