Is rebound sex the perfect band-aid that will help you get over a breakup? Or does it have some risks and serious concerns? Can rebound sex help you move on? In this article, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of rebound sex to help you move on from your ex. We’ll also give you some tips that will teach you to avoid any mistakes that you may regret later on. So keep reading to learn about rebound sex!
Is Rebound Sex a Good Idea?
If you’ve ever been dumped, you’ve probably heard the famous saying: the quickest way to get over your ex is to get under someone else! Is that really true?
Well, relationship experts do not have a straight answer. Some say that having a fling with a stranger right after your breakup could have a positive effect. Others believe it’s not a requirement for moving on. Basically, there are simply too many variations in how people deal with breakups. That’s why it’s tough to give you a “yes” or “no” answer to our main question.
Just like relationships, rebound sex is highly individual. That is, what may be good for one person could make another feel much worse. Therefore, if you want some dirty rebound sex, it’s best to suss out some of the pros and cons. That way, you’ll know if this is the right thing to do or not.
For starters, it can definitely help with the breakup process in some circumstances. You have to know what you’re doing and why! Sex can have a therapeutic effect on your mind and body (hello, endorphins!), but only if you’re open to communication with your hookup. Also, therapists believe that your intentions must be clear.
For example, a lot of people make a mistake because they choose rebound sex as a way of getting revenge on their exes. Additionally, if you’re doing it strictly for the purpose of impressing your friends to prove that you’re okay, you’ll probably fail. Thus, if you want the fling to work, you should use it as a way to get back in touch with your sexuality. If you’ve taken some time to heal, a rebound can be a great idea, and it can allow you to try new things.
Why Do People Resort to It?
Unfortunately, scientific research regarding this subject is sparse. However, some studies have found that we are so addicted to instant gratification that most of us think about casual sex almost immediately after a breakup. Science also finds that the idea appeals to most people because it helps them minimize feelings of loneliness. What’s more, rebound relationships can be about avoiding sadness. They can be about expressing anger, feeling in control, and boosting your ego.
We could gain some further insights from a study carried out by the researchers at the University of Missouri. They tested students and found that over 35 percent engaged in rebound sex immediately after a split. Another 25% claimed that they tried rebound sex within four weeks of a breakup. Sadly, the findings also concluded that those students went on rebounds strictly for revenge sex. Can you guess what happened next? Well, those participants felt a quick band-aid effect during their fling. However, their long-term feelings of heartache and pain actually increased.
Like we’ve said, your reasons may be different from the ones above. For instance, people who were sexually restricted or unfulfilled in their previous relationship could go for a hookup right away. Some would choose it as a way of breaking free and having fun. Of course, being horny and missing sex is another reason.
Winners and Losers
So who are the winners and losers of the rebound sex game? As stated, post-breakup sex can have a positive effect if you’re in the right headspace. If you have clear intentions and have taken the time to heal, definitely think about expressing your sexuality through a purely physical fling. When done right, rebounds can make you feel great by boosting your ego. They can broaden your sexual horizons and boost your independence. This could put you on the right path to learn about what you really want out of sex and relationships.
But what happens when rebound sex turns awry? It can complicate things due to several risks. Obviously, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are on the table. Since you would not be having sex in a real relationship, your hookup may not care about what happens to you afterward.
Additionally, you can’t really know how sex will make you feel until you try it. Some can feel degraded, devalued, and used after their fling. Like we’ve said, if you don’t take the time to heal, you’ll be incredibly vulnerable. You might not be in the right state of mind. Then, you could even try to wash your feelings down with alcohol. That could obscure your moral code and judgment, which means that your rebound partner could exploit you in many ways.
Other Effective Ways to Move On
You can learn how to move on in various other ways that don’t involve sex with strangers. As stated previously, rebound sex could be awesome, but only if you’re careful. You need to know how to protect yourself, express your intentions, and escape the pitfalls. That means you need to go through the healing process.
Luckily, there are tons of healthy alternatives to sex with strangers. Focusing on your health and exercise is one of them. You could invest some time in self-care. That way, you could analyze your feelings and think about what you need to get closure and be happy again. As cliche as it may sound, you need to find happiness within first before you look for it in someone else’s pants.
So give yourself a break and spend time on the things that you love doing. If you have a hobby or want to start one, have a crack at it. Also, no one will blame you if you call up some friends for a movie or TV show binge. Remember, you should take the time to be sad, but use your sadness constructively and don’t allow it to cloud your mind.
Our Verdict
Hopefully, this article has cleared up some misconceptions regarding rebound sex. We’ve tried to show you that the decision is up to you, but we’ve also given you some pointers on how to have good rebound sex. So take some time to think about what you really want, and we wish you all the best!
