When you've loved someone, those feelings never totally disappear but they do fade, with time. Because you are holding a torch for your ex and refusing to fully accept the reality of what has happened, you are inadvertently prolonging your misery. Here's something that you could try to do. I'm assuming that your ex was not perfect and that there were things about him that you did not always like. Make a list of those things and study it carefully. Whenever you're feeling like you're missing him, check out the list. And, while you're checking out the list, think of other guys you know who do not manifest these negative qualities. Know that there are a lot of people out there who you might click with. Try to get involved with other people (not in a romantic way — you're not ready for that yet) and other activities. Time is your friend.
Related:
Aaaawkward!, Dr. Lovemonkey: Commitment-phobes, rude dudes, Dr. Lovemonkey: Burned and Brrrrr-ed, More
- Aaaawkward!
I am a female senior in college and good friends with a guy I've known since high school. He and I have become even closer over the course of our college years. Earlier this semester, we went out for a few drinks and ended up making out back at my apartment. We decided not to talk about it and to pretend that nothing ever happened.
- Dr. Lovemonkey: Commitment-phobes, rude dudes
My boyfriend of a year and a half, "Bill," recently asked me to move in with him. For the most part it's been good, but there's one problem.
- Dr. Lovemonkey: Burned and Brrrrr-ed
I went out with this woman for about six months and we broke it off a couple of years ago because she said she didn't have time for a relationship.
- Doggie benefits
Can't share
- 'Sleepover? I thought you said rapeover!'
Dear Dr. Lovemonkey: My name is Sheila and I'm 17 years old. I met a guy through a dating website. He thinks I'm 18 and I actually will be 18 in five months. We have arranged to meet ...
- Celebrating the original DIY
Like you, dear readers, I was apparently too busy exploring south of the border to even realize it, but I just found out that May was National Masturbation Month.
- Dr. Lovemonkey: A bad move
I've been with my girlfriend, Tanya, for three years (off and on). For about the past year or so, she has been eager for us to move in together.
- Cheatin' hearts and depleted synapses
Here's my dilemma: I know a woman at work who is married ...
- Dr. Lovemonkey: Trouble calling
I'm a 27-year-old woman who has been happily married for two-and-a-half years. Before I got involved with my husband, I went with a guy we'll call "Joe." We went together for only a short while. It was not what I would consider a "serious" relationship.
- Ask Dr. Lovemonkey: Politenessman
Dr. Lovemonkey answers your questions
- Hippies and pre-teens and dating; Oh my!
I'm planning to attend a rally for social and economic justice soon and I'm wondering what to wear.
- Less

Topics:
Dr Love Monkey
, Culture and Lifestyle, Relationships, Romance, More
, Culture and Lifestyle, Relationships, Romance, sex, Dr. Lovemonkey, Love, advice, Breakups, Less