Blog Posts by BounceBack

Should Opposites Attract?
By Elliot Yoo for BounceBack.com

When coming across the unlikeliest of couples, it usually doesn't take long for that popular saying to flash across our minds: "Opposites attract". It seems hard to argue with this sentiment; how else would you explain certain people whom either you or others you know have dated? While this saying seems pretty infallible, what is a much more contentious topic is whether dating somebody the "opposite" of you is what's really best for you.

The answer seems to depend on what you're looking for in the relationship. When asked about what you're looking for, your answers will ultimately reveal whether dating someone the "opposite" of you is really a good idea. Let's explore some of the pros and cons of dating somebody who seems to be your opposite:

Benefits:

Dating someone the opposite of you means experiencing a wider spectrum of what's out there. Being with someone who is fundamentally different than you

Have you made your 2012 Personal Mantra?

By Lindsay Ross for BounceBack.com

By definition a mantra seems quite simple. It's stated as "a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation". But there is much more to the simple word or sound that can assist in guiding your life towards a more peaceful and positive path.

2012 has arrived with a vengeance and it feels like those resolutions that sounded like such a good idea in mid December aren't so appealing anymore. The numerous weight loss resolutions or organization pledges can be a bit daunting, especially if the change that has to be made is drastic. Possibly the best way to tackle these goals is by starting small and growing into the change. There is no better way to start to instill change into your life than by making a personal mantra.

A personal mantra should be a small phrase or word that is simple to remember that evokes positive feelings and self worth. The key is to stay positive. An example could be "I will eat healthy" or "I am

Finding Happiness Starts With You
By Erin Lindsay Miller for BounceBack.com

Our happiness and unhappiness results from our own freely chosen actions, and the same is true for others. Now, this doesn't mean someone we love has the capability of hurting us, but when we believe someone is completely responsible for our own happiness we feel angry when we do not get what we want. The right person will bring out the best, but don't look for someone else to to fulfill.

Related: Will I Ever Find Love Again? 5 Reasons Why You Will

Looking for someone else to fulfill can come in many deceptive forms, but the root is all the same: adopting a quality or material means of another to fill what is lacking. Focusing on becoming strong within is our third step in the 4-phase process for bouncing back to happiness. The third step begins with a strong willingness to accept responsibility for what has happened. It is a time to stop hiding from ourselves and gain perspective on the relationship in a non-judgmental

Examine 2011 relationships to get what you want in 2012
By Rosie Munger for BounceBack.com

Often New Year's resolutions involve modifying behaviors in ways that are supposed to positively impact our lives: eating healthier, exercising more, sticking to our budget, spending more time with family, etc. We are advised to set "SMART" goals: ones that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound. While using this method may work well in certain areas of life, it does not translate particularly well to romantic relationships, which are rarely black and white and frequently not within our sole control.

How, then, might we learn from our relationships of the past year in order to set ourselves up for a greater chance of success this year? Simply turn to these three words: Reflect, Reframe and Refine.

Step 1: Reflect on the positive.

Although your relationship(s) of 2011 may not have worked out, certainly there was at least one thing you really liked about your ex or the relationship. Spend a few minutes writing down

Holly Golightly's lessons on love
By Patia Braithwaite for BounceBack.com

Before Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw had her infamous love affair with New York City, there was Holly Golightly, the fabulously-dressed, lovable, (yet horribly misguided) single girl in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Played by the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, viewers watched Golightly make tragic mistakes in an effort to find balance between being free and being taken care of. While some people love Breakfast at Tiffany's and others despise it, there is no doubt that Ms. Holly Golightly can teach us a thing or two about dating and love.

Related: 5 Common Dating Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

"The field stinks, both economically and socially." - Holly Golightly

Anyone who has spent time dating knows that it can get overwhelming. After a string of bad dates, one may feel that the entire ordeal is a waste of time. The outfit, the hair, the awkward conversations, it can all be quite a drain emotions and wallets. When we feel

Could you take the Cougar route?
By Alysia Stern for BounceBack.com

After a breakup, if they've been single for a while, or if they just feel like it, some men and women choose to consider exploring what society has in recent years labeled a "cougar" relationship. It can be exciting to find a different avenue to walk down, a road which has never been traveled. Maybe it stems from a fantasy to be with a much younger (or older) person, or maybe it's an attempt to keep up self-esteem when all internal courage has been shattered. Whatever the reason, the choice of who one dates should ideally be for the right reasons and at the right time.

In the world of animals, a cougar is a stalk-and-conquer mountain lion. A cougar is quick, smart, and always on its toes, always ready for an attack. The survival of the fittest leaves a cougar always at the top of its game. And in the dating world, the same definition can suit the "female cougar". When an older man dates a much younger female, a concept and practice that has

open doors
By Alysia Stern for BounceBack.com

As a whole, we all have experienced missed opportunities, misfortunes and heartache. We may have lost a job, a romance, or ended a friendship. During this loss, did you feel betrayed, alone, hurt, frustrated, discouraged or depressed? Have you ever thought to be thankful for your losses?

As one door closes another one opens. There may be a brief time in between the doors when you are meant to reflect or learn from your old door before you can be ready to step into the opening of a new one. A closed door may be an opportunity to move forward in our lives. This is a time of preparation, a time to find peace within you. The door that was shut will always be a glass door. Look back through it with gratitude and embrace every moment you had, while it was open. It was a part of you, which has helped mold you into the person you have become.

Related: Love Yourself Before Loving Another

Not every plan works out. There are losses and

This year, make REVolutions
By James Lane for BounceBack.com

As we say goodbye to 2011 and kick off 2012, our minds are racing with the same trite questions, the same as every year: What will I give up? What will my resolution be? How can I change myself for the better next year? I know you are thinking these because, well, I am too.

Every January, we reflect on the past year and notice the things we wish we would have done differently, the things we should have said, and the times we wish we didn't say anything. We remember the new and fresh people brought into our lives and we recall the ones who have left it.

For me, I try never to make resolutions because I am just setting myself up to fail. If I wanted to go to the gym three times a week, I should just go. I don't need the instance of a brand new year to energize myself to workout. If I wanted to change a relationship in my life, why not do it right now instead of waiting until a ball drops at midnight? I believe that most of us use the New Year