According to reports in the celebrity world, Katy Perry’s parents want her to move on from Russell Brand and start dating Tim Tebow. Given that it’s just weeks since her marriage ended, is it too fast to be even thinking about dating someone else? Most people would say a resounding, ‘yes’! If you’ve recently broken up, here’s what you need to know about the good and the bad of rebound relationships.

The Good

Rebounds don’t have a very good reputation. But in my experience of counselling women after a break up or divorce, it seems rebounds might not be all bad. If someone is anxious or doesn’t value themselves enough, rebounds can be useful way to help them on. They can show someone they’re datable. They provide evidence against the monkey on their back saying you won’t ever meet anyone. So as shocking as it sounds, rebounds may be a good thing for some people. And just because it’s a rebound relationship, doesn’t mean it won’t last. Look at Reese Witherspoon. Just weeks from splitting Jake Gyllenhaal, she met her new man and now husband Jim Toth. So rebounds can end up with a fairy tale ending.

The Bad

When it comes to a break up, especially a divorce it can be seen as such a personal failure. A rebound can act as a quick fix to that pain. Stars like Elizabeth Hurley, ScarJo and Kate Winslet have all jumped into rebound relationships, needing escapism, comfort and attention. But a word of warning. If you don’t ever have time off between relationships, you can very easily fall in to a pattern where you can end up more addicted to the distraction and pleasures of new ‘love’, than actually caring for the person you’re with. When you end up splitting up, which inevitably happens, the same happens again. With another warm body, whoever it may be. Ideally, after a relationship need time to lick wounds. So you can look at what went wrong, and see what can you learn from it. That’s how can make sure you can make your next relationship better than the last.

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