The turkey dump

Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, there is a phenomenon in college known as the turkey dump. This is when first-year students return home around Thanksgiving and break up with their high school sweethearts.

Photo credit: from www.turkeydump.com

How common is it? Um, common enough to have a website dedicated to it... Seriously, I have no idea, but I have had a good number of students experience the dreaded turkey dump. It happens, hopefully not to you.  

What can you do if you are the turkey dumpee?

Dealing with the end of any relationship is hard, so I'm not going to lie and say it's not. It sucks. A lot. But thinking rational thoughts, accepting that it's over, and relying on your support network of family and friends can make help make it suck less.

This means when you think irrational things like "No one will ever want me ever again," stop yourself right there. Try to inject rationality into your thinking. Remind yourself that yes it hurts now, but you will heal. Next, you must accept that your relationship is over. Think of your new single status as a fresh opportunity to make new connections, and your family and friends can be a part of helping you make those connections.

What can you do if you are the turkey dumper?

Hopefully, you haven't reached the decision to end your relationship lightly. Although you tend to get the bad rap because you are the dumper, you still need support. If people try to make you feel bad for your choice, let them know it wasn't an easy choice for you (and even if it was, it will make you less of a douche to show some vulnerability).

Hopefully you survive the Thanksgiving weekend with your long-distance relationship in tact.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.