By Laura Snyder

You thought breaking up was the hard part. But now you hear your ex is dating – or worse, in a nauseatingly happy relationship – and suddenly you wonder if there isn’t something wrong with you for not being ready for a rebound of your own.

Even if the breakup was your idea, it’s natural to feel positively deflated at the news your old flame is lighting someone else’s fire. Here’s how to handle it.

Movin’ On Move #1: Quit the Comparisons

It will not help you to speculate whether your new replacement is hotter, smarter, sexier, or cooler than you. At best, the comparathon will sap your self-esteem. At worst, you’re subject to losing sight of why you broke up in the first place. Don’t let yourself second guess your decision.

Movin’ On Move #2: Stay Away. Far, Far Away

You’ll get over your ex much faster – and without totally losing your mind – if you can avoid catching a glimpse of him or her getting over you with someone else. So go out of your way to avoid crossing their path (at least for awhile) and tell your friends you don’t need to hear about them running into the new happy couple.

Movin’ On Move #3: Don’t Cave to Humiliation

It’s normal to feel embarrassed when it seems the world is talking about your ex sucking face with someone new. While it feels like the gossip mill must be talking about what a loser you are, and how sorry they feel for you, they really aren’t. People who care about you (and who else matters?) are focused on how you’re doing, not who your ex is doing.

Movin’ On Move #4: Think Positive

Enough with mourning the loss of Mr or Miss Wrong. Remember this: it just brings you that much closer to Right.