DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of two years just broke up with me. He said he wants to date other people.
Abby, he has been a part of my life for two years and he's my best friend in all the world. I know that time heals all wounds, but how can I be around him when I still love him so dearly? He still wants to see me, and I wouldn't ever think of throwing our friendship away. But being around him, I can't help but think of how much I love him. Any coping tips? -- BROKENHEARTED, LAKE FOREST, ILL.
DEAR BROKENHEARTED: It's next to impossible to be close to someone who has rejected you and not bleed. Therefore, I would recommend at least a short "recess" in this friendship. Wear a heavy rubber band loosely around one wrist. Every time you get depressing thoughts of him, snap the rubber band. The pain in your wrist will distract you from the pain in your heart.
Face it: Getting over a romance is like quitting smoking. Although it's traumatic, "cold turkey" is the most effective and least painful way to do it. If you sneak a puff here, and sneak a puff there, you'll never get the nicotine out of your system.