The Rebound Guy

By definition, rebound is to bound or spring back from force or impact. Any of us who have had their heart broken will understand how truly devastating that impact can be. Your thought process is disrupted, a few pounds may creep on from filling that gaping hole in your heart with pints of Ben and Jerry's. The everyday tasks become nearly impossible to execute due to the lack of sleep and depression.

Alas, through the thick fog of devastation arises the knight in shining armour, aka "the rebound guy". He grabs you by the hand and pulls you up from the ashes. He offers companionship and displays characteristics that you wish your ex could only possess. All is fine and well, in the beginning. Your mind has been relieved of the sadness and is focused on the new person in your life. Unfortunately, this method of recovery is like placing a band aid on a knife wound. It's short term and done out of fear, yet offers some level of hope for recovery.

The rebound relationship is nothing more than a distraction from the pain of a love that once was. Many are afraid of being alone in this world, so they immediately jump into a relationship with someone, even though they're not ready. Unfortunately, there is a key factor that has been left out. The rebound guy, himself. His feelings are overshadowed by your need to feel secure. You may not realize it, but your intentions that were thought to be innocent, are truly selfish at the core.

When you enter a relationship immediately following a serious relationship, be prepared to explain what the situation was and your true intentions are. If you find that to be too difficult of a task, you probably shouldn't even get involved with someone else. They too, must take it upon themselves to determine whether it is a smart idea to enter a relationship with someone who has a freshly broken heart. One's emotions are all too fragile, and should be handled with care.

So go ahead and cry in the corner of your bedroom and listen to every Coldplay song on your IPod. Lay in bed all day long and wish for the world to end. Don't eat for days, then stuff yourself with junk for weeks. Just keep in mind that it will go away. Maybe not as soon as one would hope, but it does get better. Just be aware of your motives when initiating a relationship with another "special someone". That knight in shining armour may be your hero at that moment in time. However, he too is risking the pain of a broken heart.