10 Thoughtful Gestures for a Newly Single Girl Friend

Do you have a close girl friend that is down in the dumps after a breakup? Try these ten thoughtful gestures to make her smile again.

1). Let them vent. No, we aren't all therapists, but anybody can lend a sympathetic ear to a friend in need. Sometimes all a person needs is no interjections and the chance to say everything on their minds without fear of judgment or unsolicited advice. Don't worry about saying the right thing; the best thing for your friend is to vent right now.

2). Send them a personalized gift basket. Include snacks, DVDs (preferably ones with feelings of empowerment after a breakup, such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back ), an upbeat plant such as a lucky bamboo, and perhaps a breakup survival book. Remember, this isn't about sympathy, it's about empowering your friend to feel better.

3). Take them out for a "date night". Is there a day your friend regularly hung out with her significant other? Offer to play games or go see a movie on that day. Your friend will appreciate the gesture, though they may need some prodding. It is a good alternative to them staying at home alone.

4). Tell your friend all her positive traits. Your friend is likely thinking she is not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, etc. Assure her of all her wonderful traits and what good things you know she brings to a relationship.

5). Make yourself more available. Your friend is really going to need you for a couple weeks. While you shouldn't drop everything, you should let your friend know you are only a phone call away.

6). Send a greeting card. Something humorous or sentimental will let your friend know you are thinking of her. Encourage other close friends to join in-but be careful to be sincere and not overly sympathetic.

7). Pamper yourself and your friend. Go to a spa and get massages, manicures, or pedicures. Alternately, at-home facials and manicures are just as fun. Make it a fun quest to use natural products from the kitchen to use for exfoliating masks.

8). Help your friend hide all stuff relating to the ex. This is a big one-and one she surely will not want to face alone. Help your friend go through her room and home to collect pictures, mementos, gifts, letters or anything that is a significant reminder of the ex. Box this stuff up and close it with lots of tape so she will not be tempted to peek. Store it in an attic or basement, far from sight.

9). Throw a party. This doesn't need to be a huge social gathering, maybe just 3-4 close friends. Make it a movie night, go to a club, etc. Have fun and keep the ex out of the conversation.

10). Do a project together. Maybe your friend has wanted to start a garden or learn how to knit. Pitch in on the project. She will appreciate the help and it will keep her focused.