Lessons You Should Have Learned From Your Past Relationships

Breakups might leave you feeling bereft but every failed relationship comes with a lesson, be it good or bad. Ultimately they will help you establish what you're looking for in a partner and make you a happier and healthier person.

Lesson 1: accept that not all relationships last

Once you accept that some relationships are temporary, you can learn to stop blaming yourself for what you see as relationship failures. Instead take them for what they are - helpful life lessons.Perhaps your personalities didn't fit well, your goals weren't the same and your priorities conflicted. If you're honest with yourself you'll admit that you're much better off as a result of the relationship and breakup than you would have been had you not experienced them at all.

Lesson 2: learn how to apply lessons

Look at past relationships and reassess your priorities now that you're single

Lesson 3: look in the mirror

Look at what you could improve about your own behaviour in a relationship. Do you communicate your feelings enough? Are you too strong-headed? Think about what has negatively impacted your past relationships before entering a new one.

Lesson 4: take stock of your own life

Don't expect future partners to fix you. In fact, if your ideal partner were to find you in mess, chances are he would make a speedy retreat. It's vital to take steps to change what it is that you don't like about your life.

Lesson 5: value single time

You need to be able to rely on yourself, not others. "Me time" will help you heal, learn your lessons and discover your own resilience, which you won't be able to do if you jump straight back into a relationship.