The other night, I got one of those urges to call my ex – late nights were when we usually talked. I’ve only talked with him twice since this whole 52 Weeks project started (once I phoned and the other time he phoned me). But calling him is never a good idea. So while in bed, trying to fight the temptation, I came up with a list:

10 Things to Do at Night to Resist Calling Your Ex.

1. Throw your phone in the toilet

2. Tell your friend, you know, the one who hated your ex, that you are thinking of calling him (and brace yourself for an ear full).

3. Re-read his old breakup email to you (it wasn’t a Post-it, but it was still a coward’s way out).

4. Watch the movie Closer with Julia Roberts and Clive Owens.

5. Log on to one of the dating websites that offer instant chat, find a cutie who is online and chat it up.

6. Blast Kelly Clarkson’s song “Since U Been Gone” and sing along while jumping up and down on your bed.

7. Decide on something you really, really want and reward yourself with points that add up to the item each time you don’t call (i.e., earn 5 points and you get a massage, which translates to 5 days of resisted urges).

8. Pray and tell God all the reasons why you want to call him, and then all the reasons why you shouldn’t call him. Ask God for strength and thank him for striking your ex with one of Moses plagues.

9. Eat a pint of New York Super Fudge Chunk ice cream – that, or hop on your treadmill for a half hour – Both really will make you feel better (although you probably should consider the long term impact on your hips before you choose).

10. Repeat steps 1 – 9 as necessary.