Let’s face facts - being dumped sucks. Actually, an end to a relationship sucks in general, and not just for the dumped. Piles of books and articles have been written about this painful little inevitability, and I’d be beating a dead horse if I was to go into the same ol’ “getting over the relationship” spiel. However, I think one of the key methods of getting over a relationship isn’t mentioned enough - I’m talking rebound relationships. Yes, there’s nothing like bouncing from one intense emotional experience and into the arms of someone waiting in the wings. Sarcasm aside, people automatically judge rebound relationships as being risky business, but I disagree. If you’re looking to get the taste of a bad relationship out of your mouth, why not wash those hurt feelings away and have a good time while you’re at it?

When a long term relationship ends, people find themselves confronted with a choice to either a) mope and obsess over what went wrong, or b) attempt to push that unpleasant episode out of their minds and move on with their lives. Of course, people are often as emotionally volatile as newborn babies after a messy breakup. No one wants to open themselves up for even more stress. However, entering a new relationship doesn’t mean you’re asking for someone’s hand in marriage - it’s just a new partner, and strings don’t have to be attached when you just want a good time.

Rebounds often seem like emotional desperation, but if there’s anything that can ease a transition, it’s a casual relationship. Nobody expects these rebounds to last, but isn’t continually searching for Ms Right (or Mr Right) also a tad unhealthy? Lowered expectations can be a good thing, if it means actually relaxing for a few weeks and enjoying things as they are and not as they should be.

Let’s not forget the fact that some rebounds shape up to be something deeper - serious, committed relationships blossom everywhere. I’ve always been irritated by dating rules, such as the old standby “you have to wait x months before you’re officially ‘over’ somebody and ready to hit the market”. There are always exceptions to these old cliched rules, and nobody should feel limited to sticking to dating handbooks (this website being an exception). So relax - people get over nasty breakups in all sorts of ways, some less healthy than others. As long as you don’t feel like you’re going to endanger yourself, you’ve got nothing to lose other than a couple of weeks’ worth of diversion.

(original article)