A rebound relationship is a poor choice. The reason is right there in the description - rebound. Why is it not just called a relationship? Because one is rebounding, engaging in another relationship before they’ve healed. They are using this infatuation to fill the unhealed holes in themselves from their previous partner’s leaving. Break up, dumping, death, it makes no difference if the partner left by their volition or otherwise, they left and you are wounded.

Consider, would you want to be the object of a rebound from someone?

Treat people as you want to be treated.

People will treat you as you allow them.

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I guess it's ideal to wait months or even years to work on yourself, get over the last relationship, etc, and then consider dating someone. But I don't always think that's realistic either.

I agree with the statement of the ideal. Yes, heal first. Then date.

Why is that not realistic? Why is that not attainable?

Good relationship are build upon respect and trust. Feelings of like, desire, infatuation, and such are all real, yet not the foundational substance of a long lasting relationship. Certainly, in the incipient stage of a relationship these feelings are useful attractors. As time progresses and dating continues one sees and learns the other person; finds respect, trustworthiness, and capability, or not.

Another of the troubles of rebounding is one’s detector is off kilter. Like during indifference, feelings will loom larger than they really are when contrasted against the void of once what was so prevalent.

One only controls three things. Your thoughts, your actions, and your reactions.

Decisions made based upon emotions usually lead to regrets.

Consider, you are a leader. You exhibit your behaviour to friends, family, kids, and so on. Would you follow you? Are you a person you yourself would follow? If not, why not?

We all know how fast things can, and do, go awry in life. None of us need look further than what brought us here for proof of that. If you’re not right with yourself, if you’re not on the right side of your deeply held convictions, get there. Once you are, things aren’t a rebound.

The gift of time. Use it wisely.

The first and most important relationship in your life is with yourself.

D

Feelings are fleeting.
Be better, not bitter.
Love the person, forgive the sin.