How to get over the bad boy

At some point, we all have to deal with getting over a bad boy. While many of us eventually learn the red flags and can immediately block a bad boy before he gets into our hearts, a few slip through the cracks and become a problem. That's when interest and feelings get involved and it's often easier to propel forward with the guy than to retreat, fight the feelings and move onto someone who's a better option. So how exactly are you supposed to get over a bad boy when he's grabbed your interest?

Remember the bad more than the good

I have a habit of remembering the good about others more than the bad, and while this isn't usually a problem, it is when it comes to dealing with a bad boy. The best way to make sure I keep those guys at a distance is to think about the bad they've done more than the good. You almost have to train yourself to think this way about them. It may feel awful, but it's one of the best ways to get the bad boy out of your system for good.

Get an ally

You need someone in your life who is going to be your ally and help keep you away from the bad boy. This is the person who is going to remind you why you should stay away from him when you can't seem to remember why yourself.

Cut ties

This seems obvious, but it's much easier said than done. A single text or Facebook message can't hurt, right? Yes it can. The more often you keep in contact with him, even through simple tidbits of communication, the worse it's going to be to get over him. Considering you care for him, it's going to be difficult, but once you get through it you'll likely realize it was the best thing for you.

Stay off the phone while you're drinking

I used to have a big problem with this. After a drink or two, the phone would come out and I'd start texting. I had to train myself to leave the phone alone or turn the phone off so I wouldn't text a guy I was into who I knew wasn't right for me. When you have a couple of drinks, the bad boy is likely going to be the first person you go to text. Do whatever you have to do to make sure that doesn't happen, even if that means turning your phone over to a trusted friend or just turning it off completely.

Write a list about what you really want / need

We often subconsciously trick ourselves into thinking the bad boy has what we want or need or that he could eventually have it. He doesn't and he won't. The easiest way to keep focused on this is to write a list of what you really need and want a guy to have. I'm not talking about six pack abs or a Ferrari. I'm talking about trust, ability to communicate, making you feel special, etc. When you start feeling the pull back to him, reference the list and realize that he genuinely doesn't have what you're looking for.

Go out on dates with other guys

Don't avoid going out on dates with other guys because you're upset about the bad boy. If anything, you should be making more of an effort to go out with guys who are going to treat you well and who are better matches for you. Get into online dating, let friends know you're willing to meet guys they recommend and start going out more to places where you can meet quality people.

You might be reluctant to meet other guys, especially if you're still stuck on the bad boy, but it really is true that once you meet someone you genuinely like for all the right reasons you forget about the guys who aren't the best fit for you. The more willing you are to get over the bad boy, the more you increase your chances that it'll actually happen.

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