The X Factor

I saw him. His beautiful face stood out amongst the crowd. He looked like an angel. His eyes were bright; I studied each feature of his face so that I could replay it in my mind over and over again. I watched from the dark corner of the room, hoping that he wouldn't see me. I cringed, as I watched in slow motion the slim, pale girl kiss him, softly on the lips.

I watched him smile. My knees went to rubber, and I felt sick with envy. I kissed him like that once; he gave me the same smile too. In fact, I'm much prettier than she is.

I summoned up enough courage to walk up to him. I put on the brightest smile and fluttered my long lashes (thank you Maybelline!).

"Hello stranger!" I exclaimed, with a hint of flirtation in my voice!
"Oh hello" he said, somewhat taken by surprise.
'Little Miss Pale-face' was shocked and scowled with anger as she recalled exactly who I was. Yes, that's right, I am the EX-GIRLFRIEND! I don't usually like being referred to as that, but I've heard worse. I'd prefer to be called by my first name, but 'ex' will do for now....

Being in a relationship is difficult, making it work is much harder, but coming to grips with seeing your ex-boyfriend is more of a painful ordeal especially when you are the 'dumpee'.

As you can gather, the day in question was an utter nightmare! Although my friends have told me that I was as cool-as-a-cucumber, I felt like a complete clown! I wanted to show him that I was no crybaby and that I had moved on with my life. And I wanted to show off my trendy new haircut!

But sometimes it is hard when that person tells you that they don't want to be with you anymore because as the 'dumpee', you never know when 'IT' is coming.

The important thing to remember is that if, or when, you encounter the ex-boyfriend, keep calm (no outbursts!), and cool.

Here are three tips to keep you looking cool:

1. Summon up all the confidence you have. You are a great person - just because it didn't work out with Mr Perfect, doesn't mean it's the end of the world, as there are plenty more 'potentials' to choose from!

2. Think of five things you like about yourself and use them to your advantage. For example, your witty streak, your eyes or your beautiful smile! (For maximum effect, I recommend the smile because you have a lot to smile about; just the anxious look on his face will make you laugh!)

3. Make sure you dash to the ladies room with your friends prior to the confrontation. You can always count on your friends for a pep-talk and a dab of lip gloss (I recommend a red gloss!) I know that my strength came from my friends because they were there to stick it out with me through thick and thin and I am quite certain that your friends will too!

I am sure 'Mr Ex' will be kicking himself when he realises what a stunner you are, after all, it goes without saying that you always want what you don't have. So get out there girl and say 'bye bye' to the blues because being single is great! There is a 'Mr Perfect' out there for everyone, you just need to adjust your preferences and keep searching!

- Belinda (belinda@girl.com.au)