Breaking up with a long-term love is never easy, whether you’re the dumpee or the dumper. And one of the most difficult aspects of ending an old relationship is the prospect of starting up a new one. “Re-entering the dating game can be scary, because you’re putting yourself out there and facing possible rejection," notes professional relationship and life coach Amy Schoen, founder of the dating advice Website Heartmind Connection.

But being a single agent again doesn’t have to be a negative experience; in fact, it can be a lot of fun…as long as you follow these tips.

Embrace your singlehood.

Rather than sitting around being depressed about how lonely you are, milk the advantages of being newly independent. "It’s important to keep a positive attitude," says Schoen. Some of the benefits: You can come and go as you please, and you don’t have to answer to anyone. You don’t have to argue about what kind of food to have for dinner or what flick to rent for the evening. “Look at being single as an adventure in which you never know who you’re going to meet and when you’re going to meet them," advises Schoen.

If, however, you’re having a tough time with the transition, check out Dating Again101, where you can get online support, as well as links to navigate that will help you get back on the dating track.

Pamper yourself.

No doubt you’re feeling emotionally scarred. So why not heal your wounds with a little self-indulgence? "Do something that will make you feel better, whether it’s buying a hot new outfit or treating yourself to a massage," says dating coach Patti Feinstein, founder of America's Dating Coach, a Website offering love and relationship advice.

"A self-gratifying pick-me-up will make you feel good and look good," says Feinstein. And that will reignite your confidence, which is essential to dating effectively.

Exorcise your expectations.

If you make meeting the next Mr. Right your main focus, (a) you’ll reek of desperation, which is a total guy-repellent, and (b) you’re going to be disappointed. "Just go out with someone because you think he’s nice or you have a good time together, not because he might be husband material," suggests Schoen.

To help keep your expectations in check, Schoen advises you come up with a mantra, like "we’ll see," or "time will tell." Repeating your mantra whenever your thoughts get ahead of you will put the mental brakes on so you can just take things as they come and let potential relationships evolve organically.

Do what you love to do.

"Instead of going out to find love, do things you enjoy that are interactive," says Feinstein. "Get involved in social activities that force you to engage other people, whether it’s playing tennis or taking dance classes." If you need help finding things to do, check out Meetup.

Log on and type in your interest and zip code, and you’ll get a list of tons of group activities in your area with people who share your interests. By putting your energy into activities that bring you pleasure rather than stressing about meeting your next soul mate, you’ll be enjoying yourself, which is key. "When you’re involved in something you love to do, you’re happy," says Feinstein. "And happiness attracts other people. So have fun. Don’t look forward; don’t look back. Just enjoy the moment."