Let’s start from the beginning. What is a rebound relationship? A rebound relationship is a type of romantic connection that is formed shortly after a person has gone through a breakup. The term implies that the person has jumped into a new relationship with the aim of filling the void left by their previous one rather than taking time to process the breakup and heal.
Rebound relationships are usually a knee-jerk reaction to a breakup. They can be intense, and they usually involve an element of insecurity. As you might expect, rebound relationships rarely last because people mostly get into them for the wrong reasons.
Although rebound relationships may offer temporary comfort and distraction, they are often an unhealthy way to cope with the pain of a breakup. If you are considering entering into a rebound relationship, it is important to consider your motivations and whether it is really a good idea.
8 reasons why people get into rebound relationships
There are several reasons why people get into rebound relationships. The main one is that they may be looking for a distraction from their previous relationship and the emotions associated with it.
Let’s look at each reason one by one.
1. They are seeking external validation.
In some cases, people seek external validation through rebound relationships to boost their self-esteem and feel desirable. After a breakup, people can lack confidence in their physical attractiveness or overall desirability; they can feel rejected or like they aren’t good enough.
By engaging in a rebound relationship, they get a fleeting confirmation that they are still desirable and have what it takes to make someone else fall for them. People who get into rebound relationships often look for confirmation that they can move on from their ex and find love again with someone new. Some people panic that they will be single forever, so they seek a rebound relationship to prove to themselves that won’t be the case.
2. They feel lonely.
People sometimes get into rebound relationships to feel less alone because they miss the companionship and emotional intimacy that comes with being in a relationship. It’s completely normal to want meaningful connections in your life. In fact, it’s exactly what we’ve evolved to want and need. But it’s important to be mindful that the type of connection we are seeking will benefit us in the long run rather than just serve as a temporary fix.
After a breakup, people can feel the absence of their partner acutely. For this reason, some are tempted to jump into a rebound relationship just to have someone around. They might feel a deep sense of discomfort being alone, which can prompt them to find a new partner as quickly as possible to avoid these feelings of isolation and loneliness.
3. They are looking for a distraction.
It’s common for people to seek rebound relationships to distract themselves from the pain of their breakup. They keep themselves busy with someone new so they don’t have to sit with the negative emotions associated with the breakup.
This involves people trying to fill their schedule with activities and entertainment so they don’t have space for these negative emotions. And what better distraction than a new love interest? It’s the perfect excuse to avoid confronting the reality of what has happened. It’s important to note that it’s never a good idea to avoid processing negative emotions — it will only cause more trouble in the long run.
4. They are trying to fill the void of the last relationship.
Sometimes, people will use a rebound relationship to fill the void left by their previous partner. Feelings of loss and emptiness are common after a breakup. People may get into a rebound relationship as a way to fill the “missing pieces” in their lives.
Breakups can also be difficult because of the sudden change in routine. People can feel unmoored and unsure about what to do with their time, especially if they have become used to having their ex involved in various aspects of their daily lives. When you’re in a relationship, you always have someone to do something with. A rebound relationship can fill this void by ensuring they have a default companion.
5. They want to make their ex jealous.
People may also enter into a rebound relationship to get back at their ex. Rejection is one of the most painful experiences anyone can endure, and some people act out in anger by trying to make their ex jealous. It stems from wanting to make an ex aware of what they are missing out on.
Although this isn’t a healthy way to deal with a breakup, it’s a common response. In some cases, this does work. In other scenarios, it can backfire and make an ex feel even more relieved that the relationship ended. Rejection can impact us on such a core level that it can drive us to act impulsively in a bid to feel better.
6. They don’t want to deal with their emotions.
Some people get into rebound relationships as a way of avoiding their emotions. Often, after a breakup, there is an emotional rollercoaster of sadness, anger, and grief that needs to be processed. It can feel overwhelming, so instead of working through those feelings, people may use a rebound relationship to kid themselves into thinking they have moved on.
Processing negative emotions is often an uncomfortable experience, and it can be tempting to try to numb them by getting into a rebound relationship. This way, people don’t have to fully face the pain associated with their breakup. However, this isn’t a healthy coping strategy since it fails to deal with the underlying issues.
7. They are afraid of being single.
Some people get into a rebound relationship out of fear that they won’t find anyone else. This can leave them feeling desperate or even completely panicked. It’s as if they need to find someone as soon as possible, or they’ll be alone forever.
This fear of being single can cause people to lower their standards and enter into relationships that might not be right for them. They might stay in these rebound relationships even if they know they’re not a good fit simply because they are scared of being single. Ultimately, this isn’t doing them any favors. In fact, it’s likely only leading to more pain and frustration down the line.
8. They need emotional support.
In some cases, people enter into rebound relationships because they need emotional support. Breakups can leave us feeling incredibly vulnerable and eager for any kind of comfort, which is completely natural. A rebound relationship can offer this, at least in the short term.
In particular, this tends to occur when someone doesn’t have close friends or family members to lean on during tough times. They might feel a deep need for support, connection, and acceptance, all of which a rebound relationship can provide. While this is understandable, it can be unfair to the other person involved in the rebound relationship if the rebounder isn’t clear about their intentions.
Tips for rebound relationships
So, rebound relationships are clearly tricky to navigate. But if you’re in one, or you’re considering getting into a rebound relationship, there are some things you can do.
1. Look inward.
It’s important to look inward when entering a rebound relationship because it allows you to take stock of your emotional state. Ask yourself whether you are truly ready and get clear about your motivations behind seeking a rebound relationship. Take a step back and consider whether you’d be better off healing alone first. It’s a natural instinct to want to quickly alleviate negative feelings and find comfort, but you need to balance the short-term with the long-term. Sometimes the best path to mending a broken heart lies in self-reflection and personal growth.
2. Maintain honest communication.
If you find yourself in a rebound relationship, it’s essential to be open and honest about your situation with your partner and yourself to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt. This involves being mindful of managing expectations. Discuss what you’re both comfortable with and what you’re looking for. Honest communication also involves both of you openly expressing your feelings. This isn’t some checkbox exercise where you can just answer a few questions and move on, but rather a continuous dialogue. People’s feelings change, sometimes quite quickly, which is why it’s important to talk about them on a regular basis, particularly during times of transition.
3. Take things slow.
It’s important to take things slow in rebound relationships. This involves giving yourself the time to process your prior relationship, as well as your new one. By taking things slow, you can take stock of your emotions and make sure that your actions are coming from a healthy place. This doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time, but it does mean that you should be aware of your emotional state and your behavioral patterns. Moving at a slow pace also enables you to be more mindful of whether your relationship is what you want and whether it’s heading in the right direction.
4. Practice self-care.
In any kind of relationship, it’s important to practice self-care, and this is especially true in rebound relationships. Self-care involves looking after yourself and investing in your well-being. It can include taking the time to process your emotions, getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. All these things can help ensure that you’re in the best possible headspace to make decisions about your relationship, as well as other areas of your life.
5. Don’t forget to grieve.
If you need to grieve the loss of your previous relationship, then it’s important to do that. This can involve acknowledging your emotions, talking to a trusted third party, or writing in a journal. It’s important not to push away any of the stages of grief, as this can lead to more problems further down the line. Rebound relationships can be a tempting distraction from these difficult emotions, but it’s important to deal with them in a healthy way. Otherwise, they can resurface later and cause more issues.
Do rebound relationships ever last?
It’s rare for rebound relationships to last. They are often temporary due to the circumstances they are born out of. The passionate emotions that come with a breakup can contribute to the intensity of a rebound relationship—but this intensity doesn’t usually come from a good place.
Rebound relationships can also be difficult to navigate because of the lingering emotional baggage from the recent breakup. These unresolved issues can cause tension and difficulties within the new relationship, making it difficult for a couple to stay together in the long run.
Another key reason that rebound relationships usually don’t last is that people often enter into them as a result of their breakup rather than with the aim of forming a genuine bond with someone new. This can lead to the relationship becoming stale and unfulfilling after the initial high has worn off. Once the rebounder has healed, it can feel like a veil has been lifted, leading them to realize that they weren’t actually interested in the other person but instead were using them as a crutch while dealing with the aftermath of their breakup.
All of this being said, it’s not impossible for rebound relationships to work out. While it’s unlikely, there is always the chance that you just happen to meet the right person straight after a breakup. However, when this happens, the rebounder still needs space to heal. Without taking the time to process their emotions, they may be setting both parties up for future hurt.
Even if a rebound relationship doesn’t last, it can still be beneficial if managed in the right way. For example, they can provide companionship and support while someone is grieving the loss of their previous relationship. They may also be an important source of social connection. In this case, it’s essential for the rebounder to be open and honest with their new partner about their feelings and intentions in order to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt.
Final thoughts on rebound relationships
Ultimately, it’s essential to take time to process the breakup and ensure that any decisions you make come from a healthy place. This helps to promote your own happiness as well as that of your new partner.
Rebound relationships can be beneficial if managed correctly, but it’s important to go into them with clear intentions and the willingness to communicate openly. At the end of the day, you want to reduce the risk of yourself and your partner getting hurt.
And if you’re struggling, remember to practice self-care and reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist. These people can provide invaluable guidance and help you to make decisions with clarity.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy our article about How to Let Go of Someone You Love and How to Deal with a Relationship Breakup.
