While I was researching The Starter Marriage, I learned a lot about how people handle break-ups – and what can help.
Add my own experiences (and I’ve had some bad bust-ups) AND lots of stories from friends, and though I’m definitely not a professional (see below for some good links if you need someone qualified to talk to), I do think I’ve gained a little knowledge of affairs of the heart.
The novel features eight ‘lessons in love’ that my characters must learn, under the guidance of the well-meaning but eccentric course leader, William. I’ve adapted those lessons to offer eight slightly madcap, but possibly useful, activities to help you feel better. I hope they’ll be fun but please remember this is strictly Broken Heart Surgery for Amateurs – if you’re feeling really low, please do seek professional help.
Good luck… here’s to the next happy ever after!
Kate
A few tips:
- You don’t have to follow the course in order: take a look through the different symptoms and choose the exercise that matches your current state of mind most closely.
- You might like to buy yourself a special notebook to keep your ‘coursework’ in (I love the multi-coloured paper ones in Paperchase): but it’s not compulsory, all you need is a pen and paper.
- It’ll really help to enlist a good friend to act as your Broken Heart Buddy – they’ll keep you on track.
- If you’re feeling really low, please consult the professionals. Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support and a relationship break-up is often one of those times…
