Why Your Ex Looks Better (or Worse) After You Break Up

You've bumped into an ex-girlfriend months after your break-up and you're shocked at how great she looks. She doesn't appear to have altered her appearance too much. But you detect a definite change-one that you can't quite put your finger on. This is a pretty common occurrence in the world of relationships. Years, months, or even weeks after you've broken up-you're suddenly face to face-wondering how this change came about. The difference is usually is marked by one extreme or the other. The distinction between looking better or worse has everything to do with the circumstances of the break-up and the condition of the relationship. It's amazing how the art of perception is influenced by emotion. But it does. And here's why...

Seen Through Fresh Eyes...

There is a great chance that as troubles crept into your relationship, you took for granted that your mate was attractive. So after the break-up, you suddenly see the person that you fell in love with initially. In essence, separating yourself from the problems makes it easier for you to focus on the person's pleasant attributes. This is especially true if you've seen your former lover after an extended period of time being apart.

A New Attitude...

Sometimes people really do look better after they've been away from their partners. This usually occurs because after a break-up, people attempt to find ways to boost their self-esteem. This comes about in the form of extra workouts, a new hairdo, or new wardrobe. It's common for a person to change his appearance in an effort to leave behind the person that he used to be in the relationship.

The Ripple Effect...

Some people look better after a break-up simply because they are happier. It's amazing how one's mental perspective has a way of manifesting itself physically. If a person is feeling better about getting away from a stressful situation, then it's quite feasible that they'll also look like it.

It is for this very reason that a person may begin to look a little worse for wear. Being miserable about a break-up (or any disappointing circumstances for that matter) has a way of taking its toll on one's looks. When romance goes sour, a person may have no motivation to care for his/her appearance.

Blinder Removal...

There is a chance that a former lover looks worse to you simply because you have removed the blinders of lust, infatuation or expectation. Some realize that the person they fell in love with was actually in their head. With this epiphany comes the opinion that your former mate isn't as attractive as when you first met.

SOURCES:

www.ivillage.com
www.psychologytoday.com
www.about.com