A dating expert has highlighted a frequent misstep people make when they start a rebound relationship.
When a relationship ends, it’s not unusual for someone to throw themselves into dating again, even while still dealing with the emotional fallout of a breakup.
This can be especially common after long-term relationships, where being single may feel unfamiliar. And while there’s nothing automatically wrong with a rebound, one expert says many people approach it in a way that can create problems.
Emily Conway, CEO and Creative Director at Dragon Toys, explained that not every post-breakup romance should be viewed the same way.
“There’s a significant difference between someone who starts dating again with a degree of self-awareness and someone who jumps straight into something new purely to avoid sitting with difficult feelings,” said Emily.
“The former can be healthy. The latter tends to catch up with you eventually.”
She added that the biggest risks around rebound relationships tend to come down to “timing and emotional honesty.”
Emily also pointed to one mistake she sees repeatedly — treating the new person like a measuring stick against the ex.
“I often see people holding a new partner up against their ex. That’s not fair to anyone involved, and it usually signals that there’s still some emotional work to do.”
Even so, she noted that rebounds can still be a positive experience when someone is genuinely in a healthy mindset and clear about what they’re doing.
“Rebound relationships aren’t inherently good or bad. What matters is the emotional place you’re approaching them from. Someone who enters a new relationship with honesty, self-awareness, and realistic expectations can benefit from the connection.
“Someone who uses a new partner as a way to avoid grief is likely to find that the pain waits for them.”
The expert also stressed the value of regularly checking in with yourself after a breakup, rather than relying on an arbitrary timeline.
“The most useful thing anyone can do after a breakup is check in with themselves regularly and honestly. Are you ready to show up for someone new, or are you still showing up for the last person? That question, more than any timeline, is what should guide your next step.”
Emily also suggested a rebound can serve a useful purpose, as it may help people better understand what they truly want from a partner and from a relationship moving forward.