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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.
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 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!! 🪩💃🏻💅💜
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I might be a little bias because I wrote it but I think its FAB
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!).
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews