It doesn't just happen. It's a process and takes time.

My first suggestion is to leave off the last part of your question, "and date again" for the immediate future. I know what you meant when you asked, so its just semantics, but what you will find is that you will need to focus on the breakup and your own process to get through it before dating will come in to play.

People can tell you how they handled the situation given what they had to go through to get to the other side, so thats a good thing, but whats important is to remember that what others go through may be similar, but is not you or your situation. That some of the things they did to get above the water line, may not be some things that work for you. Don't get stuck and think you are just doomed, continue on and find what works for you.

This place is good for most members because you get a variety of stories given the many experiences our members have gone through. So just be honest as you can with yourself, post when you need to and just take the steps now that this process has started. I think its great you are jumping in and already posting, some members will wait awhile before starting the own threads, and thats Ok too. Reading and supporting others has its own value, I know it helps me a great deal when I am struggling.

Keep searchiong, keep on working through what comes your way and always try to keep your integrity, character and beliefs in tact as they will be tested. We all get tested and pushed sometimes to where we implode/explode and act out of character when we feel a certain way, its Ok as long as you don't let the nastiness consume and define you. Those moments are gonna come so dont beat yourself up too bad, just learn from them how to handle things better next time. Thats all you can do in general whether you are going through a breakup or just everyday life beating you down.

You have to in the end remember to always be true to you.

Welcome to the group

You don't forget what the last person did to you. You use what the last person did to you remind you of what you could have instead of focusing on "its going to happen again". How you refocus on this is up to you.

I think ChiTownBear hit it right on the head. The best way to get over the breakup is not to rush it. Let yourself heal and get your life stable. TTMI729 was right as well. it does take time. You will know when you are ready to date again. Until then, enjoy yourself and pamper yourself lol.