Let's face it, over the past few months you've become somewhat attached to your presidential candidate of choice. You've grown so accustomed to turning on your TV to see him and opening up any newspaper or magazine to read about him. Plus everywhere you go people are talking about him. Your candidate has become a part of your life and in a way you've formed a relationship.
So now it's Election Day and the thought you've been trying to push away is suddenly unavoidable — what happens if he doesn't win? Well, the truth is this wonderful and meaningful relationship you've formed will have to come to an end.
Now before you do anything drastic like move to Canada or refuse to leave your apartment for the next four years, hear us out. Like with any break-up, there are steps to mending your heart and moving on. If you follow these seven steps you'll be on the road to recovery in no time.
Step 1: Get rid of anything that reminds you of him. Signs, posters, pins, and newspaper clippings. They've all got to go. Even that bumper sticker you bought during happier times has no place in your life now.
Step 2: Ask your friends to be sensitive during this tough time. If they really care about you they'll refrain from using phrases like "change," "hope," "my friends," or "country first." Those will now be known as trigger words.
Step 3: Ignore your gloating co-workers. They may feel happy with their candidate's win, but that doesn't mean you should allow them to get under your skin. There's nothing stopping you from building a temporary fort around your desk or cubicle. It's time to put those folders to good use.
Step 4: Remember the good times. And there really were some good times, like that rally in Florida you drove all night to get to. You were so close to getting a picture with him! And who can forget the last presidential debate?
Step 5: Just think—there could be a next time. Maybe down the road they could re-enter your life. In the grand scheme of things what's another 1,460 days until the next election?
Step 6: Don't forget that there will be others. Okay, so this candidate didn’t work out for you. But that doesn't mean that another candidate might not come along and sweep you off your feet.
Step 7: Finally, keep in mind that you will move on. Like the song goes, "breaking up is hard to do." But, trust us, you won't feel like this forever.
One day you’ll look back on this election with clarity and perspective. Yes, maybe you were a little attached to your candidate. Perhaps that tattoo was a bit of an impulse decision. But the experience was exciting, fun, emotional and totally worth it.
For more of iMag's election coverage, click here.
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