Whether you were in a relationship for five years or five days, whether it was his decision, yours, or mutual, breaking up is NEVER easy to do. Our break-up tool kit will help make calling it quits a little easier, a little less tearful, and--dare we say it?--a more positive experience.

• Friends

  When you're going through a break-up, you need your friends more than ever. If you're having a really rough time, tell them so that they can be supportive. If you put on a good face and don't tell them how much you're hurting, they may not know how much you need their friendship right now.

• Patience

  Rome wasn't built in a day, and a relationship can't go from break-up to best friends overnight either. It might take some time before you can be friends with your ex (if you want to be friends with him) so have patience and know that you might be friends--even good friends again, but just not for awhile. Chances are, you both have a lot of feelings and emotions you have to deal with on your own first.

• A chance to reflect

  Spend some time writing in your journal or thinking about what you want to take away from the relationship. Did you develop any new interests with him that you now want to pursue on your own? Did you learn anything about the way you are in relationships? For example: Can you be too selfish? Too giving? Too dependent?

  This is a time for you to learn more about the way you interact in romantic situations--valuable information for your next relationship.

• Confidence

  It's important to remember that if a relationship fails, it doesn't mean you've failed or that there's anything wrong with you. A relationship is between two people and just because it doesn't work out with a particular person, doesn't mean you won't ever have a healthy, happy partnership. This is a good time to write a list of the things you like about yourself and the things you're good at. (Ask your best friend for help if you get stuck.)

• Sleep and healthy eating habits

  If you're going through a break-up or have recently gone through one, it's important for you to get enough sleep and eat well. You'll feel more stable and less emotional.