How To Survive A Breakup: (When All of Your Friends are Birthing Their Second Child)

Book excerpt: At 31 years old, self-help writer Lisa Cleary experienced a mass layoff, a tumultuous breakup after three years, the subsequent start of a new job, and two unexpected moves -- all in three months. Irony was at its best: Cleary coached others on finding happiness and, as a never married, single female and one without children -- she felt unworthy of it, particularly when it came to a lasting relationship. How to Survive a Breakup: When all of your friends are birthing their second child is Cleary's snarky account of her meltdown. She discusses how a breakup at this age -- while much less extreme than a divorce -- feels juvenile, particularly when others are settling down. Friends relate less. People are busy. Cleary ditches the cheerleader mantra in this how-to guide to share her awkward story from beginning to end. She explains the Burning Feelings, how it feels to live alone for the first time, and why she hates her friends -- all from the perspective of everyone's go-to bridesmaid. Cleary's hilarious account of getting over a breakup at her age will not only help you process yours, but she'll help you get over the toxic milestone mentality -- and then over yourself.