There are few things as painful as seeing the love of your life quickly get involved with someone else - a rebound relationship.

What's really going on in a rebound relationship is that your ex is going out with someone else to help them get over you. For many people, rebound relationships keep them from having to cope with the pain of a breakup. Psychologists sometimes call such relationships "transitional," meaning they help people move on from something meaningful, like true love.

No matter whose fault it was, no matter who finally called it quits, if your relationship was based on true love, it may be able to be saved - even if your ex is with someone else right now.

Usually people run to someone totally different in a rebound relationship. If you were kind, their new romantic interest may not be so nice. If you were upbeat and fun-loving, there's a good bet the new person will be quieter and more reserved. Or it could be the other way around. The point is, your ex will focus on what was wrong in your relationship, and naturally run to something different.

And that's a good thing, for a couple of reasons. First, it means your ex is still thinking about you even when spending time with the new person. Plus, you will have a chance to see what your ex really wants in a relationship.

If your ex ran to someone completely different from you, it probably means that something they wanted in a relationship was missing in yours. If you really want to get your ex back, this is a time to make some changes.

You'll be happy to know that the vast majority of rebound relationships don't last. So be patient. The more time your ex spends with their new love interest, the more they will see their flaws - and the better you will look. And when your ex sees that you've actually made positive changes, that will only improve your image.

No matter what, don't crawl back to your ex right away. They need to have a chance to realize for themselves that they miss you and all the great things about your relationship. So play it cool. When your ex decides to reach out, be understanding. Welcome her or him back lovingly. After all, this is the new, improved you!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if your ex is on the rebound...

- Let your ex discover for him or herself that you're what they want. Don't try so hard to convince them.

- If you were at fault, apologize. But only one time. Not over and over. If your ex accepts your apology, great. If not, let it go. Your ex will realize on their own why they love you.

- Even if you believe you should make some changes, don't promise to do so. You are the person you ex fell for. If you improve on your own, great!

- Never, ever beg. Your ex will only lose respect for you.

Rebound relationships can be really painful for the person left behind. But don't give up hope. A rebound relationship is a clear sign that your ex isn't over you either!