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Don't Do What I Did - Break Up & Bounce Back
THIS IS NOT A RELATIONSHIP BOOK
THIS IS A BREAKUP BOOK
There’s no better high than being in love—so naturally, there’s no bigger crash than a breakup. Hate to break it to you (pun intended), but every relationship in history ends one of two ways: you stay together, or you don’t. And if this book’s in your hands, I’m guessing you’re currently ugly-crying through option two.
You might be feeling all the things: sad, pissed, betrayed, horny (yes, that one sneaks in), or like your ex’s face is suddenly hiding in every damn song, streetlight, and coffee order. Maybe you’re still trying to “understand what happened,” or maybe you’re parked outside their house eating a gas-station muffin while listening to The Tortured Poets Department. And if one more person tells you “time heals all wounds,” you’re going to punch them squarely in the F***ING face.
So let me tell you the truth: time won’t fix this. You will.
And I should know—I’ve suffered through breakups so badly this book had to be called Don’t Do What I Did. I’ve begged, ghosted, texted poems at 2 a.m., and once downed eight espresso martinis in one sitting. That’s right, EIGHT. But I learned from the wreckage. I made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
This isn’t another “move on, queen!” book. It’s the guide to actually surviving heartbreak with your dignity (mostly) intact—and maybe even laughing while you do it.
THIS IS A BREAKUP BOOK
There’s no better high than being in love—so naturally, there’s no bigger crash than a breakup. Hate to break it to you (pun intended), but every relationship in history ends one of two ways: you stay together, or you don’t. And if this book’s in your hands, I’m guessing you’re currently ugly-crying through option two.
You might be feeling all the things: sad, pissed, betrayed, horny (yes, that one sneaks in), or like your ex’s face is suddenly hiding in every damn song, streetlight, and coffee order. Maybe you’re still trying to “understand what happened,” or maybe you’re parked outside their house eating a gas-station muffin while listening to The Tortured Poets Department. And if one more person tells you “time heals all wounds,” you’re going to punch them squarely in the F***ING face.
So let me tell you the truth: time won’t fix this. You will.
And I should know—I’ve suffered through breakups so badly this book had to be called Don’t Do What I Did. I’ve begged, ghosted, texted poems at 2 a.m., and once downed eight espresso martinis in one sitting. That’s right, EIGHT. But I learned from the wreckage. I made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
This isn’t another “move on, queen!” book. It’s the guide to actually surviving heartbreak with your dignity (mostly) intact—and maybe even laughing while you do it.
- GenresSelf Help
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 10, 2026
Oh, Kelsey Confidant Darragh - you did it again!!!!!
I, happily engaged, have been looking forward to this book for MONTHS. This book refines breakups and breakdowns in such a realistic, big-sister way. The nuanced perspective of navigating a break up is so lovely and refreshing to see!
My favorite takeaway is how I need to focus on my own self-talk, pattern allowance, and expectations. Specifically, pages 215-216, “you will find what you are looking for.”
This would be a fantastic book for someone going through a break up (duh), actively dating (lots of great advice in here!!), and/or your everyday emotionally-growing friend (not all breakups are romantic!!)
I wish I could go back and give this book to past-Kendall, but alas I shall just move forward changed and grown - and still growing!!
Completely shallow review point: this book is pretty af and I lOOOOVVEEEEE the cover, design, and general aesthetic.
I always recommend Don’t F!ucking Panic! to people, and will for sure be adding this to the rotation!!
Love you - KD. Always one of your biggest supporters!! 🪩💃🏻💅💜
I, happily engaged, have been looking forward to this book for MONTHS. This book refines breakups and breakdowns in such a realistic, big-sister way. The nuanced perspective of navigating a break up is so lovely and refreshing to see!
My favorite takeaway is how I need to focus on my own self-talk, pattern allowance, and expectations. Specifically, pages 215-216, “you will find what you are looking for.”
This would be a fantastic book for someone going through a break up (duh), actively dating (lots of great advice in here!!), and/or your everyday emotionally-growing friend (not all breakups are romantic!!)
I wish I could go back and give this book to past-Kendall, but alas I shall just move forward changed and grown - and still growing!!
Completely shallow review point: this book is pretty af and I lOOOOVVEEEEE the cover, design, and general aesthetic.
I always recommend Don’t F!ucking Panic! to people, and will for sure be adding this to the rotation!!
Love you - KD. Always one of your biggest supporters!! 🪩💃🏻💅💜
July 10, 2026
What a unique experience to read your partners newest book all about her past experiences in love and heartbreak! I will say it took me a bit longer to read as it’s not every day you have a fully fledged book all about the craziest shit your current partner did while going through breakups but I think that says more about myself (I suffer from chronic second hand embarrassment) than anything about her 😂
While I had heard most of these stories first hand it continually reinforced how amazed I am of this woman with how vulnerable she is with the world, and we are all so damn lucky she is as there is so much to learn and reflect on from the openness (Id say she makes up for my lack of public vulnerability and then some for the both of us lol)
Let me tell you when I say this woman has lived many lives at her young spry age of nearly 36. (don’t tell her I called her young) Kelsey is able to walk you through all phases of love, heartbreak, and healing through personal experiences as well as the knowledge she has learned and studied along the way while making you feel seen and heard for whatever batshit crazy things you did or were thinking of doing when someone stomps on your heart.
It is an amazing combination of workbook/personal journal to help you through the toughest times while also planning and working towards your ideal future.
Even if you aren’t going through a breakup I promise you that there is immense value that you can get from this book by just looking into your own values and how you move about life and relationships. You will find and explore new ways to grow and develop into your most genuine secure self!
*Spoiler alert you shouldn’t get back with your ex no matter how tempting it might feel*
While I had heard most of these stories first hand it continually reinforced how amazed I am of this woman with how vulnerable she is with the world, and we are all so damn lucky she is as there is so much to learn and reflect on from the openness (Id say she makes up for my lack of public vulnerability and then some for the both of us lol)
Let me tell you when I say this woman has lived many lives at her young spry age of nearly 36. (don’t tell her I called her young) Kelsey is able to walk you through all phases of love, heartbreak, and healing through personal experiences as well as the knowledge she has learned and studied along the way while making you feel seen and heard for whatever batshit crazy things you did or were thinking of doing when someone stomps on your heart.
It is an amazing combination of workbook/personal journal to help you through the toughest times while also planning and working towards your ideal future.
Even if you aren’t going through a breakup I promise you that there is immense value that you can get from this book by just looking into your own values and how you move about life and relationships. You will find and explore new ways to grow and develop into your most genuine secure self!
*Spoiler alert you shouldn’t get back with your ex no matter how tempting it might feel*
May 21, 2026
I have been a fan of Kelsey since she fostered/adopted her dog Hippo. I had seen her announcement about her new book, and kept it in mind due to my own marriage difficulties. We separated almost 4 weeks ago, and when I saw another TikTok of her book, I knew I had to read it.
I’ve spent the past 2 weeks reading, journaling, and overall just learning about how to manage the chaos of a breakup. I was such a mess when the separation first happened, and was just so confused why I could not stop crying or cut them off completely. I also had a very hard time identifying what I needed to start the healing process.
This book helped me understand why I was initially such a mess, what my brain was searching for, and how I could calm my nervous system down. Kelsey uses humor, kindness, her own humility, and evidence-based science to help you understand and heal from your break up.
I have a long way to go still, but have started therapy (and also get helpful cuddles from my own rescue dog). Thank you Kelsey for helping me.
I’ve spent the past 2 weeks reading, journaling, and overall just learning about how to manage the chaos of a breakup. I was such a mess when the separation first happened, and was just so confused why I could not stop crying or cut them off completely. I also had a very hard time identifying what I needed to start the healing process.
This book helped me understand why I was initially such a mess, what my brain was searching for, and how I could calm my nervous system down. Kelsey uses humor, kindness, her own humility, and evidence-based science to help you understand and heal from your break up.
I have a long way to go still, but have started therapy (and also get helpful cuddles from my own rescue dog). Thank you Kelsey for helping me.
August 7, 2026
I loved this book. I may be a little biased since I’ve been following Kelsey since her Buzzfeed days but nevertheless I highly recommend this book!
Kelsey shares raw stories from her dating life and what she learned from her experiences. There is humor, frankness, and evidence based science.
I’m no where close to going through a break up BUT I think this book is great for anyone seeking emotional growth. It’s good for self reflection of all relationships in life, whether they are romantic or not.
Throughout the book there’s a number of journal/workbook prompts. Did I mention it’s for self reflection? Kelsey helps tackle the questions you may find lingering post breakup. The ultimate answer - don’t get back with your ex.
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction but I already want to reread and annotate this.
Kelsey shares raw stories from her dating life and what she learned from her experiences. There is humor, frankness, and evidence based science.
I’m no where close to going through a break up BUT I think this book is great for anyone seeking emotional growth. It’s good for self reflection of all relationships in life, whether they are romantic or not.
Throughout the book there’s a number of journal/workbook prompts. Did I mention it’s for self reflection? Kelsey helps tackle the questions you may find lingering post breakup. The ultimate answer - don’t get back with your ex.
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction but I already want to reread and annotate this.
May 29, 2026
A great workbook-style self-help book for when a break-up really kicks your ass. It will make you laugh, cry, and make you feel like it will all be okay (different, but okay!).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I might be a little bias because I wrote it but I think its FAB
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews