I have a client who has been struggling at the end of a long marriage. Recently, she came back to see me. In our discussions in the aftermath of her break up, she talked about how she felt nothing but pessimism and unworthiness. How she didn’t think there could ever be anyone else for her out there.
In our latest discussion, she told me she has met someone special. But she’s not happy about it. In fact, she is consumed with anxiety, in case it’s a rebound relationship.
The idea that rebound relationships are doomed seems to have a currency which has made its way into folk wisdom about heartbreak and new love.
Those on the rebound are assumed to be shamed, angry or sad. Their emotional availability and, indeed, their judgement is questioned.