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Dear Breakup Girl,

I just bought your book last night, and I first want to thank you for making me laugh so much! I am going through a very difficult breakup with a man whom I loved very much (still do, though neither of us wants to get back together). My question is this: my ex and I met walking our dogs in the park near my apartment. Actually, we both live in the same neighborhood, though we do not live together. My landlord has just offered to entirely renovate my apartment for only a small increase, but I wonder if I should just move. So far, the breakup has not been nasty, and I have been going to another park which is about 15 minutes out of my way. Is it truly possible to move on if my ex is living in my neighborhood? After all, I know I will fall to pieces when I see him with a new woman and imagine that whomever he is walking with is a potential new mate. Any advice?

-- Still Shaky

Dear Still Shaky,

Your landlord what? You don't live in New York, do you? Unless, of course, the "increase" you're talking about is in pounds of flesh. But even if we're not talking about Manhattan, where the only thing more soul-searing than going through a breakup is looking for an apartment, I will say this: don't move. Even if you live in a total ex's market: Don't bother. Why? Because never mind the laws of real estate, the law of Murphy state that if you move across town, you will run into him -- with her -- there. Brace yourself; walk tall (in new park), with dog. ‘Cause remember, studies show that a leash is the shortest distance between two singles. Before you know it -- and before you knew you were ready -- someone will be asking, "Your renovated place, or mine?"

Love,
Breakup Girl

PS: You're welcome! Thank you!

 
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