1. It will make you more empathic.

When you experience the pain of heartache, you’re feeling something universal. Everyone has their heart broken at some point. It doesn’t even have to be in the romantic sense. When you go through it yourself, you’re better able to relate to those around you. Personally, I think our ability to love AND our ability to be hurt unites us.

2. It will humble you.

So the person you thought was your forever person turns out to be…not forever? It stings. It shakes the very foundation you walk on. Your heart wasn’t the only one who took a bullet, your ego did too. But this reminds you that nothing is a guarantee. That’s okay. In fact, that’s always a good thing to keep in mind.

3. You’re forced to get to know yourself again.

Sure, it’s probably not how you hoped it would go. Nobody wants their heart broken. But now, it’s happened and you’re given an opportunity you might not realize. Right now is the perfect time to check in with yourself. Cry it out. Evaluate who you are, what you want, how to get where you want to go. Listen to your emotional needs.

4. Your creativity will be at an all-time high.

There’s a reason every other song you hear is about a break up — because that shit is INSPIRING. Let’s face it, Taylor Swift wouldn’t have nearly the career she does today if she hadn’t had her heart broken a few times. Put this energy to good use. Pour all that melancholy into whatever creative outlet you enjoy.

5. It makes room for the right people to come along.

The people who hurt you didn’t deserve a spot reserved in your heart to begin with. Good riddance. Now you’ll have more room for the people who can give you the right kind of love and support.

6. It forces the ultimate bravery.

And that’s when you finally decide to trust someone again. Opening up your heart after it’s been smashed will not be an easy task, but it’s a courageous act that I hope you continue to do.

7. You’ll learn the art of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. I think we get the two concepts confused. Deciding to forgive someone is usually the healthier option. Holding onto anger or toxicity will harm you, not the person who hurt you. You can forgive someone. That doesn’t mean what they did is erased. You can forgive someone and still not invite them back into your life.

8. It puts everything else into perspective.

The good. The bad. The okay. The absolute worst. You’ll see the fragility of life. You’ll remember how important it is to live in the moment. And you’ll appreciate those you do have — the ones who love you even when you’re a total mess crying at 2 am, trying to convince them sending your ex a text is a good idea.

9. You’ll learn of your own strength.

Strength isn’t the absence of emotion. You can be crying your eyes out and still a pillar of strength. Strength looks different on everyone. Strength is just getting through it. And you can. You will.

10. You’ll be even more grateful when love does stay.

This time, love did not stay. That doesn’t mean the love wasn’t important or life-changing, but it did not stay. Your heart doesn’t know how to comprehend that right now. But at some point, love will come again and not leave you aching. Love will come and stay. And you’ll be so glad it does.