Once your loser boyfriend left your life, you figured it was time to celebrate. Go out with the girls, live it up, have some “me” time.

Well, it’s been about six months, and if you have to read one more article called “I Will Survive,” you’re going to scream.

Immediately after a break up, women often feel empowered. Well, depressed and fat first, but then empowered. They’re ready for independence and “girl power.” Friends begin ending phone conversations with “You go, girl!” And you even find yourself repeatedly saying, “I don’t even want a boyfriend right now.”

Sure you don’t. And if you’re happy sitting on the couch, cuddling up to your two cats, Bo and Luke, then don’t bother reading any further. But if you’re ready to get out there again, you’re gonna need some ammo.

1. Work it. You know what I mean: I’m talking about you and your fear of skin. Show a little. I don’t mean Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich, but maybe something from her Mystic Pizza days.

    

2. Work out. Did I mention that Tip #1 is contingent upon the success of Tip #2? If you don’t work out, you can’t work it. Get yourself on the elliptical a few times a week, and not only will you look better in your new, revealing wardrobe, but you’ll feel better and exude confidence.

    

3. Shut up. Enough with the long stories already. First meetings call for shallow conversation, not your memoirs.

    

4. Be mysterious. This is the 21st century version of playing hard to get. Girls in the 20th century took this too far — never acting interested, never calling back… You know who you are. These days, hold back some information. Don’t divulge the details of your brief stint as Tori Spelling’s personal assistant; just allude to it. He’ll be begging for more.

    

5. No scowling. My gorgeous friend Miranda is a scowler. Scowls at everyone in the place. When she asks, “Why can’t I get a guy?” our friends tell her she intimidates men. She looks like a bitch. No one will tell her so I’m telling you.

    

6. Show your smarts. Acting ditzy is like so 1996. You watch CNN. Dazzle him with your knowledge of the Nasdaq, not Nickelodeon.

    

7. Be seen. You’ve got a VCR, probably even Tivo. You can tape Buffy. Just get out there and let the world know you’re available… without looking available. Make him say, “Who’s that girl I keep seeing around? She certainly looks mysterious and smart.”

    

8. Network. You may think your best friend’s boyfriend is a waste of time, but don’t count him out. No, I don’t mean steal him — talk to him. Talk to all guys even if they’re taken. They have friends, co-workers and second cousins. And they have much better taste than your girlfriends.

    

9. Graduate from seventh grade. Hey, you’re an adult. Don’t giggle with your friends and send one of them over to tell the guy you think he’s fine. I don’t care how many tequila shots you’ve had. You wouldn’t write his name on your book covers, would you?

    

10. If all else fails, girl… make the move. Why should we always leave it up to them? If you’ve followed the first nine tips, then you just may have the confidence to approach the guy yourself. What’s the worst that could happen? Wait; don’t answer that.

If these ten tips don’t help you, perhaps it’s some halitosis or unwanted facial hair issues that you need to deal with. Otherwise, this could be the advice to finally catapult you off that couch. Start a quick search today to find your dream guy. You go, girl!