Rebound relationships may be entered into to deal with breakups. They may begin quickly and end quickly. They may develop as a way to redirect strong feelings. The person on the rebound may have feelings for a previous partner. These may be combined with feelings for a new person. Someone on the rebound may not yet have sufficient emotional energy to devote to someone new. Therefore, many rebound relationships end. However, it is possible for rebound relationships to become substantial and to last. A couple can choose to prioritize the current relationship and progress hopefully together.
Rebound Relationships in Context
Psychology Today states: “Rebounds can happen in many areas of life.” You may choose a new situation based on your experience in the situation you leave. For instance, you may move away from a place you found wonderful. You may choose your next location by trying to replicate aspects of the one before. You may even continue to miss the place you left.
Relationships are one area of life featuring rebounds. Rebounds in which you move quickly from one relationship to another may feature complications. Verywell Mind states this could include not being “over your ex yet” after breaking up. You may have begun a rebound relationship to attempt to move on. You may also have started a new relationship to try to displace despondent feelings. According to Micaela Stein, LCSW, rebounding involves starting “a relationship in reaction to a previous relationship.”
How Rebound Relationships May Work
Micaela Stein presents four details that signify a rebound relationship. One detail is a serious relationship breakup that occurred not long before. Also, comparatively discussing a past relationship can be indicative. Stein explains that “comparing a current partner to an ex” can happen in rebound relationships. In addition, commitment avoidance can be present in rebound relationships. If the relationship develops quickly, this can also possibly be a rebound relationship. Recreating the level of depth of the previous relationship can be a rebound relationship goal.
Why Rebound Relationships May End
Couples Counseling Chicago describes a “Rebound Relationship phenomenon.” Many sudden breakups of new relationships were found to include someone on the rebound. A relationship starts promisingly. Then, the person recently out of another relationship ends things. According to Couples Counseling Chicago, “about 90 percent of rebound relationships end.”
Beginning a relationship with someone on the rebound can be emotionally fraught. Couples Counseling Chicago states: “Those on the rebound may still be distressed, angry, or sad.” They may not have the emotional bandwidth to enter fully into a new relationship. However, they may crave solace from their heartache.
Forming a connection with someone new may seem appealing. They may throw themselves into a new relationship with more enthusiasm than they can sustain. Couples Counseling Chicago explains: “A healthy relationship should have time to build.” However, a rebound relationship may develop very quickly. The person on the rebound may feel excitement about a new person. This excitement can fuse with residual feelings from the previous relationship. Someone on the rebound may like someone new. However, previous heartbreak may not have healed.
Factors for Positive Rebound Scenarios
Micaela Stein states that “rebound relationships can certainly turn into long-term, committed relationships.” In these cases, the relationship steps out of the past. It is no longer a reaction to longing for a previous partner. According to Stein, the relationship should concern “the joyful present and building a future together.”
There has been research indicating that jumping into a rebound can have beneficial aspects. A 2015 study found that people rebounding quickly seemed healthy and in good spirits. Psychology Today surmises: “The key element might be getting over the ex.” A 2012 study found that having had a straightforward breakup seemed helpful.
