The Rebound

The rebound; the bounce back; the pick me up. All of the things we never personally want to be to the opposite sex. However, when we ourselves need them, the other person's feelings might as well be the backboard for our layup into a validation swish. First lets define what a "rebound" is. A rebound is a conquest, pertaining to physical or mental needs, required immediately after a ego crushing break up. The girl who flattened your man pride, or the guy who cheated on you with your best friend left a large crater where your self-esteem should be. Some choose to fill this hole with alcohol, chocolate, or books they find in the relationship self-help section of Barnes and Noble. However, for some of us, that hole was so detrimental that we can piece ourselves together with nothing less but the fulfillment of a successful conquest. Ergo, the rebound. If the act of rebounding is executed correctly, it can surpass the social faux pas it really is and be nothing but a stepping stone for one and a good time for the other.

RIGHT: Being up front with the person you're using as a rebound. Note in the previous sentence I said "use." This person needs to be aware of their disposability in your journey to self actualization.

WRONG: To let this person believe they are your diamond in the rough. If this person believes that you have fallen in love with them instead of their infatuation with your current shambled self-perception, you're leading them on.

RIGHT: Once the swagger is back in your step, you need to cut off ties with your rebound. You may have used them to regain stability, but any further usage after that is taking advantage of their personal worth. Don't be selfish, or that pathetic.

WRONG: Continuing to use this person to feed your ego means that this relationship has turned from a rebound into a pathetic partnership. You're pathetic for needing this crutch and they're pathetic for propping your poor presence.

Bottom line. When rebounding, be quick, courteous, and grateful. And remember to return the favor. Next time you're drafted into the battlefield of unreturned lust, remember when you were a wounded solider and the nurse that tended to you. Without the help of others we'd all be casualties of the love of war.