Are you suffering from the pain of a broken heart? You know the symptoms. You get weepy just thinking about spending springtime alone. You know you should get out and do something, but everything reminds you of your lost love. Maybe you've even accepted that it's over and you should start dating someone else but the very thought of putting yourself out there is enough to make you dig out the ice cream and curl up on the couch for a good cry. I know where you're coming from and I feel for you, really I do. When my good buddy Darren recently, and reluctantly, ended a 2+ year relationship with his girl, he needed some help getting back into the swing of things. Here's the advice I gave him.

1.Give yourself time to grieve. When a relationship goes south, you're losing more than just your former partner's company. You're rewriting your future without them. You need time to process it. So go ahead and have a good cry. Stop in at the gym and really lay into the punching bag. Breaking up stinks, even when you're the one who said goodbye.

2.Pamper and treat yourself well. Indulge in a day at the spa. Hang out with friends who make you laugh. Start remembering the things you liked to do pre-relationship. Go golfing or surfing. Take in a comedy show. Lay in a supply of your favorite funny movies and laugh yourself silly. Nothing heals quite as well as laughter and good company.

3.Feeling better now? Good. Now's the time to take a good hard look at yourself. Would you want to date you? It's really easy to get complacent when you're in a relationship. If you're not happy with your look, do something about it. Get a new haircut, join the gym, or just buy yourself one outfit that makes you look and feel fabulous.

4.Don't stop with the outside. Take the time to spruce up your attitude and work on your outlook. Remember that like attracts like, and work on being someone you'd like to spend time with.

5.Are you ready for the next step? Now it's time for the big step and get out there and meet new people. Wait, take a deep breath and pay attention. Notice I didn't say 'go out and find love again!' Just go out and have fun. Sign up to learn how to do the tango. Go to an open mike night at a coffee house. Heck, if you're really brave, get up there and perform at an open mike night. You'd be amazed how many people will come to talk to you just because you have the guts to get up there.

That's it! Before you know it, you'll be out there and dating again and it won't have hurt a bit. Remember, after every sunset, there will be a sunrise with renewed opportunity to find lasting friendship and love.