When you're the broken half of a breakup, it's hard to feel lovable. Your friends tell you to get out there and meet someone new. Your family tells you that you're great and that you'll find someone better. But you feel like there must be something wrong with you.

You just want to curl up on the sofa and ignore the opposite sex for a while. Don't do it!

OK, you can give yourself a little recovery time, feeling sorry for yourself and indulging in comfort food and TV at home. But not too long!

The healing takes time, but it also takes some effort on your part. Don't think too much about what went wrong. Of course you want to understand it so you can learn from it. But focus more on what you want in a partner and a relationship next time around.

Schedule opportunities. Keep yourself busy with activities that interest you. Try group classes that would attract other singles, such as tennis or golf lessons, yoga sessions, or dance classes. Ask a friend to go along if that's easier. Getting yourself out there talking to people will help you feel connected and stronger.

Don't look for love right away. Take the approach you would if you were the new kid in school. You wouldn't try to make a best friend on the first day. You'd try to be friendly, get to know people, and let them know you're likeable. That's how you should behave when you're out with friends and mingling with the opposite sex.

Fake your confidence if you must. When you think you're ready to start dating again, confidence is the biggest attraction factor. If you're still not feeling it, you'll have to fake it until you make it. Wear nice clothes, not slouchy attire that screams "I don't care!" Pay attention to your grooming. Smell good and look good. Even if you don't talk to a single dating prospect, this will help you feel more confident.

Allow subtle setups. In the beginning as you're gearing up for dating again, ask friends if they have anyone they'd like you to meet. Don't agree to any blind dates. But your friends can invite you both to a gathering or plan a group night out. That way you have a comfortable, low-pressure setting to get acquainted and see if you'd like any one-on-one time.

Take a risk. When you find someone you're possibly interested in dating, take a chance. Yes, you could get hurt again. But you could also find someone warm and fun to hang out with. Keep on putting it out there and eventually the returns will be worth your efforts. Above all, have fun!