For those of you who are looking to bury your sorrows in a great romantic comedy, the BEST break up movie ever is Sliding Doors, a 1998 British romantic comedy that explores how seemingly unlucky events can end up being a saving grace. Here’s a quick Overview: Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a hardworking British woman struggling with her relationship and her uber-fab...

For those of you who are looking to bury your sorrows in a great romantic comedy, the BEST break up movie ever is Sliding Doors, a 1998 British romantic comedy that explores how seemingly unlucky events can end up being a saving grace.

Here’s a quick Overview:
Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a hardworking British woman struggling with her relationship and her uber-fabulous public relations job. At the opening of the movie we see Helen get fired from her job, pack her sad little box, and attempt to her train home.

Here’s where it gets good – the narrative splits.

If she makes her train, Helen meets an awkward (but cute) gentleman, gets back to her apartment early and discovers that her boyfriend is actually cheating on her. If she misses the train she ends up getting robbed, and her boyfriend continues to cheat on her while she is oblivious.

I don’t want to give away too much, but, if you are wondering if there is a point to all this, there are several:

•Timing isn’t everything; timing is what you make it: So often we look at our last relationship and think that we wasted so much of our time. If we aren’t careful, we can look back and fixate on the clues and instances that should’ve been “red flags.” The truth is that none of that matters. What matters right now – is now. What do you want to do with your life? What have you put on hold in the name of love? Now is the time to make it happen – even if you think it’s long overdue.

• Rejection is protection: Our beloved Helen gets fired from her glamorous PR job AND finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her (in her apartment). Though it’s hard to see in the moment, sometimes getting fired or discovering betrayal are actually ways that the universe is setting us free. While staying oblivious or stagnant feels more comfortable, it’s possible that coasting through life might be blocking us from the things that we really want and deserve.

• “Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition”: This Monty Python allusion pops up twice during the movie, and it also hints at a great truth. Sometimes, we see things coming, but sometimes shit just hits the fan when you least expect it. How we rise (or stumble, sulk and after therapy and friends, eventually rise) to the occasion makes all the difference.

If you are struggling with indecision and nurturing your broken heart, I suggest re-watching Sliding Doors. Trust me, it might make you look at your own situation a little differently.

Patia Braithwaite is memoirist and relationship writer. Check her out at: www.menmyselfandgod.com