I experienced my first breakup when I was a freshman at college. It was heartbreaking, but luckily my friends had my back. Contrary to societal expectation of males, I let myself call as many friends as possible on the phone to break the news and tell them how I felt. I had a meltdown for days, but I didn’t force myself to toughen up. I fully relied on my friends, who made me feel so loved and safe. I felt like I had grown through this experience, not alone, but because of my supportive friends.