A how-to series on how to be single again after a very, very long time in a relationship. See the other rules here. – ed.

Rule #6 Refrain from Googling, obsessing, stalking and/or sabotaging your crush

I’m very proud of you guys. You’ve made it to our second-to-last rule and once you conquer #7 you’ll be a perfect human being incapable of loneliness or tears. Not really, that’s what “gurus” might tell you but I’m no guru. I do know a little about a few things relationship-wise though so listen up.

You’ve gone on dates and you’re now crushing on a seemingly non-psychotic, employed, interesting person who ain’t a playa. Note I said “seemingly.” Anyhoo, since you’ve been out of the dating game you may find yourself engaging in abnormal amounts of Facebook, Twitter, and/or Google stalking. If you’re really nuts throw Klout in the mix. Just keep that to yourself – embarrassing.

Now, it is natural to want to maybe just find out a wee bit about this new crush, and that’s cool. We’ve all done it and anyone who says they haven’t is probably over the age of 55. So vaguely peek into their cyber persona if you must but control yourself. Do not obsess. If they haven’t texted you back within 1.4 seconds don’t go look at their Twitter feed to track them. If they haven’t called in a day that doesn’t make it OK to see who that hot chick is they just became Facebook friends with. Chances are her sexy photo is a big fat lie anyway so chill. A good tip to help you not enter the obsessive stalker zone is to check that you’re not putting this crush on a pedestal. You barely know them – there’s no way they’re worth all this time, energy, and bad behavior. Go on a walk. Get a life. You’ll enjoy the whole dating thing a hell of a lot more I promise.

Remain rational until we meet next week for Rule #7: Be awesome when you’re all alone