The first step is to accept reality. Your love is gone. This may take some time, depending on how serious your relationship was. The sooner you accept the fact that your girlfriend is not coming back, the sooner you can begin to move on with your life.

Do not look at her photographs and other things that may remind you of her. Throw out anything that your ex gave you. Those things may bring back memories that you don't want to remember.

Remove her phone number from your phone book and recent call list. Do not call your ex, do not write emails, letters or text messages. If your ex calls you don't answer or reply to her messages.

Call your friends and hang out with them. Spend time in places where you can meet interesting new people and make new friends.

Make a list of things that you love and hate about your ex-girlfriend. There are definitely going to be more negative ones. So, whenever you're feeling attracted to your ex again, go over that list.

Avoid your ex. If you run into each other at the same place, leave. If this is not possible, just say hello and ask your ex about her work, or something like that. Don't talk about your past relationship. Your ex-girlfriend is probably trying to get over you as well.

Think of all things you can do now that you are single. Find something constructive to do - and then do it. Take up a new hobby and enroll in some classes. Alternatively, you can work hard and focus on your career. Work can be a great distraction.

And, of course, DO date other people.