Anyone who's been dumped will know that there are a few standard coping techniques that you should be aware of.
There's the diet of fried chicken and beer, the soundtrack of Smiths songs you'd never otherwise listen to and the ritual destruction of any leftover belongings. Bravely bucking the trend, Eric Smith decided to do something a little bit more leftfield.
It all started with the decision to propose to his girlfriend. Unlike the majority of guys, Smith went to great efforts to have a special ring designed just for her. She'd described her ideal ring and he'd followed it down to the very finest detail, including a canary yellow diamond.
But before he'd had the chance to propose, she broke it to him that she was actually leaving to be with someone else. Smith was now stuck with a broken heart and an expensive, niche ring which he couldn't bear to look at. Even after selling it on eBay, he needed to get rid of the money and be done with the whole sorry situation.
So, he did what any sane gamer would do: have an artist create a full-scale suit of armour modelled after Master Chief from Halo. It's something he'd always wanted and without any other major responsibilities, he made one of the most significant purchases he'd ever made.
Not sure if it'll help him find another girlfriend though...
(Images: Eric Smith)