It's Thanksgiving. Time for friends, family, good food, and fun. You can spend time hanging out with your high-school friends and finally have the time to spend more than a fast minute with your boyfriend or girlfriend, until . . . what did you just say? That we should split up?!
Sadly, breaking up in college over Thanksgiving -- aka, the "Thanksgiving Dump" or the "Turkey Dump" -- is incredibly common. (It happened to a certain someone writing this article, too!) And while, of course, knowing that it's common may not make you feel any better, it should at least provide a bit of comfort to those of you who may feel like you're the only person currently in the situation.
Why Does the Thanksgiving Dump Happen?
Interestingly, the Thanksgiving Dump is so common because so many students are going through the same thing. Many left high-school boyfriends or girlfriends behind when they left for school, or were "left behind" themselves to attend a local school while their significant other went far away. Regardless, as students form their new lives on a new campus, with new people, in a new environment, there's a lot of growth that takes place. And sometimes negotiating a relationship from the "old life" just doesn't fit in anymore.
How to Handle Being Thanksgiving Dumped
Handle it however you think is best (within reason, of course). Do you really want to try to stay friends? Great. Do you never want to talk to your ex again? Also great. Figure out what's right for you, and know that you can always change your mind. Your ex may not respond the way you want, but rest assured that you have both the choice and the power to respond how you wish. Welcome to independence!
What to Do Afterward
Make sure to process out what happened with your friends. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to talk to them endlessly about it (although, of course, that's always your choice), but it does mean that you should do whatever makes you feel better. Want a girls night in (or out)? Grab some friends, pop some cheesy movies into your DVD player or download them from the Internet, grab stuff for a pedicure, and enjoy the night. Want a guys night in (or out)? Grab some friends, head to a tailgating party with a fun football game afterward. Just make sure you are still enjoying yourself, despite your broken heart. Because you never know who you might meet when you're out and about...!
