How Does the "Grieving" Process Work For Both Ends in a Breakup?

I'm one of the girls who broke up with the guy. I had actually thought about it a while before I actually broke up with him, think a week or two.
When I initially decided to break up with him, a week before I actually did, I was a mess. We were together for 4 years and he was a major part of my life. However, I also knew that it was something that I had to do. That very day, I took all the pictures of him down.

The entire week was full of ups and downs. I was fine the day afterward, convinced that I was doing the right thing. The day after that, I was a mess again, doubting myself, every single thing that reminded me of him nearly sent me to tears. By the third day, I just woke up feeling numb. After that, I just kind of got through it.

I cried when I broke up with him and maybe a little the day or so after. I was generally fine after that. I didn't hope it was him every time the phone rang or when I got e-mail. I was so busy with everything else happening in my life that I kind of put it all on the backburner. I had my crying bouts, because it's simply strange for somebody to suddenly not be part of your life.

It's been a roller coaster ever since, but I've finally reached level ground. It's been nearly five months and I've never second-guessed my decision. Little by little, I've discovered myself again, without the title of girlfriend. It took a lot of adjusting. I've only now started to truly believe I'm ready to date again.

wow, that's confusing. but, okay, I'll give it a shot. I just got done helping a girl with a breakup from a while ago and she's still hurting. the relationship wasn't long, but she still feels the love. so really, from the innocent girl point of view, I'd say it crushed her. it's very emotional, physical, and spiritual on the girls side of the relationship. you have the strong, the naive, the stuck up, but then you have the 'other': the girls who really throw it all in there and are left shattered when guys break it up. some will blame the guys, others who are ensecure will blame themselves. "did I do something wrong?" "maybe I was too clingy" "maybe I wasn't satisfying him". insecurities. they'll heal up, though. it will take a while, but they'll smile yet. for the 'do they look back and regret part', ever heard the song 'skater boy' ?