First breakup a great teacher

DEAR AMY: I've read your column for years, and now I want your advice. I am a freshman in college and a couple of months ago I was dumped by my first boyfriend. We weren't together very long, but I am still hung up over him. Winter break has ended and I'll have to see him; I don't know how I am supposed to feel. How do I get over him?Breakup Hang-Up

DEAR HANG-UP: I have been writing this column for more than half of your life. And I've lived the whole "how to get over him" question far longer.

How are you supposed to feel? Exactly the way you do feel. However, how you act can have an impact on how you feel, and to some extent, you can consciously "act" your way out of this.

Stand tall. Act cool. Stuff down the drama and act neutral. Self-medicate with the warmth of your friendships and Nora Ephron movies. Plunge into schoolwork and extracurriculars. Do not drink. Erase his number from your phone. Spring will come, and by the time the lilacs are in bloom you will feel better.

DEAR AMY: I'm 23 and recently graduated from college. After I moved back home, I realized there aren't any available jobs in my field of study. I have no job experience, no car (or

license), and my student loan bills are piling up. I've been struggling to find a job for months. However, no one seems willing to hire me because of my lack of work experience. I don't want to be a burden on my family. Worried

DEAR WORRIED: Volunteer for an organization whose goals you share. Take any paying gigs you can get, including baby-sitting, plant-watering, cleaning houses or shoveling snow. Work on getting a driver's license (even if you don't have access to a car, this skill is very important).

Any work experience will help your pitch and bring in some dough. Everybody has a first job -- eventually.