You may cringe when you think of some of the people you've gone out with, but there are a few reasons to be grateful.
If you’ve dated for a few years and still haven’t had a successful relationship, you may think you have been wasting your time in going from one person to another. But thank each and every one of your ex’s! By dating the wrong people, you’ve have gained some valuable experience which will actually help you figure out when you finally meet the right one for you.
The One That Broke Your Heart
The first time you get your heart broken, it’s awful. You think your pain will never end. But guess what? It does. As difficult and horrible as it is, you do eventually get over it and more than that, you survive. You realize that falling out of love isn't going to kill you, and the next time a relationship doesn't work out you are more willing to leave because you know you can start again.
- What you’ve gained: You became stronger and more fearless about love.
The One Who Cheated On You
When you found out your mate had been cheating, you probably realized after the fact that the signs had been there all along. While you should always trust your partner, sometimes you have to face the evidence that lies in front of you. After all, there’s a difference between being paranoid about love, and being smart about getting your heart broken.
- What you learned: The way to open your heart without completely closing your eyes.
The One With the Crush on You
Let’s fact it, it’s flattering to be the object of someone’s attention. So when there’s someone in your life who likes you better than you like them, it can cause head-swelling arrogance if you’re not careful. As much as you might want to string someone along to feed your ego, being honest with them about your true feelings and setting them free to find someone else is the best course of action.
- What you learned: Dating someone you like, but don’t love, isn’t fair to the other person.
The One In Which It Just Didn’t Work Out
You liked them. They liked you. But for whatever reason, your relationship never seemed to click on all levels. No matter what, you two just were not on the same page. Why be glad? Because you discovered the difference between “perfectly fine” and “perfect for you.” When you left this relationship you were better able to see “perfect for you” when they finally introduced themselves to you.
- What you learned: If it isn’t right, then it must be wrong.
