By PAUL KATCHER	Email this article to a friend

February 14, 2003

Been dumped? Ready to do the   dumping? Internet advice is easy   to find THE IMAGE BANK

Now for the unpleasant part: the breakup. We hope it doesn't come to this for you, but should your relationship start to resemble this page of 10 signs it's time break up, best you know how to handle it.

Of course, breaking up is never easy for either party. If it's the best decision for you, this article on how to break up with someone offers some advice that could curtail any nasty feelings down the road. No e-mail. No phone. Be honest, and try not to leave scars.

If you're on the receiving end of a break-up, you might have some more work to do. Often times the grief of losing a lover is akin to dealing with death, so it's not trivial. This break-up FAQ addresses the uncertainty that comes with the associated emotional and physical pain. Lisa Daily authored The Dumped Survival Guide for those who need help getting through the toughest part of recovery, the first 30 days. With each passing week, her No. 1 rule remains the same: "Whatever you do, don't call your ex." For a more long-term view of the road ahead, check out Dealing with Rejection: The Nine Phases and Letting Go: The 18 Steps.

iVillage.com's Mending Broken Hearts message board is a good place for women to vent. If nothing else, at least there's the company of people who will listen and respond.

Dating after divorce is a little tougher, especially if it's after a long relationship and you're not sure how to get your children through it. This article on rebuilding after divorce contains advice on taking care of yourself, in general.

Eventually, it'll be time to get back on the horse and go for another ride. In which case we take you back to part 1 of this project, Finding a Date. Rinse, repeat. Good luck.