Everyone seems to have been through a broken heart or two. With all the practice, you'd think breakups would become easier to deal with. Alas, being dumped is one of the crummiest situations we mere mortals have to surmount. One saving grace is that almost all of us seek out love again. If someone has just broken your heart and if the last thing you want to hear is that there are other fish in the sea then read on.

One big step in moving on with your life is to attain closure. You need to ask your partner why they want to end the relationship. In some situations the reasons are obvious yet it still helps to get burning questions off your chest. Don't show any weakness to your ex, if they can't appreciate what a wonderful human being you are then all your crying and begging will most likely fall on deaf ears. If you want to rant and rave then do so, in the privacy of your own home. If you are completely livid then write out all your emotions in a letter to your ex, only refrain from actually sending it to them. Re reading your letter every time you need to work through your frustrations gradually helps to ease the pain. Be sure to spend time with friends and family, even if it's the last thing you feel like doing. Embrace your inner strength and independence and reconnect with yourself.

The best way to cut those heart strings is by ridding your exes' shadow from your daily life. Go ahead and pack all mementos (pictures, gifts, notes etc.) into a shoe box to be stored in an attic or garage. Throwing them out may not be the best idea as some relationships are rekindled or fondly remembered at a later stage. Sever all links between you and your ex. Leave an answering machine on to take your calls and restrict e-mail access from them. Visiting your bar, club or restaurant is a bad idea, not only may you be inundated with a flood of emotional memories but you may also end up running into your ex (most likely with a new mate in tow). If you and your ex share common friends then keep in touch by e-mail. Apply the golden rule of not inquiring into your ex' s new life without you. Friends are in a tough spot so don't put them in a position to choose between the two of you.

Give yourself at least a few months before entering into another serious relationship. There's no sense in rushing headfirst into anything, life may be short but almost all of us are eventually lucky in love. When all is said and done and your last tear has fallen then muster up some hope, for cupids arrow may be headed your way.