Being cheated on sucks. It just does. There’s no reason for it — sometimes bad things happen to good people. But boy, when this particular bad thing happens, it is soul crushing.

So, no matter whether you’re staying or leaving, if it’s you or a friend, you need to know this 5-step guide to moving on after being cheated on.

Chuck On Beyoncé

Turn the music up loud, put on your daggiest clothes and drink as much as you need to loosen up. Because you’re now in the Beyoncé club. And the Beyoncé club is not a bad place to be.

It’s the place where you can listen to ‘Lemonade’ on repeat, and work through your grief with your fabulous counsellor. Then when you’re ready, chuck on Single Ladies and break out your best dance moves. There’s no judgement in the Beyoncé club.

Block Everyone Involved On Social Media

Look, unless you chose to stay with your partner (and no judgement if you did), they need to go. It is just way too tempting to stalk them late at night, and then stalk everyone tagged in every picture they’ve ever taken.

On that — the person they cheated with needs to go too. We all know that it only leads to late night unhealthy comparisons, and they are good for no one. You are better than that.

While you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to take a week off socials entirely. Reconnect in real life and don’t give yourself the opportunity to fall down that well.

Plan A Friends Night

This is the most important time to make the most of your friendships. We all know friends can sometimes fall a bit by the wayside during a relationship, so it’s good to just let them know you value them. Plan a night to reconnect with old friends, whether over dinner, movies, bitching, or all three.

Just make sure not to spend the whole time complaining about your relationship woes — take some time to listen to them too. Who knows, it might make you feel more normal.

Take Some Time Out

After being cheated on, it’s easy to feel a whole lot of negative emotions towards yourself. Coming to terms with betrayal isn’t easy on your self esteem. But there’s no reason to feel that way. After all, you’re not the one who did anything wrong.

So, take some time to love yourself again. Small things like dropping some money on a facial can make you feel a world better. Or take some time out to exercise and get those endorphins going. Just go back to the things you love and you’re good at, and you’ll feel more confident.

Make A Plan

Whether or not you choose to take them back or not, you’re gonna need a plan. If you find yourself single, make a plan with friends to go out once a week. Or get yourself on Bumble to see what’s out there, and plan at least one date a month.

Or, if you’re choosing to work through it with your partner, make a plan of how you’ll tackle it. Give each other small goals so you both feel wanted, and come to an agreement so you don’t hold onto it forever.

(Lead image: Bring It On 3/Beacon Pictures)