While it’s not always easy to tell if you’re in a rebound relationship, some telltale signs can give it away. Here are 11 behaviors that might suggest you’re more of a rebound than a true romance.
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Speed
Do you ever feel like things are moving a bit too fast? If your new partner is already talking about huge commitments, like moving in together or dropping L-bombs within a few weeks, pump the brakes.
They’re likely trying to plug the emotional gaps left from their last relationship and they haven’t truly fallen for you.
The Ex
Take note if every other conversation somehow circles back to their ex. It’s a big red flag because it could mean they haven’t fully moved on, and you might just be a stand-in.
They could be waiting until they either get back with their ex or truly get over them. Either way, you don’t deserve to be caught in the middle.
Mood Swings
Your partner shouldn’t flip a switch whenever their ex is mentioned or seen with someone new. When their mood changes based on what their ex is doing, they’re likely not over them.
They’re going through a range of emotions because their feelings for you are not their priority. And it’s just as painful as it sounds.
Shallow
Of course, it’s sometimes difficult to get past the surface level but it shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. There could be a reason for that.
Someone using you as a rebound might avoid serious conversations to keep things light & avoid forming a real bond. Essentially, this means they’re not really ready for a new relationship.
Hot and Cold
One day, they’re all in; the next day, you’re wondering if they’ve lost your number.
Someone who demonstrates this kind of yo-yo behavior is usually someone who hasn’t resolved their past breakup.
Sure, they enjoy your company. But they’re not completely emotionally available to commit to something new.
Their People
If it’s been a while and you still haven’t met any friends or family, then that’s a red flag. Someone serious about you will want to show you off to their loved ones because they’re proud of their relationship.
Not doing so could be a sign they don’t see this as a lasting thing. They don’t want to bother introducing someone so temporary, at least in their eyes.
Casual
When your dates are mostly last-minute texts that involve hanging out but nothing planned or special, it could mean they’re keeping things deliberately casual.
They’re not looking to get too attached. As such, they’d rather only meet you spontaneously to avoid any kind of commitment or feelings.
No Interest
Someone interested in a serious relationship will want to know everything about you, including your childhood & your future goals.
Someone who never asks about you may not be planning a life with you in it. After all, why would you be invested in something that you don’t see a future with?
Physical
A relationship that’s heavy on physical stuff but light on the emotional connection could just be fulfilling a temporary need.
They’re not interested in building a partnership. They’ll block serious feelings & romance from developing because they’re really not in it for the long haul. It’s just a rebound.
Sporadic
You should never be in a relationship that feels like you’re always the one reaching out.
Of course, it’s occasionally okay to forget to reply or get busy with work & text sporadically. But this shouldn’t be the norm.
When it is, then this is quite a clear sign that they’re not as invested in the relationship as you are.
Breakup Stories
Whenever they speak about their past relationships, listen carefully. Do these stories come across as dramatic? Are they centered on how they were wronged?
Then they might be using the narrative to gain sympathy or distract from forming a real connection with you. They probably haven’t moved on emotionally.
13 behaviours common in one-sided relationships
Something small keeps changing your relationship. It isn’t what you think. Learn the habits that quietly load the work on you, then decide what you see.