You might have stumbled on Mariah Grippo’s TikToks on your FYP and thought to yourself “damn, I feel seen.” That’s because she candidly lets us into her dating life–sharing the good times, like getting ready for a first date, and the not-so-good ones, like when it ends with someone you really like. The “Queen of UR DONE” unapologetically posts about what she wants in a partner and what she definitely won’t allow. It’s refreshing and empowering to her 125k+ followers. When she’s not taking us along on her journey to find love, she’s contributing to the growth of Little Words Project as Brand Director.
In this #howimend interview, Mariah opens up about the mindset that keeps her hopeful for love, why she shares her stories on social media, and what helps her regain strength after heartbreak.
If you think back to the first time you were heartbroken, what advice would you give to that younger version of yourself?
I think my real first heart break was when I realized that my high school "love" was no longer suiting me as I became a college student. I cared deeply about this person, and I know I did because he didn't actually do anything WRONG to me, but I still knew in my heart it was time for our story to end, and it hurt so bad! I think it was heartbreaking in a way that for the first time I realized I had to put myself first even if someone doesn't hurt you, you can choose to walk away from a relationship if it no longer fuels you. If I could go back in time and tell teenage Mariah something about heartbreak it would be that it's going to happen a hundred more times until the Universe, and God, gives you the person who is meant for you. Don't dwell on the wrong people. If it feels wrong, it's probably wrong. Put Mariah first.
What has heartbreak taught you about yourself?
Heartbreak has taught me that I will always get back up again and keep trying because I do believe I am destined to find true love. Heartbreak doesn't mean I don't deserve love, it just means that wasn't my person and to keep my heart open until I do find that person.
What are your rituals during a breakup? What things/practices/people helped you mend?
That's tough because it's different every single time. I will say, something I always do is talk about it with my loved ones. I know I can sound like a broken record, but I think that speaking to people who deeply care about me helps me regain my strength and remember how worthy of love I truly am. I also share my stories through my social media platforms like tiktok, and though many people may not agree with this tactic, I do think that sharing stories with other people who can possibly relate helps me to feel less alone, and really allows me to turn pain into my passion.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about love so far in your life?
You can't force anything that isn't meant for you. If it isn't happening the way you thought it might, or the way you romanticized it to turn out in your head, that means it wasn't meant to work, it's as simple as that. Love should be easy, I think. It should feel safe and correct, and the second it feels like something you have to force or fight for, that probably means it isn't right. Whatever is meant to happen for me is already written in my stars.
Thinking back to breakups you’ve had, did you have any breakup vices (checking your ex’s Insta, etc.) and how do you conquer them?
Of course! I still look at my ex's IG following once a day LOL just kidding, but sometimes I do :) I think every piece of a breakup from start to finish there isn't any actual recipe or correct way to do it. Pain and heart ache isn't solved overnight. The ONLY way to conquer those little annoying devilish moments like checking their IG or stalking their Twitter is with TIME. Time, time, time. Every single day that you get up again and keep progressing forward in your life after a heartbreak is the only solve for those little low moments. Soon you will look up his Twitter less, you will forget to check his IG, it won't matter anymore because time truly heals all wounds. Giving yourself grace during the whole breakup rollercoaster is all you can do. SO my advice is- stalk the IG a little bit, and check the tweets, but know that soon you won't need to anymore, and you are so close to feeling healed, just keep being patient with yourself.
Do you think exes can be friends? Do you stay friends with your exes on social media?
LOL no. IDK maybe for some people, but not for me. I am not friends with any of my ex's. A few of them I wish nothing but the best for, but I don't need to be besties with them absolutely not.
What keeps your heart open, despite the heartbreaks you’ve had in your life?
OOF this is tough. I think my faith keeps me grounded in every aspect of my life that could sometimes feel rocky. I believe deeply that there is a greater plan for me, and for my love life, and I just BELIEVE I am going to find love when the time comes. I have to live with this mindset, otherwise what am I going to do? Allow pain and heartbreak to win??? Hell no. My heart is open because it has to be. I deserve love and I am going to have it.
What is your favorite song about heartbreak?
I've been listening to a ton of Giveon lately, and he sings almost exclusively about heartbreak. His latest album "Give or Take" takes you through a full journey of the highs and lows of love, but also the toxicity of it that we all sometimes face while we're getting to know someone. The song "Another Heartbreak" is beautiful because he's saying- he can't take another heartbreak, not saying it's going to fail, but just know that he's scared to death that it could all end and he's back at square one. WHEW the way I can relate to that sentiment!!! I think heartbreak doesn't only happen when you've been with someone for years, but it can happen with someone you've only known for a month and felt a really strong bond with. Heartbreak sucks. Listen to Giveon.
What is your favorite movie about heartbreak?
Isn't every movie about heartbreak? LOL. I guess The Notebook is a classic heartbreak/love story that I love.
What projects are you currently working on, and looking forward to most?
As a member of a brand that I am so proud to be a part of (Little Words Project) we constantly have things happening that I am super excited about. There's so many fun things on the horizon- like more and more stores opening in major cities AH!
