A bad breakup can mean months of going to bed early after watching a movie alone with a now-empty pint of ice cream. But it shouldn't be that way. Rebounding after being dumped or having to end a relationship is a great opportunity to grow as a person and make new connections with your newfound freedom. Learn about dating after a breakup to make sure you will get the most out of your bad experience.

1. Date someone new. Really new. Take a chance with someone that you never thought you would have dated before. Someone who is the polar opposite of your previous partner. Did your old boyfriend have a bad case of road rage and a talent for scarfing down chili dogs? Take up a new poetry class to find someone with a sweet personality.
2. Don't take dating too seriously. But don't hurt anyone, either. Casual dating is great and should not lead to much commitment. But if you feel tempted to take out your hurt feelings on someone else, and treat them badly in a new relationship – don't.
3. Talk to friends. Not only will your friends lift your spirits, they might be able to introduce you to someone new. If your friends aren't that helpful, talk to cousins or anyone who is close to you who might also have connections.
4. Surround yourself with joy. Avoid trying to date someone who is recovering from a breakup too. You might bond out of misery and neediness, but you will be so much happier dating someone who is lighthearted and fun.
5. Don't date. Fling. Go out with multiple people without starting a relationship. Starting a new commitment is the worst thing you can do at this point. Keeping a casual attitude will help distract you and keep you from the lonely depression of staying at home.
6. Look good. When you're single, you can be messy, wear sweatpants all the time, stop shaving, and gain 20 pounds. Avoid the temptation, though. Get a makeover and keep yourself groomed. You will have a blast of self esteem each time you look in the mirror, and you'll realize just how great you are – too great to care about your breakup.
7. Learn from your mistakes. Were you too clingy? Were you trying to change someone who just wasn't right for you? Don't bring yourself down, but don't ignore opportunities for self-improvement, either.
8. Stay away from your ex. Texting your ex or trying to be friends with them is a bad idea. There will be too much emotion to handle. If you start a new relationship, it will not be fair to your new boyfriend or girlfriend.

You might still be upset about your breakup, but learning more about dating other people will help you get through it. Do not allow yourself to soak in misery at home – put yourself out there, and realize that you will be feeling a lot better really soon.