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Healing after a breakup takes time. And it doesn't matter if you were dumped or did the dumping or that everyone is telling you that you will eventually start feeling better, you can't help but think that no one could have ever experienced the things you went through. So give yourself the green light to get over it your way.

Bored Panda has compiled a list of ways people are dealing with their exes and it proves that there is no perfect recipe. From passive-aggressive gestures to constructive conversations, scroll down to check out the entries and upvote your faves.

Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D., a Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said there’s very little scientific evidence on that emotional limbo in which separated couples find themselves. However, one recent study by psychologists David Sbarra and Jessica Borelli does stand out.

#2

My Uncle's Halloween Costume Is The Scariest Thing He's Ever Known, His Ex-Wife

My Uncle's Halloween Costume Is The Scariest Thing He's Ever Known, His Ex-Wife

ketchuppacket Report

The researchers explored the question of which partners are able to reorganize their sense of self during the separation and which are not. The 89 adults who participated in the study (two-thirds female) were separated for about 3 months from their partners. Their marriages had lasted on average 14 years and they were about 40 years old. Roughly half had initiated the separation. Also, the participants were tested more than once. A few months after completing the initial study, they returned to allow the researchers to evaluate how they were adapting to their separations throughout the time.

The follow-up showed that attachment style and emotional self-control did, in fact, influence self-concept outcomes. "The partners whose sense of self remained in disarray were the ones who were high in attachment avoidance (i.e. who preferred to remain distant) and who also had difficulty regulating their emotions while completing the lab task measuring their distress when talking about their partner," Whitbourne explained the results. "In contrast, the avoidantly attached who could control their emotional responsiveness were able to reorganize their sense of identity more successfully over time. Attachment anxiety, somewhat surprisingly, did not play a significant role in determining the adjustment to separation."

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#4

It's Valentine's Day And My Ex-Girlfriend Sent Me This, So I Replied With This

It's Valentine's Day And My Ex-Girlfriend Sent Me This, So I Replied With This

BasedCris Report

When you think about it, if a person is high on avoidance, why should he or she suffer any ill effects at all during a separation? Wouldn’t the person who tends to remain cold and distant do OK after the relationship ends? "This is where emotional control comes into play. If you can keep your closest relationship from penetrating your sense of self, you can survive the breakup, but only if you can also keep thoughts about your partner and the relationship out of your awareness," Whitbourne said. "Otherwise, they’ll haunt you, threaten your sense of self, and prolong your sense of distress. The only way that a highly dismissive person can survive a breakup is if that person can also “deactivate” or turn off all thoughts of the partner."

#5

Came Across A 10-Year-Old Photo That Had My Brothers Ex-Wife In It And My Ex In It. Instead Of Deleting It I "Fixed" It

Came Across A 10-Year-Old Photo That Had My Brothers Ex-Wife In It And My Ex In It. Instead Of Deleting It I "Fixed" It

gknick Report

Basically, the study suggests that people high in attachment avoidance don't really make great marital partners. "They can be cold and distant, especially - as we’ve just learned - if they can also switch their emotions to the off position when things become stressful."

Once the breakup happens, however, this research shows that it’s vital to find a way to put the pieces of your identity back together. "If you can’t find a way to incorporate the breakup into your sense of who you are as a person, moving on will become even more challenging than it might otherwise be. As distressing as your thoughts may be, by allowing them to filter back into your consciousness, perhaps ever so slowly you will be able to move on and emerge with a new – and stronger- sense of self."

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#7

Best Ex Ever

Best Ex Ever

Nikil_k Report

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james_fox1984 avatar
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is actually quite a nice gift from an ex unless it is poisoned or laden with spit or other bodily fluids.

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#8

My Wife Sent Me Our Son's Music Results With The Comment "I Can Think Of, Like, 7 Ex-Boyfriends Who Needed A Scoresheet Like This"

My Wife Sent Me Our Son's Music Results With The Comment "I Can Think Of, Like, 7 Ex-Boyfriends Who Needed A Scoresheet Like This"

not2dopey Report

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#9

I Kicked My Loser Ex Out Of My House And Got A New Piece Of Art

I Kicked My Loser Ex Out Of My House And Got A New Piece Of Art

roodaloo Report

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Asi Bassey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in Nigeria, all our walls are made of cement blocks and mortar. Partners learnt very long ago not to kick or punch them when angry.

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#10

Ex-Fiancée And Ex Best Man Are Now Dating. He Left His Wii At My Place. I Made Sure To Get It Back To Him

Ex-Fiancée And Ex Best Man Are Now Dating. He Left His Wii At My Place. I Made Sure To Get It Back To Him

PM_me_your_Jeep Report

#11

I Am Not A Graphic Designer. I Needed To Remove My Ex-Wife From A Vacation Picture In Mexico. How Did I Do?

I Am Not A Graphic Designer. I Needed To Remove My Ex-Wife From A Vacation Picture In Mexico. How Did I Do?

itsme_timd Report

#12

I Went To A Party Where My Ex Girlfriend Was Present With Her New Boyfriend. This Was What I Was Wearing

I Went To A Party Where My Ex Girlfriend Was Present With Her New Boyfriend. This Was What I Was Wearing

Princekwg Report

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P.A.B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That might be your initial response, but from then on, every time she did the “thing you like”, you’d be picturing her doing it to and/or for her ex. Brilliant move on his part!

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Stille20
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was that thing learning to respect herself and no longer go our with petty people?

kjorn avatar
Kjorn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

just answer: she did things to me she didn't want to do to you

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so vague that it's pathetic. You might as well say "I want to upset you but I don't know what to say."

rhodaguirreparras avatar
Pittsburgh rare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the contrary, it's generic enough to be offensive without the target being able to say anything

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Gabriel Sbárbaro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me, this is a self burn... because now he's enjoying, without working for it, what you teach her... I don't understand how that's a "win" for you...

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Tanya Kysel'ova
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. The written stuff is "I taught etc" and what it means is "I still care and I want to let you know"

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Cathy Carey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This could easily backfire. All the new guy has to do is say thanks and smile

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danielw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

or, "So you're the one that taught her to bake? those cakes are amazing."

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could say, "I was a good student, but he still gives better blowjobs than me."

firstlastother124 avatar
knittin' kitten
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She left you not the other way around right? Guys who wear funny shirts have no sense of humor if they didn't why do you need a crappy shirt to do it for you? Small loss loosing him it seems

ns_1 avatar
N S
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

shame it is not actually printed on the shirt but photoshopped. the writing is too coherent in colour and shade for it to be a print.

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#13

My Favorite Picture Of My Ex-Wife

My Favorite Picture Of My Ex-Wife

sdricke Report

#14

Found My Ex In The Natural History Museum

Found My Ex In The Natural History Museum

SimonCowellsTrousers Report

#15

Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here

sratsby Report

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#16

I Split Up With My Boyfriend Yesterday. I Fell Asleep While He Was Packing And He Stole My Toilet

I Split Up With My Boyfriend Yesterday. I Fell Asleep While He Was Packing And He Stole My Toilet

shelblikadoo Report

#17

My Friend Was Just Cheated On. This Is The Valentine's Card She's Sending Her Ex

My Friend Was Just Cheated On. This Is The Valentine's Card She's Sending Her Ex

sugarquills Report

#19

Bitter Man Buys The House Next Door To His Ex-Wife And Installs An Interesting Sculpture

Bitter Man Buys The House Next Door To His Ex-Wife And Installs An Interesting Sculpture

lenkatuohy Report

#20

My Ex-Wife Just Gave Me This For My Birthday

My Ex-Wife Just Gave Me This For My Birthday

Thereisnocureforbeingacunt Report

#21

This Guy Had Pictures Of Him And His New Wife Printed On His Checks So He Could Write His Ex Alimony With Them

This Guy Had Pictures Of Him And His New Wife Printed On His Checks So He Could Write His Ex Alimony With Them

smashley951 Report

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Tiari
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Checks seem like such an outdated concept to me. Why would anyone use them?

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#23

My Ex Was Bitter About Our Break Up And Started Comparing Me To Taylor Swift. This Was My Response

My Ex Was Bitter About Our Break Up And Started Comparing Me To Taylor Swift. This Was My Response

nmcgloghlin Report

#25

My Ex Sent Me A Postcard

My Ex Sent Me A Postcard

ronlechler Report

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elfin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The correct response, if any, would be a postcard that says "Me too!"

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#26

While Preparing For My Garage Sale, I Found A Pendant My Ex Gave Me. I Decided To Be A Little Creative With Selling It

While Preparing For My Garage Sale, I Found A Pendant My Ex Gave Me. I Decided To Be A Little Creative With Selling It

PatriarchVespa Report

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Laura Zappenduster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont´t like that one. I woul´d have sold it for the real price. A better "revenge" in my opinion.

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#27

Paid For My Ex’s Glasses And Decided To Spend A Little Extra For An Engraving

Paid For My Ex’s Glasses And Decided To Spend A Little Extra For An Engraving

livingdeadly Report

#28

Just Returned My Ex-Girlfriend To The Store

Just Returned My Ex-Girlfriend To The Store

rackashak Report

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Jace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From what I’ve seen, usually it’s the guys who call women “hoes” that are the problem...

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#29

When You Get A Divorce

When You Get A Divorce

SomeJagaloon Report

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I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Getting a tattoo of your significant other or their name is silly. I am happily married and I would never do it. You never know what the future holds and tattoos are forever. This person was lucky that the tattoo was able to be covered up but it’s not always the case.

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#30

Pulling The Plug On My Ex-GF

Pulling The Plug On My Ex-GF

deanex2 Report

#31

Instead Of Deleting Pictures Of My Ex, I'd Rather Just Do This

Instead Of Deleting Pictures Of My Ex, I'd Rather Just Do This

lardparty Report

#32

My Ex Loves Hot Sauce And I Finally Found The Perfect One For Her, While Traveling In Korea

My Ex Loves Hot Sauce And I Finally Found The Perfect One For Her, While Traveling In Korea

corderoroman Report

#33

Ran Into My Ex At Lowes

Ran Into My Ex At Lowes

JazzyAndy Report

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#34

Finally, A Card For My Ex

Finally, A Card For My Ex

PM_ME_UR_TOENAILS Report

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Kevin Donegan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now you know why "cursive" handwriting is being phased out ... too many examples of misinterpreted information. Special Aunt or Special C**t? You get to pick!

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#35

My Ex-Husband Said He Found The Perfect Product Line For Me

My Ex-Husband Said He Found The Perfect Product Line For Me

sillysally1986 Report

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#36

Sure, My Ex Totally Didn't Mean To Send Me A Selfie With Her Marriage Certificate

Sure, My Ex Totally Didn't Mean To Send Me A Selfie With Her Marriage Certificate

ebeattie96 Report

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Francis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sorry, i opened our chat by mistake, even i deleted everything and had to reopen our chat or had to scroll faar down to find it again, and then i sent you this also by mistake.. so sorry :D

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#37

My Soon To Be Ex-Wife Brought Me A Cake For My Birthday Today

My Soon To Be Ex-Wife Brought Me A Cake For My Birthday Today

omnicidial Report

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Hańka
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something is wrong with that picture - tiny lady with huge arm and hand...

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#38

One Year Later And I’m Still Happy About My Divorce

One Year Later And I’m Still Happy About My Divorce

lRONMlKE Report

#40

My Boyfriend Ordered A Cake For His Ex-Wife

My Boyfriend Ordered A Cake For His Ex-Wife

Lapetitmorte Report

#41

So My Roommate's Ex-Girlfriend Pranked Him A Few Years Ago, But We Didn't Find Out Until Game Night

So My Roommate's Ex-Girlfriend Pranked Him A Few Years Ago, But We Didn't Find Out Until Game Night

oldschoolcool Report

#42

I Found The Temperature Controls For My Ex's Heart

I Found The Temperature Controls For My Ex's Heart

MageeDisease Report

#44

Man Steals Construction Equipment, Flips Over Ex-Girlfriend’s Car

Man Steals Construction Equipment, Flips Over Ex-Girlfriend’s Car

FlipBarry Report

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Mommyofboth
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hah, it was in local news for my area that a woman tased her husband after catching him in a nightclub with another woman. Made me laugh.

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#46

When I Was Still With My Ex GF, I Kept Losing My Phones Around The Apartment. After We Broke Up, I Found A Package On My Doorstep Saying “Here Are Your Phones Back, Jerk”

When I Was Still With My Ex GF, I Kept Losing My Phones Around The Apartment. After We Broke Up, I Found A Package On My Doorstep Saying “Here Are Your Phones Back, Jerk”

narwal100 Report

#47

Looks Like My Ex-Wife Started Her Own Bottled Water Company

Looks Like My Ex-Wife Started Her Own Bottled Water Company

theconservativelib Report

#48

My Ex-Girlfriend Sent This To Me The Other Day

My Ex-Girlfriend Sent This To Me The Other Day

eskiimo Report

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So she followed him on facebook and noticed he looked better that when they were in a relationship. I would have answered: "Thanks, for noticing."

#49

Changed My Ex's Contact Picture On My Phone To Remind Myself Who I'm Dealing With When She Calls

Changed My Ex's Contact Picture On My Phone To Remind Myself Who I'm Dealing With When She Calls

chrizar1971 Report

#50

A Piece I Made Inspired By My Ex-Boyfriend

A Piece I Made Inspired By My Ex-Boyfriend

leasha_98 Report

#52

Proof That My Ex-Wife Was Wrong And That I Do, In Fact, Have A Spine

Proof That My Ex-Wife Was Wrong And That I Do, In Fact, Have A Spine

Synssins Report

#53

Spotted My Ex-Girlfriend Meandering Through My Neighborhood

Spotted My Ex-Girlfriend Meandering Through My Neighborhood

kaydoggg Report

#54

Sold The Ring I Used To Propose To My Ex-Fiancée, And Bought Myself Something Nice With All The Cash

Sold The Ring I Used To Propose To My Ex-Fiancée, And Bought Myself Something Nice With All The Cash

Upvoteyours Report

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Francis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i don't mind a cheap ring, but wow.. or was the meal really expensive? :D

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#56

I Never Knew My Ex Made Oil Products

I Never Knew My Ex Made Oil Products

Xplodingpanther Report

#57

Made My Ex A Valentine Cookie. Nailed It

Made My Ex A Valentine Cookie. Nailed It

muncho Report

#58

My Ex Finally Opened Her Small Business

My Ex Finally Opened Her Small Business

igotsdaknowledge Report

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EtherealSponge
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apologies that the sign does not mess up perfectly for your perfectionist perfectionism, tabitha

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#59

My Ex Dumped Me, So I Quite Rationally Stole A Giant Watermelon From Him. I Then Did What Any Sane, Well-Adjusted Person Would Do

My Ex Dumped Me, So I Quite Rationally Stole A Giant Watermelon From Him. I Then Did What Any Sane, Well-Adjusted Person Would Do

walklikeadinosaur Report

#60

He Hates His Ex

He Hates His Ex

TacoTruckTrailer Report

#61

Came Across Some Of My Ex-Girlfriend's Stuff At The Thrift Store

Came Across Some Of My Ex-Girlfriend's Stuff At The Thrift Store

Gordopolis Report

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#62

I'm Pretty Sure This Is My Ex-Girlfriend's Favorite Drink

I'm Pretty Sure This Is My Ex-Girlfriend's Favorite Drink

doodoo_train Report

#64

The Women In My Ex's Family Were All

The Women In My Ex's Family Were All

ianmaude420 Report

#65

Had To Double Take, While Walking Past This, Thinking It Was My Ex-Girlfriend

Had To Double Take, While Walking Past This, Thinking It Was My Ex-Girlfriend

xoxJustGirlyThingsxox Report

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james_fox1984 avatar
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently Hong Kong are starting to remove the word cum from their bins because of the alternative meaning across western countries.

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#66

Apparently My Ex Owns A Coffee Company

Apparently My Ex Owns A Coffee Company

badgersbadgerswedontneednostinkinbadgers Report

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#68

So Your Cheating Ex Sends You A Snapchat With Her New Boyfriend? Send Her This

So Your Cheating Ex Sends You A Snapchat With Her New Boyfriend? Send Her This

JakeALakeALake Report

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janna-nym avatar
No you didn't
Community Member
4 years ago

Or don't. It's not that clever a response really.

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#69

My Ex-GF Sent Me This Pic Of Her New Tattoo On Her Hand. Thanks For Reminding Me To Not Get Back Together

My Ex-GF Sent Me This Pic Of Her New Tattoo On Her Hand. Thanks For Reminding Me To Not Get Back Together

mpjby Report

#70

Advice My Ex-Girlfriend Followed

Advice My Ex-Girlfriend Followed

MyUserNameMeansNothing Report

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#71

This Guy Keeps Commenting On My Cousin's Pics, Because His Ex Is Now My Cousin's Girlfriend

This Guy Keeps Commenting On My Cousin's Pics, Because His Ex Is Now My Cousin's Girlfriend

Jaydon1 Report

#72

If My Ex-Wife Could Find A Way To Accomplish This She Would

If My Ex-Wife Could Find A Way To Accomplish This She Would

waxiestapple Report

#74

GF Broke Up With Me And The Bus Is Lookin Pretty Good Right Bout Now

GF Broke Up With Me And The Bus Is Lookin Pretty Good Right Bout Now

On3Sh0tKIA Report

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james_fox1984 avatar
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does he mean that he was so angry that he destroyed the bus orrr does he mean that the hole looks good enough to you know, use as a flesh light kinda thing coz he is horny but his ex broke up with him??? I am confused.

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