Book excerpt: Start healing and move forward in your life with confidence! Breaking up can be a gut-wrenching ordeal. No matter who initiated the split, the sense of loss can feel overwhelming. Whether the breakup was expected or not, you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster that’s probably left you with lots of questions. “Who am I without them? How do I start over? What is wrong with me? Will I ever be happy again?” Rest assured that you’re not alone, there’s nothing wrong with you, and, most importantly, things will get better. Written just for teens, The Teen Breakup Survival Guide will gently walk you through all stages of a breakup and offers evidence-based skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and neuroscience to help you weather the emotional storm and move forward with your life. You’ll learn 9 key skills to help you balance emotions, supercharge self-compassion, reframe negative thinking, and improve communication—so you can navigate breakups with confidence. You’ll also find tips and tools for improving your self-esteem, and gain a better understanding of how you relate to others. You’ll explore relationship “red flags,” and discover what you need to feel emotionally safe. Finally, by learning to communicate effectively and assertively, you’ll be better equipped to establish healthy boundaries and build meaningful relationships as you move forward in life. If you’re reeling from the effects of a breakup and looking for a way to ease the pain and uncertainty you’re feeling, let this guide lead the way to a place of self-love, understanding, and acceptance.