Unless you’ve been locked in an underground bunker for the last 24 hours, we’re pretty sure you’ve heard the news about One Direction’s alleged ‘extended hiatus’ in March. We’re not dealing with this information very well (as we’re sure you’ll understand).

We’re currently clinging to the fact that there’s been no announcement from the boys themselves, and ‘hiatus’ is a much more comforting word than ‘split’, but we’re still feeling a bit like Rachel from Friends. It sounds a bit too much like we’re all going on a break.

We quickly realised we don’t know exactly what being on a break from One Direction means, so we spoke to relationship expert and dating coach Jo Barnett. Warning: dark times may be ahead…

Jo told us, “On a break means they are now free to pursue their own paths, even 'see' or 'work ' with other artists. They are letting the public down gently. They have taken the relationship as far as it can go”.

“A break will hopefully give them time to reflect back on their fame and their influence in the media. They have time to set new personal goals and grow as individuals. This is a very healthy thing for a group of young boys who have had so much in such a short time”.

We also asked Jo what the boys should be doing in their (potential) time apart, and she suggested that they should “work on themselves, figure out what makes them happy and invest in maintaining friendships with each other”.

We couldn’t agree more – we’re happy as long as they are (but obviously we’d be much happier if they stayed together forever and released a new album every year).

But what about us? How are we meant to cope if One D are no more? Jo’s advice is that we “keep enjoying their music and enjoy the good times and memories! The boys are not dead, simply taking a break and going in other directions. Watch this space and let's wish one direction the best of luck!”

Wise words.