Are you a serial monogamist who's suddenly single? Here are 4 ways to cope & thrive 🙌

As author Mel Robbins says: "The relationship you have with yourself is the foundation for all the relationships in your life."

As a serial monogamist, the thought of being alone is scary. But, building a relationship with yourself will help you build better relationships with others in the future. Discover ways you can build a relationship with yourself first!

Having a relationship with yourself before dating again will help you:

• Build confidence, independence, and emotional maturity.

• Create self-awareness to make better choices.

• Avoid making connections out of loneliness.

Knowing what you like and don't like is the foundation for building confidence and self-awareness in yourself. Having activities that you enjoy doing alone will create a positive feedback loop that will attract others to you.

Don't be hard on yourself if you're not sure about what you like. Any day is a good day to discover your interests.

Say "yes" to trying new things.

Try that new hobby that looks cool. Watch a show or movie that you wouldn't typically watch. You may end up pursuing a hobby that you never thought you'd try because you did something new.

Get good at one activity or skill that isn't work-related.

Being good at a specific skill that is not tied to making money will fill up your happiness cup and encourage you to stretch your limits of what is possible.

Share your joy about your new hobby with others.

Sharing what you love with others can multiply your joy. Show what you've done with your friends, or try posting your work online for others to enjoy too!

Getting good at a hobby will boost your happiness and help you gain confidence in yourself. When you experience joy and success while being alone, spending time by yourself will become something you crave.

We're hardwired for connection. Just because you're recently single after being a serial monogamist doesn't mean you should be totally alone.

Building or reigniting connections with friends is a helpful way to refocus on what is important.

Some ways to connect:

• Reach out and make plans with old friends that you haven't talked to in a while.

• Start conversations with new people that you see at places you frequent often.

• Join a new club or sport to help you meet new people with the same interests.

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The best way to get through a difficult heartbreak is to treat yourself with self-compassion, which means treating yourself with kindness like you would a friend.

It's easy to judge yourself after a lost relationship as a serial monogamist, but following self-compassion techniques can help you reduce negative self-talk and improve your emotional state.

Try these self-compassion techniques:

• Practice mindful breathing.

• Keep a gratitude journal.

• Repeat positive affirmation statements.

• Exercise and eat a well-balanced diet.

Check out Positive Psychology for more tips and techniques to practice self-compassion.

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After giving yourself time to heal, you'll eventually want to open yourself to developing a new relationship.

Practice staying open with these tips:

• Be vulnerable. Let yourself be open to sharing your feelings without having fear of judgment or rejection.

• Be present. Being in the moment will allow you to open your heart to each interaction.

• Avoid judgment. Letting go of judgment will ensure that you stay open to getting to know others for who they truly are.

• Practice self-love. Being kind to yourself and accepting your flaws will allow you to extend this kindness to others.

• Stay curious. Asking questions will allow you to learn and grow from your experiences.

Loving yourself and the time you spend alone as a newly-single serial monogamist will prepare you for the healthy relationships that you desire.

This is a time to take care of yourself and your basic needs. To help with this, consider the following practices:

• Build a self-care routine.

• Expand your inner circle.

• Develop a new skillset.

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