

When my first boyfriend called to break up with me on New Year's Day 2002, I had some feelings. These feelings were mostly expressed via soap opera-worthy sobbing sessions, doors slammed in extreme teen angst and many, many ill-advised attempts at reconciliation over the next four years.

I like to think my relationship disaster plan has improved over the last 17 years, but no matter how emotionally evolved and mature you are, breakups suck. And they suck hard, even if you're left feeling relieved (which can be confusing) or totally empty. Also confusing.

It's that confusion that might lead to a poorly selected rebound, a newly intimate bond with carbohydrates, or risky and unfortunate bangs that require months to grow out. These immediate reactions are normal, BT Dubs — but not ideal if you're unsure if you'll regret it.