If your relationship with the love of your life has come to an end and she's already dating another guy, you're probably wondering what you can do to get her back.

A rebound relationship is one where she is dating someone else to get over you. Rebound relationships keep people from having to deal with the emotions of breaking up. They're used to help people move on from a real love.

And that's the key to getting your ex back. She's in a rebound relationship to deal with losing you.

Don't spend time endlessly analyzing who was at fault for the break up, or why you lost her. It doesn't matter who did the actual breaking up with whom. All that really matters is that you have a real love.

Almost all relationships based on real love are salvageable.

In an attempt to steer clear of all that was wrong in your relationship, and to avoid reminders of you, chances are she's chosen to be in a rebound relationship with someone who is your polar opposite. If you were a nice guy, he'll be a bad boy. If you were into classical musical, he probably likes heavy metal (or vice versa).

If she's obsessed with choosing someone different from you, this is actually a good sign. First, it means she's still focusing her mental energy on getting over you, even though she's with someone new. It also lets you see where she's coming from in terms of what she's looking for.

If she's picked your polar opposite for a rebound relationship, then it most likely means that something was missing from your relationship. Use the (short) time she spends with the rebound guy to work on improving yourself.

Don't try to interfere in the rebound relationship; just let it take its natural course. The fact is as she begins to spend more time with rebound guy, she'll begin noticing his flaws. After a month or so you'll start looking like a pretty attractive option.

This is why you don't want her to come running right back. She needs time for the idea to sink in that she misses the good things in the relationship she had with you. When she does finally make her move, be gracious. Welcome her back with open arms. Do show her your new, improved self, but don't chase after her.

Here are some specific steps to take when your ex is in a rebound relationship:

? Avoid trying to persuade her that you are the love of her life. Give her time to realize this on her own.

? Don't go overboard with apologies. Do say you're sorry if you did something wrong, but then let it go. She already knows why she loves you.

? Don't promise her you'll change. Besides, it's you she fell in love with, and it's you'll she'll expect when she comes back.

? Don't try to make her see that it wasn't your fault. She will come to appreciate that over time ? but only if you haven't made her invest energy in defending her position that it was your fault.

? Whatever you do, don't grovel. No begging her to take you back is allowed!

Rest assured that if your ex starts dating somebody right after you break up, it's a rebound relationship. Don't lose heart. A rebound relationship is a sign that she really does love you, and you'll have the opportunity to make up and win her back.