Dating on the Rebound - is it Right for You?

We've all gone through it-a failed relationship. During the course of our lives we most likely have all had our fair share of let downs. We've probably been the heart breakers and had our share of broken hearts, too. But one thing for certain is every one has a different approach to "getting over it".

After a recent break up, some people need time to mourn the loss of their loved one. Finding comfort in their seclusion from the outside world, they mope around in their pajamas or their ex-mates old t-shirt and curl up on the couch with a half gallon of their favorite ice cream, watching sappy movies like "When Harry Met Sally", or "The Notebook", tears streaming down their faces and a box of Kleenex tissues near by.

Others find it impossible to stay inside alone, so they call up every friend they know and make nightly plans to hit the town-local bars, pool halls, bowling alley's and dance clubs to get their minds off of the fact that they have been rejected and thrown back into the ocean.

What ever the case might be, there is one thing to watch out for-Rebound Dating! Why you ask? Because someone chances getting hurt again and that someone, just might be you. So what should you know about dating on the rebound?

First it's important to be honest about your real feelings and emotional state of mind. Start out slowly and when venturing out into the dating world, don't be too quick to jump right back in to serious relationship. Although the love and attention of a new doting mate might help to stroke that shattered ego, that's all it is.

It's a real self-esteem boost to hear what a wonderful, terrific guy you are and how much fun you are to be around. It's a great feeling to turn heads and be told what a sexy, cute and attractive female you are too! To know that someone out there still finds you appealing, after your heart has been slam dunked to the floor helps build back that much needed confidence. Keep in mind that you don't want to put your faith in someone too soon, but don't be overly cautious either.

It's best to start your new dating calendar with honesty. Don't set out conquer the next relationship from a jaded perspective, or you will end up sabotaging your own well being and theirs. As hard as it might be to admit that you are new to the dating game after a recent break up, the honesty is refreshing. You should keep your initial conversations light and just get to know each other. Its okay to let your date know that you are recently out of a relationship and want to take things slowly-without going into too much detail about how the jerk cheated on you, or how she cleaned out your apartment while you were at work. This kind of information too early on might be too much of a date downer and chances are if the only conversation you can carry is about your ex, you won't get a second date with the same person.

Avoid taking your date to places where you and your ex used to frequent. This will only bring up unwanted feelings from the past and can change your mood from upbeat to reflective. In addition, you really have to be honest and face the fact that you might run in to your ex while you are there. If this isn't a comfortable thought, don't do it. If you happen to be the one who was asked out and your date suggests going to a place that you are not comfortable going into, suggest an alternate place or say you'd love to try something different and refrain from the long drawn out explanation about how you and "Suzy" or "Joey" used to go there.

And be aware that by going into too much detail about your last relationship, you will appear weak and not over it. There are people out there who prey on the emotional unstable souls who are grasping at love and attention and if they know you are damaged goods and might take advantage of your needy clingy state.

I think the best solution for dating after being dumped will be a personal one. You have to decide for yourself what works best and when you are truly ready to put yourself out there again.