8 Rules of the Rebound...

Getting over the end of a relationship can be a slow and painful experience, particularly if you thought he/she was The One.

But as the "I'll never love again" fog lifts and you start seeing the world clearly again (albeit through puffy, bloodshot eyes), it's only natural that your thoughts will eventually turn to meeting someone new.

Let it Be:
It takes time to heal from the rejection, hurt and emotional devastation that comes with the end of a relationship. Make sure you give yourself time to get over things. Don't launch into a rebound relationship before your tear-stained cheeks have dried. The first week post-breakup should be spent with a close friend, bawling like a banshee and not giving a damn what anyone thinks.

Banish the Ex:
Don't call. Don't SMS. Don't email. Don't leave notes on their car windshield. Don't wander by their workplace hoping to "accidentally" bump into them. In short, don't become a crazed stalker. It's unproductive. It's unattractive. And there are laws against it. You'll know when (and if) you can be friends with an ex. Until then, cut the cord and get on with finding someone who actually wants to be with you, not obsessing over someone who doesn't.

Be Kind to Yourself:
Looking after yourself physically and emotionally are the first steps towards getting back in the saddle after a split. Remember to eat (chocolate and chips are fine for the first few days but do try to introduce a few more food groups as the days go by) and drink (thrice as much water as alcohol is a good rule of thumb). Invest in a massage, a short getaway (Vegas works! LOL) or a new haircut. Above all, remember to surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

Go Easy:
Flirting up a storm online is a great self-esteem booster, especially if your confidence has taken a hit. But getting things out of your system by hooking up with workmates, roommates, neighbors or anyone else you see on a regular basis creates more problems than it solves. Don't let your scattered emotions lead you into a liaison with someone close to you, especially someone you know has a crush on you.

Keep it Casual:
If you've got "an itch", by all means scratch it. But don't wreck the bed with the first person that so much as looks at you. Unless you're experienced in the mysterious ways of casual, no-strings sex, now is not the time to get in touch with your Inner Floozy.

Just Perfect:
The phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire" springs to mind when talking about classic rebound behavior. If you've come out of a less-than-satisfactory relationship, the next half-decent person that happens along will seem like God's gift. It's easy to become infatuated with this apparent Mr. or Ms. Right, who at first glance is everything your ex wasn't. But don't fall into the trap of romanticizing a new love interest. They have just as many faults and quirks as your ex -- you're just not familiar with them yet.

Fess Up:
When you do start dating again, it's considered good form to fill your new guy or girl in on the situation. This is not the time for a scathing critique of your ex boyfriend's sexual performance or a bitch session about your last girlfriend's borderline eating disorder. A simple statement of the fact that you are a little fragile due to a recent breakup will suffice.

Don't Over-share:
Resist the temptation to workshop your feelings with a new love interest, especially if you'd ever like to see them again. The emotional train-wrecks that breakups cause are not a pretty sight and anyone with an ounce of compassion will be inclined to offer support, especially to the dumpee. Don't mistake a sympathetic ear for a free counseling session. It's a sure-fire way to sabotage a new relationship before it even gets started.

The path to true love is littered with crumpled tissues, shredded emotions and "Oh-my-God-what-was-I-thinking?" moments. Getting back into the swing of dating takes strength, determination… and a good sense of humor. Go get 'em tiger(es)! :-)