Hi Vincent,

Wanting to be happy and to solve a problem in your life is a sign of maturity, and IMHO a very good thing.

The first thing I would recommend is to stop all contact with your ex. This includes looking online to find info about her. Delete her from you friends for a while. This does not have to be forever, but you need some space to figure out what *you* need and learn from this experience. (It is rather like picking a wound -- every time you contact her or look for her, you are re-experiencing that hurt.)

I know this will be really hard at first, so get some support from friends. Let them know you need a break from your ex, and you've committed to not contacting her for X amount of time. They can help you stay strong.

Talking to a professional can also be really useful. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you. It is pretty cool to have a place that is totally private to just talk about what is on your mind. The college might have free or low-cost counselors to talk to, and it would also give you added support and a good perspective.

You absolutely deserve to be happy and have a loving relationship. I think your instinct not to get involved with another girl right now is wise. You need time for just you right now.

HTH