When things don't work out in a relationship, it's that early hope and optimism that stands in stark contrast with feelings of heartbreak and disappointment. As with all falls in life, it's important that you acknowledge you've been hurt, but also help yourself get back up again. Here's how.

We know all relationships are unique, and the break-ups that can result from them are, well, even more individual (particularly when it gets bad). ...

Being dumped can bring up a lot of self-doubt. You could start thinking that you're too fat or too scrawny; that you talk too much, or you're too quiet. All of these things are possible, but more than likely, the reasons that you were dumped were about the other person and not you.

The zen master in me wants to put on a soothing voice and say that everything happens for a reason, that we learn from our pasts, and that pain can be a teacher. But let's talk instead about the ways of doing it with class; ways that make it hurt less and leave the door open to friendship. Maybe not right away, but eventually.