Most people do all the wrong things when their lover is leaving them.  They cry, plead, and abase themselves, and after the partner has gone they bother them with phone calls, letters, emails and tearful messages sent by friends.  Nothing could be less likely to make your ex come back, says T Dub Jackson, creator of the magic of making up system.  He describes this as “stalker behavior” more likely to freak your partner out than make them relent.

Instead, you do things that seem counter intuitive, making yourself less available to your ex, not ringing or writing or sending flowers.  In addition, certainly not trying to make them jealous by sending little stories via friends about how many dates you have with hot blondes had since they left.

Jackson even suggests that, before they actually leave, you agree that the relationship is over…even carry their bags to the cab.  This, he says, creates a feeling in them that they may not really wish to end the relationship, and could have them back with you before you can say “psych”.