Relationships are fragile, and so break ups can happen anytime. If you just got through a painful break up, but you know in your heart that you still want to get your ex girlfriend back, then don't give up and keep trying to find ways to do so. There are simple rules of the game when it comes to trying to win a lost love, and there are steps you can follow to make this happen. Here are just some of them:

1. If you're serious about how to get your ex girlfriend back, think of the things that used to make your ex happy, and find ways to bring back those things, to let her know that you still care. Playing hard to get will not work for you, especially if you know the break up was more your fault than hers. Try to find ways to reach out to her, without making her feel uncomfortable.

2. Casual, short messages via email or text will let her know that you're still there for her. You don't really need to be too explicit with your feelings by sending her long love poems, even a "Hey, how are things?" will do wonders. Find ways to do this without coming out too desperate or without becoming an online stalker - that would, for sure, turn your ex off.

3. If you really intend to get your ex girlfriend back, don't do the dating scene right away. It will only hurt her more if she ever sees you flirting with other girls, and may make her think that you had easily moved on.

4. Remember that women always appreciate small signs of affection, like remembering birthday and other special occasions. You can send her an ecard on special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day. She will feel that you still care for her enough to remember.

5. Keep communicating with your ex girlfriend if you want to increase your chances of getting your ex back. Do this discreetly, without making her see how desperate you are. Do not postpone, do it now! The more you let uncertainty rule your life, the higher the possibility that you won't get her back anymore. Letting her know that she is still in your thoughts frequently will make her understand how much she means to you. That can really make her want to rekindle the love you both shared.

Getting back with your ex is a process, and it does not happen in a day. The key is maintaining your communication with your ex girlfriend to make her feel that you're still there for her, even after things are no longer as they were before.

These steps helped me and thousands of other couples who have now reconciled after painful break ups. These are not my original ideas, though, as I only echo the thoughts of T 'Dub' Jackson in his book, "The Magic of Making Up". With the help of this book, love blossomed back again between me and my partner and now we are happier than ever.