•Your significant other is verbally or physically abusive
•He or she makes you feel like you’re begging for affection
•He or she makes you pay for affection
•You catch him or her red-handed in the act
•You do not share the same fundamental values as your significant other

There are, of course, other red flags to watch for, but, this list is a good starting point to evaluate whether it’s time to pay heed to that warning.

First, get rid of anything that reminds you of your ex or old lovers.  That "box full of memories" under the bed? Throw it out. All of it.  Also, toss pictures, shirts, and basically any memorabilia of the people of the past. Not only does this create new space, it opens up the way for new people to enter your life.

Next, get new sheets. Your last set was romped around in by lovers of long ago. Fresh sheets and linens will now only have the scent of YOU on them.

Also, if you are really wanting to change and freshen up your place, paint your walls a new color! This will create an atmosphere that is totally new.

When you have your place looking (and feeling) different that before, it is totally liberating. Things of the past really become just that.  You deserve to have this happiness and new freedom. It is time to celebrate the new you!

1. It is a one sided friendship. It is their world and you’re just living in it. You find yourself accommodating them all of the time.

2. It is boring. Life is too short to be bored. We are cerebral creatures and need stimuli. If the most stimulating thing your friend has to say is how many calories she at for lunch, it’s time to say "check please."

3. Your friend is mean. This is the most obvious reason to break up with a friend. However, you would believe how much bullying people put up with just because they went to kindergarten/college/or any other school environment with someone! Next time your "friend" criticizes your appearance or hits on your significant other, ask them to explain why you’re still friends.

4. They guilt you into things. Someone who truly respects you, your time, and your commitments would never try to make you feel guilty for not going with them somewhere or not doing something for them. Say bon voyage next time your "friend" gives you a guilt trip.

Just remember, learning to let go is an important quality to have. When the bad outweighs the good, sometimes you just have to do it.

1. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t expect to “get over” a break up in one day. Rebuilding yourself after a break up is like rebuilding a city. It takes time. Realize that you need to start with basic building blocks (e.g. Shelter, food, rest) to build a strong foundation.

2. Time heals all wounds. Like the pain suffered in a physical injury, pain from a break up is treatable with proper care. Though you can’t take an advil to heal the pain from a break up, you can take other steps to heal your heart. Take walks. Cook yourself a nice dinner. Relax. Figure out what and who makes you happy to make time pass more pleasantly.

3. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. You must take control of all aspects of your life after a break up. If you had certain rituals with your ex on certain nights, plan something else. If there are certain triggers that will make you sad or reminiscent, avoid them. If you inherit friends (or family) in a break up, control and manage your communications by coming up with buzz phrases to avoid talking about “what it was” or “what it might have been.”

4. Ask and you shall receive. It is important to ask for what you need during a break up period. If you want to spend time with friends, ask them. If you need time alone, ask for it. If you need help from a professional, ask for it.

5. Just do it. You CAN do it. Healing after a broken heart may seem like an insurmountable task but it is not. Just trust in yourself and your support network that you will get through it!

Walking is a great way to heal a broken heart. Not only is it heart-healthy, but it is a great way to heal the mind through meditation and reflection upon a relationship. It does not (typically)require the endurance running or other “heeling” activities, so it is easy to put on your comfiest shoes and just let your mind and body wander.

Take the time to breathe. Take the time to think. Take the time to reflect. Just take the time for you.

Healing after a break up is not easy. Adopting new rituals and doing things to heal your heart are more important than ever. Using your heels to heal your heart is just one thing that we suggest to help you do that.

If you find yourself single during the holidays, what should you do? Well, we will tell you. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do for the holidays if you are single:

1.Find other single friends and hit the town. This is a great time to celebrate whatever holiday it is with other people that are looking to mingle.

2.Dress for the holiday. We are not saying to dress head-to-toe like a leprechaun but a cute button that says “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” is always appropriate. Plus, it will invite people to talk to you.

3.Throw a party. Tell everyone you invite to invite at least one single male or female friend. This way you will have a new diverse group that you can celebrate with and who knows you may even make a love connection.

4.Volunteer. Find a charity that is doing something for the holiday you are celebrating and donate your time. This is a great way to make you feel better and meet new people.

5.Bring cookies or baked goods to your cute neighbor and let him know you just wanted to be festive. The way to a man’s heart is through yummy cookies.

6.Dress up your dog and bring him or her to a dog park. This will be a great way for people to start up conversations with you. If you don’t have a dog, borrow a friend’s.

7.Check out your local paper online for fun activities to do in your area. Try something new that you have always wanted to try. Bring a single friend and make it a contest to see who can talk to the most people.

8.Run a holiday race. Lots of holidays have races built around them. This is a great way to workout and to interact with some really good looking, in-shape people.

9.Go on a trip. Find a fun place that you think other singles will flock to and head out of town with a friend. Ask a travel agent or scour the internet for places that unattached people are headed for a good time.

10.Do something special for yourself. Go get a massage, take a long bubble bath or get a mani/pedi. Read a book. Whatever makes you happy. You need to treat yourself with kindness and love. You are special and deserve to be treated like the prince or princess you are.

This is common for people who are living solo. Not having a constant companion to bounce ideas and stories off of can be strange, especially if you have been used to doing that in the past. But here at BHR, we have a few ways to help ease those not-so-great days.

1. Start a “Good Day” journal.

Writing down your feelings when you are sad is easy. How about keeping a journal only for the days that you feel good? When you are happy and feeling great about your single life, write it down. Document what you love about it. When you are having sad day, reference your “Good Day” journal. Remind yourself of your positive emotions.

2. Challenge your thoughts.

It is easy to get into a mental routine. This means to repeat the same thoughts and emotions over and over. Next time you find yourself going to the same negative thought that you have been having for a long time, challenge it with a different thought. Make these thoughts mirrors, and completely reverse your feeling on it.

3. Adopt a pet.

If you do not have a pet, now may be a great time to get one. Animals bring much life into a home, and are wonderful companions! Your local shelter will have many animals that are in need of a good home, and knowing that you rescued a life will bring much joy to your heart! If you feel you are not ready for the responsibility of an animal, plants and flowers in your home will bring life into it.

4. Create a list of your perfect mate.

Make a list of ten things that you want out of a partner. Be as specific as possible. This list will be your guide. If you begin dating, see how your date matches this list. Do not compromise and stay as true to what you desire as possible.

Being single can be a very exciting time in your life! Know that it is common and ok to have lonely days. But remember; the one thing worse than being alone is wishing that you were alone.

I know at the beginning of a relationship you push aside those ugly things that this hot girl/guy has hidden in their not-so-deep closet. But don’t. These nasty little traits are there as warnings. You need to objectively evaluate them. You need to step back, clear your love-struck head and determine if you can really see yourself dealing with these issues a year down the road. Because I promise you, the traits that this person has will not change. You cannot change a person. Just like the old saying goes, “A leopard does not change his spots.”

Ask yourself what your core beliefs are. What is important to you? What is something you are not willing to compromise on? Things like a guy’s hair color, his build and what kind of car he drives are not things that should figure into your core values. However, religion, whether that person wants a family and their lifestyle choices should be some of the things that you zero in on. These things need to be in line with your values. If they are not, you are just creating a world of hurt for yourself.

One of the many ways to not have your heart broken is to go into a relationship knowing that the two of you have core beliefs and values that are very similar. You want to spend your life with someone that believes the same things you do. You don’t need to agree on everything but you do need to see eye to eye on the big stuff. No one wants to spend their life arguing and angry. Once the honeymoon phase wears off, you will have to deal with these issues. Make sure you have set the ground work for a long-lasting, happy relationship where you are growing together and not apart.

1. You only have to answer to yourself

2. You have more space and freedom to be "the real you"

3. Dating can actually be fun. I swear.

4. More time to focus on career, hobbies, etc.

5. It can be very liberating!

6. You are free to flirt

7. You can spend your money and time however you damn well please

8. You can decorate your pad the way you totally love it

9. Hanging out with your other single friends is a blast!

10. No need to explain yourself when you get home from the bar "too late"

Two important things to remember is:
A. Now is NOT the time to push your friends and loved ones away, and
B. Give yourself a well deserved break.

Regarding "A," this means that stay in contact with the ones that love you. I know it is easier to crawl into a hole and block out social contact, but this is counter-productive. When you are over the heartache (which you will be) those friends may not be around waiting for you. Sad, but true.

As far as "B," is concerned, give yourself a break. This could be a day at the park, a massage, or a frivolous shopping trip. It does not matter. You deserve to pamper yourself, and these acts of self kindness will nurture your soul.

So, two things to remember. Love yourself, and love those that love you.