View Full Version : How long before it is no longer considered a rebound?
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 16, 2006, 01:31 PM
Hi I have a question about rebounds. I did put it in the rebound question posted by njcutie but deleted it and set up a new thread because there was a different debate going on that I did not want to interfere with.
How long after a break-up does it have to be before entering a new relationship is considered a rebound?
What I mean to say is, if the dumpee or dumper enters a relationship, how many months should have passed before one can say, "that is probably a rebound"?
My logic tells me that it depends on whether you are the one that leaves or the one that is left behind and how much the break-up hurt you. I expect there is really no time scale since it probably depends on the emotional baggage he or she is carrying.
Like I say, I think the dumper can move into a relationship relatively early and for it not to be considered a rebound since the dumper usually cuts themselves off emotionally well before the ending of the relationship.
What do you think guys and gals?
Bluerose
Dec 16, 2006, 02:20 PM
Good question. Personally, I think everyone should give themselves one month of breathing space. Then depending on the length and intensity of the relationship, anything up to six month. But what young person is ever going to accept that that is a good idea? You really need time to disposed of the garbage from one relationship before you move on and expect the next one to 'be the one'.
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 16, 2006, 02:34 PM
Good question. Personally, I think everyone should give themselves one month of breathing space. Then depending on the length and intensity of the relationship, anything up to six month. But what young person is ever going to accept that that is a good idea? You really need time to disposed of the garbage from one relationship before you move on and expect the next one to 'be the one'.
I think I was thinking more along the lines of my ex, she is 20, I'm 26. It ended 3 1/2 months ago. I know that she left me to go a little wild with friends but I have a feeling she is on the lookout.. For me though, I just could not do that right now as I know it would be a rebound for me, but I guess I was the one left behind so she had a head start + she may not have been as emotionally invested as I was in the relationship even though we were together for 3 years and engaged (which might I add had no meaning to her).
It might boil down to my love being a more mature love and hers being something that younger people experience. I know I am not ready myself yet for an new relationship (not a chance) but I fear that she is ready or at least thinks she is... The thing is, I am kind of worried that she will get hurt or treated badly by some Jerk out there. She is quite vulnerable because when she gets with her friends, she goes a bit (a lot I mean) wild and she is going through this phase right now. She is also quite impressionable around her friends as I remember.
I guess like val said to me, it is not my concern what lessons she has to learn in life but that I loved this woman and I still do and I hate the idea of some user taking advantage of her while she is caught up in this phase that so many young people go through...
I guess I should really just listen to what Skell told me.. That she is not right for me at this time and I could do better.. But I still care.. I can't help it, it's in my nature.
I don't know bluerose, am I thinking rationally here? :confused:
chuff
Dec 16, 2006, 02:41 PM
I think that depends on the person and the length of the relationship. You know if it was a 6 month relationship than 3 months wouldn't be to long. It was a 5 year relationship then I would say 3 months is not enough time. That being said, it's also up to the individual. Some people can turn around really quickly and people who are more emotional need to time to refocus themselves.
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 16, 2006, 02:48 PM
Well, after mine which was 3 years, it has now been just over 3 1/2 months and I can't see myself reaady for any kind of dating. Give it another 2 months and I may feel further in terms of feeling more over her, yet I doubt I will want to jump into a new relationship with anyone.
I would rather wait for the right one to show up that knows what she wants, can appreciate me for who I am and is over the whole wild party thing..
Don't get me wrong, I am not a party pooper... I love them.. I was talking something different..
tadano
Dec 16, 2006, 03:02 PM
I don't think the amount of time matters at all. It's once you've reached that acceptance stage of grieving, that's when it's okay. It's impossible to pinpoint how long it will take, because that's different for everyone. And it's not just different because of the length of the relationship -- there are a million factors. Simply put, some people can get over a 3-year relationship more quick than others. And it also depends when that next person comes into your life. If you go out looking for another relationship, it probably will just be a rebound, but if you let it come to you, it probably won't.
Simply put, when you're ready, you'll know.
valinors_sorrow
Dec 16, 2006, 03:40 PM
Dear Geofferson-san,
It seems to me that it doesn't really have very much to do with time or who left who since I have seen every combination and variety possible. It has to do with taking the time to clean out your "bin" so to speak and how connected you are to yourself. If you can clean it out quickly, good for you! If you can't clean it out at all, sorry to hear that. And everything in between is possible.
Oh I imagine that leaving has some advantage in that one might be working on the cleaning sooner. This is why the sooner the one who is left gets to where they can see they don't want the ex back, the sooner they can devote time to cleaning. I believe that holding on to hope of that interferes with some of the more detailed parts of grieving and "bin" cleaning both. Maybe they go hand in hand... I am not sure on that though, would need more thought.
My brother, the married seven times one?-- has never cleaned his bin out. And he's left and been left both many times, in relationships and marriages both. I can't bear to meet who is with him anymore. If I asked him about it, he would say "what bin?" I would say, "oh that one where you keep all your leftover hurts and fears and grudges and painful bewilderments in" to which he would reply with the utmost of sincerity, "oh I don't have any of those, I don't feel things like that when its so much easier to just have fun." :rolleyes: And at that point I would change the subject... and try not to look sad.
Love,
Mrs Miyagi
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 16, 2006, 03:44 PM
Yes, I agree with all the responses so far..
It really is down to the individual. I do believe that the one that walks can move on to a new relationship faster without it being a rebound.
I think it depends on why they left too...
Why are humans so complicated (me included)?? :confused:
valinors_sorrow
Dec 16, 2006, 04:03 PM
Well to further complicate it, I think there are two ways that rebound relationships don't work. One is baggage kills it-- the bitterness, prejudice, fear or what are called unresolved core issues (those are the ones that go waaaaaay back) that you may still have can subconsciously dictate some strange actions in the very next relationship. Baggage comes in many flavors but the most obvious one is "OMG this relationship has to work because the last one didn't and now I feel so unlovable!" Talk about pressure! But to be fair people come with baggage even to their first relationships too, especially those of us raised in dysfunctional households.
But the other has to do with the grief process and how it can make someone vulnerable and a little more needy than they ordinarily would be (and therefore more susceptible to the attentions of others). It allows us to pick partners or let in partners we wouldn't ordinarily hook up with and then one day we wake up and realize UH OH. This is why forming a romatic relationship based on being sympathetic to someone in need is NEVER a good idea. You need to see them through that crisis first as just friends before you can trust that it is you they want and not just the comfort in the crisis you were offering them. Its okay to help each other, it is not wise to mix new romance into that arrangement. In the rooms of AA its called 13th Stepping and its notoriously destructive -- usually one but sometimes two people get drunk in the long haul of it.
Bluerose
Dec 16, 2006, 04:19 PM
Geoffersonairplane,
Sorry, I thought it was a general board enquiry.
This is just my take on things.
She is 20 and you are 26, six years difference, this won't mean much in say five years but right now it does. She isn't ready to get real serious at 20. And you are probably just beginning to think about getting serious. I hope I am not presuming too much, but I think you are both a little out of step with each other at the moment. And I would say if it was meant to be, she may still settle down a little and think about what she had in you. Then again she may not.
"I guess I should really just listen to what Skell told me.. That she is not right for me at this time and I could do better.. But I still care.. I can't help it, it's in my nature."
Forgive me, but how does Skell know you could do better. I don't think there is blame here, she is young. I don't think anyone settles down these days as young as they did a few years ago. Everyone wants to have some fun, and why not. Maybe you need to have a little more fun.
I know you care for her and if you really care for her don't you want her to be happy? What you are going through is yours to deal with, not hers. She sounds like she is doing fine. And why shouldn't she?
"I guess like val said to me, it is not my concern what lessons she has to learn in life but the fact of the matter is that I loved this woman and I still do and I hate the idea of some user taking advantage of her while she is caught up in this phase that so many young people go through..."
I think I agree with val about her not being your concern for now. I can see that you really cared for her and if you still do, you will want her to be happy.
As for her getting caught up with some 'user', apart from that being a very negative way of thinking, she has her own lessons to learn and her own experiences to chalk up. If you were to push for her to settle down now, you would be in the divorce courts in less than ten years.
"The thing is, I am kind of worried that she will get hurt or treated badly by some Jerk out there. She is quite vulnerable because when she gets with her friends, she goes a bit (a lot I mean) wild and she is going through this phase right now. She is also quite impressionable around her friends as I remember."
Just a thought - but that seems like something a father would be worried about, not a partner. You really can't want someone to need you to protect them.
Where she is doing a bit of growing up, I feel you may need to do a bit of chilling out. I understand you are not ready for a relationship yet, but you can get out and have some fun. Can't you?
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 17, 2006, 06:18 AM
Thanks Bluerose for your response, I appreciate your opinions and advice. It was kind of a general thread but I kind of related it to my own situation too.
She is 20 and you are 26, six years difference, this won't mean much in say five years but right now it does. She isn't ready to get real serious at 20. And you are probably just beginning to think about getting serious. I hope I am not presuming too much, but I think you are both a little out of step with each other at the moment. And I would say if it was meant to be, she may still settle down a little and think about what she had in you. Then again she may not.
I agree with everything you say here and you were not presuming too much.. You were actually 100% spot on and consistent with everyone else's opinions here including my own once this was drummed into me.
I guess I should really just listen to what Skell told me.. That she is not right for me at this time and I could do better.. But I still care.. I can't help it, it's in my nature.
Forgive me, but how does Skell know you could do better. I don't think there is blame here, she is young. I don't think anyone settles down these days as young as they did a few years ago. Everyone wants to have some fun, and why not. Maybe you need to have a little more fun.
I don't think Skell or anyone for that matter knows for sure I can do better and I am not big headed to think like this either. I think where I was coming from is that Skell, Val, Tal, Wap, and many others have followed my threads and I have given them an unbiased account of what happened and the exact nature of the break-up and history of us both. I am not conceited and I know you are not suggesting this at all but I don't want to come across as a big headed person who thinks he is better than his ex. I really don't think that at all. I am very down to earth (most of the time.. LOL) I think Skell might have meant that I could do better in terms of finding someone who is ready for the kind of commitment that I am. I must also point out that in my last thread, I pointed out that she had set up a myspace account and said on there that she was looking for:
Quote: 'Like to meet an outgoing bloke who wants to have fun and party and must be mad like me and have a wicked sense of humor because I am a lot to handle' End of Quote
So in her saying this, I think skell deduced that from what he knows of me from the way that I portray myself her on AMHD, his opinion was that I could do better given the fact that me and my ex both want different things at this point in our lives.
If you want to see the threads I am referring to, here they are:
1.) Relationship Break-up Help: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/relationships/relationship-breakup-help-39548.html
2.) Made a huge mistake - Now need to talk: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/relationships/made-huge-mistake-now-talk-47487.html
I know you care for her and if you really care for her don't you want her to be happy? What you are going through is yours to deal with, not hers. She sounds like she is doing fine. And why shouldn't she?
You are right Bluerose, I agree, she should be happy and my pain is my pain.
The thing is, I am kind of worried that she will get hurt or treated badly by some Jerk out there. She is quite vulnerable because when she gets with her friends, she goes a bit (a lot I mean) wild and she is going through this phase right now. She is also quite impressionable around her friends as I remember.
Just a thought - but that seems like something a father would be worried about, not a partner. You really can't want someone to need you to protect them.
Interesting point Bluerose, this is something I have not thought about before. Maybe some self-reflection need here on my part..
Where she is doing a bit of growing up, I feel you may need to do a bit of chilling out. I understand you are not ready for a relationship yet, but you can get out and have some fun. Can't you?
Completely agree Bluerose...
Thanks again for your insight and opinions bluerose, they were appreciated. :)
Geoff.
talaniman
Dec 17, 2006, 08:21 AM
I moved my other post here as it was more to this subject.
When you get dumped, and sit all broken hearted, and you meet someone else the next day, and you click, and start seeing each other, as friends, and it works out well, then you would have to consider that a rebound, but it works to get you through a tough time and continues on, and you have fun and enjoy each other. No I'm not saying the fall in love here's my heart stuff, understand that, just a friend who understands and helps through the rollercoaster time. I guess it all goes back to how hard you fall, and how bad you want to get up. I think especially after a couple of hard falls we sort of know -HEY I BETTER GET UP FROM HERE!
The first fall is the hardest though, without a doubt!! They will all hurt, but at least you know HOW to get back up!
s_cianci
Dec 17, 2006, 11:59 AM
It depends on the individual circumstances. Each situation is different. A lot has to do with how emotionally invested one was in the previous relationship, regardless of whether one was the dumper or the dumpee. As for the other person's end of it, I'd advise anyone to be very wary if, when dating someone new, (s)he constantly talks about his/her previous relationship. That's a sure sign that you're just a rebound and the person you're dating isn't ready to consider entering a new relationship.
s_cianci
Dec 17, 2006, 12:06 PM
I think I was thinking more along the lines of my ex, she is 20, I'm 26. It ended 3 1/2 months ago. I know that she left me to go a little wild with friends but I have a feeling she is on the lookout.. For me though, I just could not do that right now as I know it would be a rebound for me, but I guess I was the one left behind so she had a head start + she may not have been as emotionally invested as I was in the relationship even though we were together for 3 years and engaged (which might I add had no meaning to her).
It might boil down to my love being a more mature love and hers being something that younger people experience. I know I am not ready myself yet for an new relationship (not a chance) but I fear that she is ready or at least thinks she is....The thing is, I am kind of worried that she will get hurt or treated badly by some Jerk out there. She is quite vulnerable because when she gets with her friends, she goes a bit (a lot I mean) wild and she is going through this phase right now. She is also quite impressionable around her friends as I remember.
I guess like val said to me, it is not my concern what lessons she has to learn in life but the fact of the matter is that I loved this woman and I still do and I hate the idea of some user taking advantage of her while she is caught up in this phase that so many young people go through...
I guess I should really just listen to what Skell told me..That she is not right for me at this time and I could do better..But I still care..I can't help it, it's in my nature.
I don't know bluerose, am I thinking rationally here?? :confused:
Geoff, it's sad but true in that she probably had far less invested in your relationship than you did. There needs to be a balance and when there isn't that's unhealthy. You seem to have a good grip on your own needs and feelings and that's a good thing. I really can't speak for your ex. She may or may not be "ready" for a new relationship. But, while your concern for her is admirable, it really isn't your problem. As you've been told so many times already, you need to work on you right now. Your ex is young and sounds rather immature even for a 20-year-old. She's going to learn a lot of hard lessons along the way. As cruel as it may sound, she needs to learn them and it's not your place to be her protector. She come out all the better a person in the end. Trying to protect her will actually only hamper her progress. She needs to be allowed to grow up.
Skell
Dec 17, 2006, 02:59 PM
Geoffersonairplane,
"I guess I should really just listen to what Skell told me.. That she is not right for me at this time and I could do better.. But I still care.. I can't help it, it's in my nature."
Forgive me, but how does Skell know you could do better. I don't think there is blame here, she is young. I don't think anyone settles down these days as young as they did a few years ago. Everyone wants to have some fun, and why not. Maybe you need to have a little more fun.
Hi Geoff and Bluerose,
Just to clarify, and I know Geoff already has, I don't know if Geoff could do better anymore than the next person. I wasn't blaming her or him.
All I would have suggested was that having got to know Geoff during our time here I can see what a great person he is and I know how much he is hurting and I know how much he cares for her. Heck, that is only natural. And you know what? I am in the same boat with my ex. If you want to read my threads to get and understanding of how Geoff and I are quite similar then please do so Bluerose.
Im just sure if Geoff keeps the wonderful and healthy attitude he has portrayed here then one day he will find 'something' (not someone) that is better in so many ways. He will find the love of his life that he will prbbaly spend forever and day with. Now that must be better than what he ahs had with his ex.
Im by no means running down his ex, him or their relationship. Just the same as I have never once run down my ex! I don't play the blame game when it comes to two young people parting ways because I know first hand that there isn't a blame game to play.
I hope it has been clarified what I would have meant.
As far as your question goes Geoff, I think it truly comes down the individual. You know within yourself if it is a rebound or not. You know whether your heart is ready to hop on and go for another ride. No one else. So it is essentially up to each individual to be honest to them self. Ill be honest and say I am not ready for another relationship yet. I am happy to date and meet new people, but a relationship I know I'm not ready.
So if this question was asked in order to get a handle on whether it would be considered a rebound if your ex got in another relationship now then no one can specifically answer that other than her. She will know in her heart and head whether she is doing it for the right reasons. Just the same as whether you would be the only one who could truly answer that qestion with respect to yourself.
P.S. Geoff, you are continuing the trend my friend. This is another issue I wrestled with in my head after my break up. All normal feelings and questions to have in my opinion!
Skell
Dec 17, 2006, 05:40 PM
Quote Bluerose
"Comments on this post
bluerose agrees: Thanks for explaining that for me. I meant no offence. I'm sorry you are going through ex stuff, and I hope everything works out for you too."
No need to apologise at all. I hope I didn't come off as being defensive. I just wanted to clarify and say that I agree with everything you have said Bluerose. It is great advice as usual.
Bluerose
Dec 17, 2006, 05:48 PM
Thank you. You're very kind. It didn't come across as defensive. Just me making sure I hadn't upset anyone. Lol
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 05:40 AM
Hi guys/gals,
I was not offended by anything either, in fact everyone has raised some valid points that I have been thinking about, like not trying to protect someone when they need to find out for themselves. This is so true and something I had not really thought of properly before. Thanks to you all for your responses...
And bluerose, don't worry, your response was excellent, I was just clarifying like Skell was. You have actually made me feel a whole lot better in what you said in your first response and it was something I had to hear, not necessarily wanted to hear...
Truth and honesty really goes a long way.. :)
rol
Dec 18, 2006, 05:54 AM
<<The thing is, I am kind of worried that she will get hurt or treated badly by some
Jerk out there.>>
Well I hope she does ,so that she can see what a great guy she lost!!
<<Quote: 'Like to meet an outgoing bloke who wants to have fun and party and must
Be mad like me and have a wicked sense of humor
Because I am a lot to handle
>>
Perhaps she thinks that is what she wants as she has had a mature relationship with you Geoff... but she will see those kind of guys are definitely not the kind to have a serious relationship with!! (you see what she thinks she wants is the complete oppostite of you , isn't it?)
<<All I would have suggested was that having got to know Geoff during our time here
I can see what a great person he is and
I know how much he is hurting and I know how much he cares for her>>
Totally agreee with Skell
<<Im just sure if Geoff keeps the wonderful and healthy attitude he has portrayed here
Then one day he will find 'something'
(not someone) that is better in so many ways>>
Exactly...
And also agree with Bluerose who told you to go out and have FUN!!
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 06:06 AM
perhaps she thinks that is what she wants as she has had a mature relationship with you Geoff...but she will see those kind of guys are definitely not the kind to have a serious relationship with!!!!!!!!!!! (you see what she thinks she wants is the complete oppostite of you , isnt it?)
You are right rol, it is for the most part the opposite of me. Although I am outgoing in terms of wanting to try new things and visit new places, I have been through the wild phase when I was younger and I was still (in my eyes) a good man then. Again not trying to sound big headed or anything. Trouble is my ex has not experienced any bad eggs (jerks) and has only been in this one serious relationship with me so I think you are right, she thinks she wants the kind of person she describes but once she experiences that a few times, I think she will open her eyes a bit.
Her brother told me a month after the break-up when I bumped into him in the city, "she needs to meet a real *****d who treats her bad to realize what she has done by giving you up Geoff"... I guess this confirms what everyone said here because he knew me very well.
Thanks for your kind words rol, you brightened up my day!! :)
rol
Dec 18, 2006, 06:21 AM
<<'Like to meet an outgoing bloke who wants to have fun and party and must
Be mad like me and have a wicked sense of humor
>>
U are welcome Geoff!
When I was in my 20's "party phase" I met many of these kind of guys that she thinks she wants! And believe me they are all JERKS!!
talaniman
Dec 18, 2006, 06:45 AM
After a break up it takes a while to accept its over, and all kinds of excuses come up as what went wrong, and what you would have, should have... done to make it better, but most relationship come to a cross road after a few years as people grow, and change, and see things differently. One partner doesn't have to be bad to end a relationship, as a matter of fact, unless there is abuse or cheating neither partner is evil, or wrong for wanting something different. Its just so easy to brand them as so bad to break up with us so we can then blame them, and overlook any shortcomings we have. The truth is its over, and it needs to be put behind you, and just be glad for the time you spent. The reason I wrote this because I think it really unfair to paint those that choose to leave a relationship , with a negative light because the separation had hurt us. That's the easy way out.
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 07:07 AM
I agree with you tal, I can't place too much blame on her, she was young and naïve but at the same time, she is growing and changing. I think she certainly has a long way to go and no doubt a few experiences to go through as rol suggests before she can be at the same maturity level as I feel I am at. The only thing that really upset me was that she would not tell me to my face and I had to almost beg her to do that. After 3 years together and her wanting to get engaged to me, it was the least she could expect me to ask for. Never mind though, there is no point in resenting someone for wanting to live a different life, especially while being young. I do try to look at it and say to myself, well I did have a lot of good experiences with her and enjoyed most of the 3 years we spent together.
rol
Dec 18, 2006, 07:15 AM
<<The only thing that really upset me was that she would not tell me to my face and I had to almost beg her to do that>>
It must have been very hard for her to do Geoff... I know my ex could not tell me either, and had a really hard time talking about it.. as he did not know what he was doing and was very confused and thought it was just a phase he was going through.
Sometimes I try and think imagine if I was the one who wanted to break up with him for the same reason, it would be a horrible thing to do , to hurt the other person so much.
Try to think of it that way Geoff. It kind of helps...
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 07:27 AM
<<The only thing that really upset me was that she would not tell me to my face and I had to almost beg her to do that>>
It must have been very hard for her to do Geoff...i know my ex could not tell me either, and had a really hard time talking about it..as he did not know what he was doing and was very confused and thought it was just a phase he was going through.
Sometimes i try and think imagine if i was the one who wanted to break up with him for the same reason, it would be a horrible thing to do , to hurt the other person so much.
try to think of it that way Geoff. It kind of helps...
That's a good point rol. It must have been hard for her, when she was telling me to my face, she was trying to be quite hard about it without showing emotion but her eyes were sort of watering because she could see what it was doing to me. That must have been hard, to know that you are hurting someone you have spent a relatively long chapter of your life with. I don't think she is a really bad person or anything, I just think she is young and needs to do what is right for her.
Thanks for highlighting this... Its a more positive way of reflecting on things.. :)
Bluerose
Dec 18, 2006, 09:13 AM
Geoffersonairplane,
"Her brother told me a month after the break-up when I bumped into him in the city, "she needs to meet a real *****d who treats her bad to realize what she has done by giving you up Geoff"...I guess this confirms what everyone said here because he knew me very well."
Her own brother said that? Sorry, but now I'm pissed off. Come on you guys this is a young girl of twenty, who just wants to have some fun. How can you hope for her to meet a right B*****?!
"I guess this confirms what everyone said here because he knew me very well."
This does not confirm what everyone said. I didn't say anything like that.
Geoffersonairplane, you are swinging from understanding her to not understanding her. And from understanding what I said to not understanding what I said.
You do sound like a sweet caring guy, but you do need to do some more thinking - and a lot more focusing.
And my last piece of advice - stop listening to other people (including me) use your head and listen to your heart.
wap
Dec 18, 2006, 10:06 AM
Hi Geoff,
I had sent you another pm last night but I don't think it went.
I wonder these things about re-bounds too. As you know it has been roughly 5 or 6 months for me. It worries me that my ex has met someone else. Yuck. Some people said before though, it might take exes to date other people to find out what they lost.
I still don't feel ready to date someone else, I think there would be too much comparing there. Maybe they will be comparing us to people they go out with in future? Who knows.
Skell
Dec 18, 2006, 01:28 PM
This whole conversation is swinging back to being about her, which I wish it wouldn't.
Truth is Geoff, no one, not you, not her brother, not Bluerose, not me, no one knows why she did things. We can discuss it, come up with theories, argue, wonder etc all we like why. BUt her reasons are her reasons and it doesn't change a thing for you unfortunately.
I have not much of a clue either as to the whole truth behind my ex breaking up with me, and like you for a long time I wanted to know why. Was it another guy, was it something I did, was it just wanting to be young, was it her traumatic personal life catching up with her??
For some reason we try and make sense of things that sometimes just don't make sense. I fully understand where you are coming from. It is hard just to say to yourself "oh well, time to stop looking for answers and just play the hand ive been dealt with".
I think we think by finding answers we wll be able to get to the root of the problem and solve everything. Doesn't work that way either.
So lets get off the topic of her again Geoff and go back to you. I agree with Bluerose, I could never wish a real ar$e hole onto my ex so she gets treated poorly. I just can't bring myself to have ill feelings and be angry at her. Ive never been hurt worse by a person and I hope in hell I never am again, but I don't blame her and have no resentment at all either. I know you don't as well. It is just in the search for answers we concoct all sorts of things in our head. Because the fact of the matter is, her meeting some jerk and dating him might make her realise what she lost in you, but it won't necessarily mean it will bring her back to you, nor would you necessarily have her back.
So lets get off the topic of her and on to the persons emotions that we can have a say in, and that's your own.
Keep being positive and try not to analyse things too much. Been there done that and you will send yourself insane looking for answers that just aren't there right now. They may be one day but they will appear on their own. You won't find them!
Skell
Dec 18, 2006, 01:34 PM
Same goes for you too Wap. I know how hard you are doing it but constantly wondering about him won't help you either.
Who knows what your ex is doing. Just as much as you think he might be living ti up with some new girl he has met, he might be lonely and miserable and looking for answers in his life. You just don't know. You don't have control over him and what he thinks. But you do have control over what you do and think.
I know it is hard and there still isn't a day goes by that my ex isn't in my head. Probably isn't a minute that goes by, so I'm not telling you to forget them all together. But just try not to presume and think the worst.
Just continue to do what you have been doing and that's keep your mind as active as possible with other things.
Take control of your mind and try and get working in a positive manner moving forward, not a negative mind set looking at the past.
Easier said than done I know, but the least we owe ourselves is to give it a go!
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 03:02 PM
Geoffersonairplane,
"Her brother told me a month after the break-up when I bumped into him in the city, "she needs to meet a real *****d who treats her bad to realize what she has done by giving you up Geoff"...I guess this confirms what everyone said here because he knew me very well."
Her own brother said that?! Sorry, but now I'm pissed off. Come on you guys this is a young girl of twenty, who just wants to have some fun. How can you hope for her to meet a right B*****?!!
"I guess this confirms what everyone said here because he knew me very well."
Hi there...
I just wanted to say that I agree with what you have said bluerose and I do not want anyone to think that I would wish for her to meet anyone bad...It is the exact opposite actually.. Her brother and parents actually said the same thing because truth is, they did not want it to end between me and her but they nor I have any control over what she wants... I understand that but I really don't want to come across as if I resent her so much that I wish anything bad for her, I actually wish that it all turns out for the best deep down, even though the best will probably never include me..
You are right bluerose, I should start to listen to my head and heart but I also value other peoples opinions too. I am not dictated in any way by the advice that I am given by other since I tend to filter advice through my own reasoning process before deciding if it is valid or not.
Keep being positive and try not to analyse things too much. Been there done that and you will send your self insane looking for answers that just aren't there right now. They may be one day but they will appear on their own. You wont find them!
I completely agree with you here Skell, I need to stop analysing her motives and what she is doing so much. I have made good progress but there are times when I slip back into this way of thinking.. I know what you mean about the searching for answers, like the other week when I posted a thread about her having set up a myspace account.. By actually checking this, it took me back a few steps and made me start searching again.. Bad news but one of the downs you described I would likely go through..
Thanks Again.. Geoff..
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 03:06 PM
You do sound like a sweet caring guy, but you do need to do some more thinking - and a lot more focusing.
Thanks bluerose..
I agree that there is still some element of focus required more towards myself rather than seeking answers that are not there..
Skell
Dec 18, 2006, 03:07 PM
Ups and downs Geoff.
Your doing better than you realise!
Bluerose
Dec 18, 2006, 03:11 PM
Geofferson,
Skell is right we should forget about her and get back to you. I just don't like to see negative things said about someone who can't defend themselves.
Geoffersonairplane
Dec 18, 2006, 03:21 PM
Geofferson,
Skell is right we should forget about her and get back to you. I just don't like to see negative things said about someone who can't defend themselves.
I know what you are saying bluerose and please, please understand that it was not me who actually said that but her family and I don't think I have actually said I wanted this to happen anywhere in this forum... I LOVE THE WOMAN!
I only reiterated what the family said to me and I in know way agreed with them, I just listened to what they said. Maybe they said what they said to make it easier on me, I don't know.
It would be the last thing I would want, it really would, this is why I said earlier that I worry about what will happen to her but also I have been put straight on this that her experiences and lessons are not my concern.. My concern is with ME ONLY.
I guess I really should not have wrote that this was said about her because as you say, it is negative and not about me which is where the focus should be so I agree, off her and more about focusing on me and my healing.
I feel like I have offended you now bluerose for you not being comfortable with what was in one of the previous responses... Hope I have not..
Geoff.
:)
Bluerose
Dec 18, 2006, 03:30 PM
"I feel like I have offended you now bluerose for you not being comfortable with what was in one of the previous responses....Hope I have not.."
Not at all. I haven't yet met anyone who doesn't enjoy a good healthy debate. Lol
Rose xx
simpl2me
Dec 18, 2006, 04:04 PM
Well one you have already answered your question. Blurose came the closet on the feelings pends on the bagage. But if you look at it this way no matter how long it is after a breakup will always be considered a rebound. Its just how people put it when you go from one relationship to another they now if it is 1 yr down the road then they will most likely say it not too much but it is up to you and when you feel your ready for that relationship again. So who cares what others think on the rebound a lot of relationships go well off the rebound as they say but it's a learning thing. I know cause Im one of the ones that jumped into one that was after me being left after a month and we have been together for 3 yrs and we are great you just got to find the right one that wants what you want out of a relationship and wanting to go party is not an exscuse it is fear of comitment. Stay away from Young girls they know nothing in a relationship.
wap
Dec 19, 2006, 05:24 AM
Just wanted to say thanks Skell, I couldn't rate your answer, I wasn't allowed.
Thanks for your support. You are very strong. I hope you are well yourself.
You are right, I will try to stay positive
X
april75
Feb 13, 2007, 12:42 PM
My logic tells me that it depends on whether you are the one that leaves or the one that is left behind and how much the break-up hurt you. I expect there is really no time scale since it probably depends on the emotional baggage he or she is carrying.
Like I say, I think the dumper can move into a relationship relatively early and for it not to be considered a rebound since the dumper usually cuts themselves off emotionally well before the ending of the relationship.
What do you think guys and gals??
First of all, I have been in this situation before and I actually got married so... I would say to anyone PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE!! :eek: Give yourself time to get over someone before moving on to a new relationship. Some people simply can't cope if they are not in relationships... something that I am coming to grips with... it's a dangerous way to live.
I can't tell you the pain and anguish that I have suffered as well as my children... I didn't take the time to get to know the new man. I was hurting due to the break up of a 4 year relationship that I thought was going to lead to marriage and it didn't so... as soon as we broke up within a month I was in another relationship and one year later pregnant with twins and married... talk about rebounding... wew... :eek:
So, I say... WAIT! :) until you feel comfortable with being single and the ex is no longer the object of your affection. If I had to go for numbers I'd say after a year it's time to start dating. Of course, the length of time you were in the prior relationship and whether you were falling in love or were in love will also determine how long it takes for one to move on. Some people believe that when one really loves someone it never dies just becomes suppressed in the heart... I hope this helps and God Bless!;)
Geoffersonairplane
Feb 13, 2007, 02:57 PM
If I had to go for numbers I'd say after a year it's time to start dating. Of course, the length of time you were in the prior relationship and whether or not you were falling in love or were in love will also determine how long it takes for one to move on. Some people believe that when one really loves someone it never dies just becomes suppressed in the heart... I hope this helps and God Bless!;)
I'm starting to believe that a year is a good figure to use to actually get yourself back on track, sort your life out by making improvements, riding through the pain and letting go in preparation for dating again. I still don't feel emotionally ready enough for anything along the lines of dating. I don't believe true love dies, you carry it inside but I also believe that you can truly love more than once.
daisydew
Feb 14, 2007, 12:33 AM
My ex told me he loved me, and thought he would never find someone he was more compatible with. 2 weeks later he's in a relationship with a coworker and they've got their pet names plastered all over myspace. Everyone is telling me it's a rebound... but they seem so happy together. It hurts.
Personally, I don't feel like I'm going to be ready for another relationship for a longggg time!
What happens to people that keep rebounding to the next relationship? Do they eventually realize their pattern... or do they finally find their special someone? Hmmmm
BlazingCold
Feb 14, 2007, 06:52 AM
I'm starting to believe that a year is a good figure to use to actually get yourself back on track, sort your life out by making improvements, riding through the pain and letting go in preparation for dating again. I still don't feel emotionally ready enough for anything along the lines of dating. I don't believe true love dies, you carry it inside but I also believe that you can truly love more than once.
I agree with everything you've said, except for placing a time on it. Only you know when you're ready to start another relationship, but putting time constraints on it just puts undo pressure on yourself to be "ready" by that time.
True love doesn't die. Eventually, you'll only remember the good parts (if you choose to) and still care about that person, but know that it just wasn't meant to be. I care about my ex still, but the intense feelings are pretty much gone. I wasn't sure if I'd find another again, but instead of always wondering if it was a rebound, I just let myself "feel the moment" and go wherever life takes me.
Life's now blown me to someone who shares so much in common with me, I can't really remember what I saw in my ex!:)
april75
Feb 14, 2007, 08:40 AM
My ex told me he loved me, and thought he would never find someone he was more compatible with. 2 weeks later he's in a relationship with a coworker and they've got their pet names plastered all over myspace. Everyone is telling me it's a rebound...but they seem so happy together. It hurts.
Personally, I don't feel like I'm going to be ready for another relationship for a longggg time!
What happens to people that keep rebounding to the next relationship? Do they eventually realize their pattern...or do they finally find their special someone? Hmmmm
Either it was a rebound or he was lying to you about his feelings. :(
Hopefully, repetative rebounders do eventually realize their pattern can be very destructive and learn to do the contrary. As a past rebounder myself, I know I have... it was my first time and last. If I should become single again I will be patient and wise about going into another serious relationship.
In my opinion finding that special someone simply requires living... it is not really difficult to find someone special or your true love that God meant for you to have... because they will find you when you least expect it. :)