How to cope when your ex boyfriend has a new girlfriend

Spending time with your own friends will help you through this difficult time

Overview
A breakup with your boyfriend can be traumatizing enough, but if he has a new girlfriend, you might find yourself feeling angry, despondent, unworthy and more than a little jealous. Coping with the fact that your ex has a new woman in his life requires focusing on your life, not his---and certainly not hers. During this time, treat yourself with kindness and compassion, show integrity by minding your own business and not inquiring after theirs, and develop your self-confidence and personal strengths.

Step 1
Maintain as much distance as you can from your ex-boyfriend. Don't call him, "accidentally" run into him, send him text messages or frequently check his Facebook or MySpace page. It won't do you any good to see his new girlfriend's sweet or romantic messages posted on his wall, and you don't need to know what's he's busy doing. In the long run, it'll only cause you grief and prevent you from moving on with your life.

Step 2
Spend as much time as you can away from his circle of friends as well as mutual friends. You probably don't want to know about your ex and his girlfriend, and you just might hear something through the grapevine if you hang out with people in close contact with your ex. Spend time with your own friends, who will be happy to help you through this difficult time.

Step 3
Realize that the breakup---and your ex's new relationship---isn't the end of the world. "Rejection is the big monster, the boogeyman, the adult spook by which you scare yourself," says Paul A. Hauck, author of "Overcoming Jealousy and Possessiveness." While being unloved by someone can be uncomfortable and sad, it's nothing to panic about or dwell upon.

Step 4
Remember that your ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend is no better than you are. Don't try to compare her to yourself or seek out her flaws. Just because your ex is with her now doesn't mean she's more attractive, smarter, funnier, kinder or sexier than you are.

Step 5
Develop your passions or find new hobbies. Right now you need distraction and something to make you feel good about yourself. Take a class, join a club, write, paint or volunteer. You'll boost your self-esteem, participate in something worthwhile and maybe make a few new friends.

Step 6
Go to the gym, jog or play tennis. Regular exercise can improve your mood, boost your "feel-good" endorphins and help relieve stress. "As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do," says MayoClinic.com.

Source:livestrong.com