The period after a breakup is the perfect time for a little post-relationship debriefing with trusted friends. It's also a great time for some self-reflection about what you're looking for in a new relationship. This self-reflection often includes reading up on love and relationships to make sure you are wiser and better equipped for relationship success.

Slowly but surely toxic partners will work to undermine your confidence in order to control and contain you.

Life can be rich, full and delightful -- with or without that partner. But you have to put in the effort. After the initial roiling emotions subside a little, try the following three steps to help you get your self back together.

For that moment I understood that I didn't have control over my man's actions, but I did have control over how I responded to them. And that it was possible to respond in a way that left me with peace and dignity.