Can going shopping help get your ex girlfriend back? Women are experts in the benefits of retail therapy, while most guys have yet to discover its powers to lift the spirits (unless they are shopping for cars or sports gear).
But after relationships break down, everyone is in need of a little pampering and a boost of confidence.
These are just two of the benefits of the course of retail therapy I recommend for men, post break-up:

1. Get a haircut Not just any haircut.
   Go for style, not just your usual chop.
   Don't cheap out; this is the time to get the man-about-town look at a salon.
   (It's also the time to stop hiding bad hair under a ball cap).
   
2. And a manicure Because hands get noticed, almost as much as faces.
   While you're there, get a hand massage, just because it feels good.
   
3. You need a shave And I'm not talking about your man-zilian (whether you keep it, post break-up, is up to you).
   Yes, I know you shave every day.
   Same old.
   Have you ever had a professional shave? Not only is it relaxing, you will look, and feel, fantastic.
   
4. Consider a facial Breaking up grief and stress can cause break-outs and blotchy or gray skin.
   If your usual reaction would be soap in the shower or just ignore it, try something different.
   A facial can help get your usual healthy glow back.
   
5. And a massage Or a spa day, again for the soothing and relaxing benefits.
   
6. Now, head for the mall Or the best menswear emporiums where you live, or shop online.
   You need, at the minimum, three things to wear to work and a couple of casual outfits to replace your (very boring) weekday uniform and weekend jeans-plus-tee-shirts-or-hoodies.
   Make space in your closet by getting rid of anything stretched out, faded, stained, ragged, ugly or that doesn't fit.
   If you haven't worn it for more than two years, it's toast.
   If you can afford it, go for one very well cut new suit and (unless they're designer) get rid of suits more than 3 years old.
   Buy 5 new tee shirts (only one can be black - get some color!), new dress jeans, and (if you haven't already got one) a stylish jacket (the sort of thing Hugh Grant or George Clooney would wear on a date).
   
7. Don't forget shoes and accessories You need two pairs of shoes for work (black, brown) and two pairs for casual plus one or two pairs of sandals.
   Perk up your look with a new watch, laptop case or man-tote, and one quality pair of gloves and a scarf (if it's winter).
   Low budget? You can get a quality haircut for practically nothing by being a volunteer head of hair at beauty schools - call and ask when they need you.
   You can find great buys at consignment shops, but not many carry men's wear.
   If there aren't any near where you live, the better menswear stores do have sales.
   Get on their mailing list to get the best deals.
   Shop online, where you usually find brand-name items, including clothing, for less.
   
8. Put it all together, and take it out for a spin Don't just dump all your new purchases in a closet and hide out on your couch or in front of the computer.
   Get out there, and I don't just mean to the sports bar with the guys.
   Do something completely different, maybe something you've always meant to do, or something totally outside your usual haunts.
   Play tourist in the nearest city.
   Visit a museum or art gallery.
   Sign up for a cooking class.
   Take a few golf or flying lessons.
   Try out scuba diving.
   Learn Japanese.
   Volunteer.
   You'll be out there, looking good and meeting people, including women.
   It doesn't matter that you aren't exactly single because you just want to get your ex girlfriend back.
   A bit of positive attention is always a good thing, especially since the women you meet will be noticing you clean up real nice.
   Of course, your ex is going to hear about it - this is the kind of news that doesn't stay secret for long.
   And she'll wonder, what's up with you? She'll be compelled to check it out for herself.
   

And when she does, you'll be looking good, relaxed, maybe better than you've looked for ages, and with some interesting new experiences to talk about, rather than just re-hashing the same old.
Who wouldn't be intrigued? Only a woman who has already moved on, and if that's the way it is, you need to know.
Looking good leads to feeling better.
So does opening yourself to new experiences and meeting new people who don't know you as half of a couple.
Will she want to get together? Will you meet up, for coffee? Will date again? Or go for a second chance? Try some retail therapy.
It could be your first step to get your ex girlfriend back.