Rules of the Rebound
What to know, what to say and what to do going in
We've all been there-jump off one horse and itching to hop right back on another. Be it for sex, comfort or the
pursuit of something more, no one is more desperate to find someone stat than they are when they're back on the
market.
Problem is we all know rebounds are notoriously short lived. Whether you're going in with both eyes closed or just
looking for something fun that will eventually run its course, no one goes into a rebound prepared. It's usually a
flying blind type of scenario.
What better place to find the perfect rebound than online. You can change text, swap photos and plead for emails from
your chosen type all in a matter of minutes. And if it doesn't work out just delete the email-no harm, no foul, right?
For you, but what about them. Even if you are in it for the thrill of the moment, the last thing you want to do is drag
someone into a short lived thrill ride with you only to discover they were bucking for something more. Instead of
collecting a trail of broken hearts along your journey, why not learn to spot those profiles that are perfect for
that "no strings" sort of fun you're looking for. In the process, we'll give you some questions you should
probably ask before jumping in.
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Avoid profiles that say anything to do with long term relationships, ready to settle down, sick of playing the
game, etc . As much as they may claim they're fine with something fun and painless, if they took the time to say
otherwise in their profile, they're lying.
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Make it clear going in what it is you're looking for. If it's sex, say so. If it's someone to hang out with on
the weekends, say. Don't feed someone a line just to get them to give you the time of day.
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Don't close yourself off to possibility. Unless someone says they're counting the days until someone slips a
ring on their finger, they may well be fair game. Start out with a casual coffee and feel it out.
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A wise dating therapist once told me, "rebound, don't revisit." Try and look for profiles that are a
180 from the person you just spent three years of misery with. Why the hell would you want to go down that road
again if you can possibly help it?
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Assess your emotional state before you throw yourself out there for something quick and fun. People tend to ignore
how they're really feeling after a breakup and if you hop into something "emotion free" when you're
emotionally high strung, it could spell disaster.
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If you had a Web profile before you became fair game, it's probably a good idea to give it a face lift. And not just
a nip here and a tuck there. I mean a complete overhaul. New photos, new text. like a fresh coat of paint on a house
you just purchased, you want this baby to shine.
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Look for words like "fun" and "down for whatever". "go with the flow" is good too.
This usually means whoever posted these profiles isn't strict in what they're in the market for, and if you should
happen to swing by with a proposition for fun, they might just be inclined to take you up on it.
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You can tell a lot about a profile from the photos. Good. beaches, beers, amusement parks and provocative photos.
Bad. family portraits, pictures with their ex-really anything that screams stability
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MegaMates asks it's users to answer a very telling questions-What would you expect from a first date? Just a hint!
If their answer is a handshake, nothing or a good night kiss, you're probably not going to get what you're looking
for here.
If you're still not quite sure if the profile you're staring at is rebound relationship material, try a few of these
questions on for size.
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Question: How long has it been since your last relationship? Why Ask It:
Anything less than six months and you're probably still in safe rebound range. Two or three years. chance
are they're looking for something more.
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Question: What are you looking to do when we get together? Why Ask It:
You need to know what exactly they're expecting. If you want action and they want dinner and a movie, you
aren't on the same page.
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Question: How often do you meet people online? Why Ask It: Well, you
don't want someone to say, 'you're the third today.' But if someone says they've never met anyone online,
you might be safe-you might also be setting up a meeting with someone who is way too sensitive and green
for this.
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Question: What is it about me you like? Why Ask It: Sounds awkward,
right? You will be shocked with what people come up with. If it sounds genuine (eyes, body, we love the
same movies, food) give it a go. But if they say something far reaching like, "you seem like someone
I can see myself with," whoa. move on!
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