I love clichés. Not because I am unoriginal and can’t come up with my own words to say– well, at least I hope that’s not the case– but for the truth that lies within them. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite clichés on breakups and the advice they hold for healing your heart. Reconnect with a sibling, a long-lost cousin, or an old friend. Just having lunch together or sitting quietly on a park bench can bring companionship that leads to healing.

While going through my most recent breakup, the last thing I had emotional energy for was a new class– meeting new people, trying new skills. However, in retrospect, the hours I spent learning to swing dance were invaluable to my healing. Years later, I am still in contact with some of my fellow students whose kindness in a dark time meant so much. Plus, I danced out of that studio with a new set of skills that, when I was ready, helped to bring the right kind of people into my life.

Secondly, I believe it is for the very truth contained in these tired platitudes that they become, well, worn out, like a child’s favorite blankie: raggedy and cherished at the same time. It’s easy to become bitter or wish you could turn back time to change the breakup. Believe me, I’ve been there too. But for every wish that things had turned out differently, once time passed and my heart healed a bit, I could see that ultimately that broken relationship wasn’t the right match for me.

A broken heart can be warmed by the love of those dearest to us. I hated hearing this one while healing. Nevertheless, like 99.9% of clichés, it’s also true. It is possible, when the time is right, to meet a partner who is well-suited to you. So don’t fret about finding love again or that you’ll never meet someone as (sexy/ intelligent/ funny/fill-in-the-blank) as your ex. It will happen. Just give yourself time– which may just be the most cliché, and apt, of them all.