Get Over Lost Love
by Linda Rains

We've all stumbled through love's cruelest of obstacles at one time or another. That moment you realize the relationship is over, your bags are packed, and you've hit the road toward Single City. Whether we plan this trip ourselves, or it's delivered as a one-way flight courtesy of the significant other, as the saying goes, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do!"

There's no denying it, those break-up blues seem to strike without mercy. And really, it never seems to matter if we've been together only a few measly months or even several years. They shoot straight for the heart and show no pity. It's true, those first weeks without that at-one-time-attached-at-the-hip mate may feel unbearable. Kleenex boxes are never kept out of arm's reach, certain cinematic productions can result in near breakdown, and after 42 repeat plays, we become convinced that R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" was somehow penned just for us.

During this time, it's hard to imagine we'll ever pick up, find our smile, and re-enter the world the person we once were. But we all do, and usually we bring with us either a never-before-realized enthusiasm for our new role as "single without a care," or a rejuvenated excitement to begin again the search for true love. One day, without explanation, it dawns on us that life will go on after the breakup! And typically, it's the little, self-indulgent things that help us make it through.

If you're feeling down on love, immerse yourself in our 18 tips to get past it and say adios to that aching heart! (And have a little fun in the process!)

1. Sign up for a serious shopping spree. Find the city's best retail getaway and treat yourself to a daring new do, a wild wardrobe (something of which he'd would never approve), or a sexy new stiletto. Enlist the assistance of your two closest friends (for a little empathy on the side). Then liberate that wallet! You deserve it!

2. Pack your bags and take a weekend backroad trip with your best friend. Make a commitment to stop at every junk food shop and ice cream parlor along the way.

3. Exercise your rights to have fun and look great! Take up a new high action hobby like running, inline skating or turbo kickboxing. Finagle yourself a two-week pass at that gym you've been eyeing, and work that man (or woman) right out of your system!

4. Pamper yourself with a day at the spa. What could possibly be more comforting than an all-over body massage by Inga, your own personal masseuse?

5. Get it all out with a good cry. Throw your own pity-party and make yourself the honored guest. Trust us. You'll get it out of your system, find yourself feeling better, and one day laugh about this so-called loss.

6. When it comes right down to it, you're better off without her! Make a list of all the reasons you've got to give her memory the boot. You'll never miss another sporting event, poker night with the boys, or that small venue concert you'd previously turned down.

7. Is it cold outside? Build yourself a goodbye bonfire complete with every single photograph, love letter and souvenir ticket-stub from that long lost lover!

8. Declare a moratorium on dating. Give yourself a break from the couple's scene and focus on anything and everything unrelated to the opposite sex. Feel like skydiving, hang gliding or bungee jumping with the guys? Want to host an all-day girls-only chick flick marathon? Who's to stop you now!

9. Forget fat grams! Treat yourself to your most indulgent dinner, accompanied by a glass (or two) of your favorite bubbly, and followed by a most decadent dessert. Calories? Who's counting?

10. Don your snazziest boots, get decked out, and head for the dance floor. Two-step your way right up to that cowboy (or cowgirl) and lasso that heart for the night!

11. Get your favorite group of guys or girls together for an evening on the town. Dress to the nines and find the city's most exclusive hot spot for a night of carefree celebrating and carousing!

12. Indulge in an oversized pint of Ben and Jerry's (chocolate chip cookie dough, please!) while nestled under your most cozy blanket and propped in front of your favorite oldie but goodie. May we suggest Casablanca for the most terminally ill at heart?

13. Get right back in the saddle and flirt your way in to a month full of new dates. Go all out and don't hold back as you familiarize yourself with that old charm. You'll find it's like riding a bike. And if not, practice makes perfect!

14. They say chocolate has endorphins that stimulate the same feelings as love. What better reason for a Hershey's hosted overdose?

15. Seek a higher knowledge. Enroll yourself in a photography, rock-climbing or writing course. Keeping yourself busy is the best distraction from potential downers. Besides, you never know who you'll find as your weekend study buddy!

16. Never refer to the "other" by name. Work together with friends to come up with a less-than-desirable nickname for the person in question. Me, I'll never forget Tom-the-Jerkface.

17. Get a pet! There's no question where man's (or woman's) best friend's loyalty lies. And nobody gets hurt when Fido earns his spot in the doghouse.

18. And last but certainly not least... sign up as the hottest, most eligible single at Match.com. Because there's plenty of fish in the sea!