Did you know that National Breakup Day is an official holiday? That's because it isn't — it's unofficial! But that didn't stop us. In honor of National Breakup Day, we invited renowned relationship expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Grrl Genius Cathryn Michon, to be our Breakup Doctors with one goal in mind: to help you get over him, get rid of him and get happy. But since breakups don't happen just once a year, we decided to compile a list of our favorite quotes from the sage advice they offered our community on the Breaking Up Is Hard to Do message board.
"Don't play games. Why wait to see if he will call? Why not just call and find out? Whether the answer is bad, good or somewhere in between, a grown-up relationship requires some straightforward talk. If a guy is fishing with your heart, it is because he knows exactly what bait to use. It's time to get out of that whole sport and into an adult conversation — and calling him out on whatever seductive behavior he throws out there and then takes back. You don't have to be a victim in this relationship or any other. Get out of the game and into a relationship that is upfront and respectful."
—Dr. Pepper Schwartz
"I disagree that all relationships are 'through thick and thin.' I think that is reserved for long-term committed relationships, either living together or marriage. I think dating is for asking good questions. It is through dating that you find out who you are willing to take that next step with, and stick with through thick and thin. And keep in mind that therapists say overwhelmingly that there are three factors that predict success in long term relationships: 1. Shared core values and an ability to communicate them. 2. Shared values about money and time. 3. Sexual compatibility."
—Grrl Genius Cathryn Michon
