Blog Posts by BounceBack

Take Off the Sweats and Put the Ice Cream Away

Posted by Madeleine Harrington for BounceBack.com

A young woman is sprawled heavily across the sofa, surrounded by a dense forest of empty (insert caloric and processed food here) boxes. She is grasping desperately to the television remote, her facial features soiled by a sloppy stream of mascara darkened tears. Her body is hidden by a large t-shirt and patterned pajama pants, and the voice of Ryan Gosling or a young Leonardo DiCaprio is audible from the television set. This is the image of a woman experiencing a break-up, according to an infinite number of media outlets. This is what we should look like when we grieve.

Related: Compassion Party: Dealing With Heartbreak

When we are in a state of mourning, our bodies, suddenly fragile and confused, seek a sense of familiarity in the same way a lost child looks for their mother's hand in a crowd of strangers. Hence, whether or not it's what we really want, it makes sense that we find fleeting solace in the

What Exactly Is Love?

By Elle Cameron for BounceBack.com

The quote "You complete me" is an all-too-familiar line delivered by Tom Cruise in the 90's romantic flick Jerry Maguire. For the pure and utter hopeless romantic, and for those yearning to know what love feels like, this line gives a snapshot of what love is: as something beautiful or magical. And at the same time, something rooted in dependence. It's a line which appeals to those who've actually been in love. Contrarily, for those of us who have never been in love, the line is a tease - a fantasy yet to be fulfilled.

Love is something one strives for and pursues. It is understood to be a necessary component to life, not unlike having a career or a family. People get hurt, torn and battered in the throes of love. Whatever the downside to love, people always go back, more determined to find it.

Related: Whatever You Believe Will Be True For You

But for those of us who have never been in love, there's a curiosity which

Making the children comfortable around your new boyfriend or girlfriend.

By Shanika Sealy for BounceBack.com

The divorce/relationship is over. A new charming guy/gal has brought back the smiles and happiness. The chemistry is excellent. He or she is adventurous, caring, and sweet. Everyday the relationship gets more exciting and creates room to take more steps towards a potential relationship but the children aren't feeling the same excitement.

Related: Divorce; Your Kids Are Hurting, Too

Children tend to have several reasons for hating their parent's new significant other. When conducting interviews to parents, most answers given were: the children did not like the idea of their parent having a new beau/gal, someday hoping their parents will reunite, and missing the parent spending all their time with them.

Related: 5 Ways to Help Your Children Understand Divorce

Some marriages/relationships have lasted for centuries whereas some have last for 72 days. During the marriages, children become attached to the commitment

Losing Your Friend, Too

By Nicholas Lizardi for BounceBack.com

We all grow up with this concept of wanting to date someone who is a friend first. This is a great idea but sometimes it doesn't work out and sadly the relationship ends. Now both friends and even the ones who weren't involved in the relationship have to deal with the aftermath. It can be pretty rough (but by all means do not think this means dating a friend isn't worth it--sometimes it can end amazingly) but here are some options you might have to deal with when coping.

Try not to rock the boat.

Try to avoid doing things just to get a rise out of your ex. Chances are if this person is within your friendship circle you will see them almost daily. It will be a tough balancing act of getting over your ex and not wanting to make your friends feel uncomfortable. You don't want to create a scene just to cause a rise out of your ex because your friends will no doubt be involved. Pushing your friends away isn't a way to

Not Your Typical Break-Up Movies

Instead of eating a carton of Ben &Jerry's ice cream and popping a cliché love story into your DVD player, try these five movies that will make you want to get back into the swing of things. Each film mixes action and inspiration for a combination that is perfect if you are feeling down. Avoid cheesy romance movies that might remind you of your ex and watch these five empowering movies instead.

The Hunger Games (2012)

Based on the popular book series, this film is a cleverly crafted adaptation from the novel. Set in a futuristic dystopia called Panem, children and teenagers are randomly picked annually from each of the 12 Districts to compete and fight to the death in a competition called The Hunger Games. When Katnis' (Jennifer Lawrence) younger sister, Primrose is picked, she volunteers herself to play the deadly game. The male chosen from District 12 is Peeta Mellark who fights alongside Katnis.

The film is

Should We Always Listen To Our Friend's Advice?

By James Lane for BounceBack.com

Our friends. Some would say they are the most important people in our lives. They are the ones we stay in the closest contact with, whether it is texting the entire day, e-mailing while at work, or setting up that once a week phone date just to stay in touch. They are also the ones we spend all of our free time with: Dinners, movies, bars, you name it. Our friends are always by our side. So there is no doubt that we value or friendships…but do we value their opinion?

I know someone who listens to their best friend's opinion on everything. Where to get the best sushi, which movies are worth the money to go see, even which brand of laundry detergent works the best. She listens to all of her best friend's advice, except when it comes to love.

Related: Looking for Validation? Don't Look to Others All The Time

They say an outsider really has no idea what goes on in a relationship, and I believe some of that to be true. But I

No Strings Attached...Right?


By Alex Johnson for BounceBack.com

Okay. Admit it. There has been a time where you are in between relationships and you have become…well…how we shall say this…frisky. You have called, emailed or text messaged a certain someone to deliver the goods. This person is usually known as your "Bed Friend".

The "Bed Friend" is someone that you probably went on one or two dates with, or even just had one date with and ended up sleeping together. The action in the bedroom was exciting but outside the bedroom things were not so hot. So, you keep this person around to take care of things while you are still out searching for your next relationship.

There have been a few movies about this type of relationship, "Friends with Benefits," and "No Strings Attached," however, in these movies, things always get complicated and no one really knows how to deal with the messiness that can come with having a "Bed Friend."

Related: The Casualties of Casual Sex

Let's take

Learning Curves on Love

There should be an operation manual for falling in love, staying in love, and walking away from love with something resembling dignity (preferably the real thing, but a no-frills jump-start kit would be equally useful during the first few weeks). I have yet to meet anyone who has all the right answers or anyone who can honestly admit to practicing what he or she preaches. Nobody seems to have it all figured out.

Related: Are Your Relationships Keeping You From Becoming Your Best Self?

My first shot at being in love was tricky and confusing. I mean, was it love or just a crush, and is there a litmus test for this? My high school sweetheart was just that- he was an absolute sweetheart and we were in high school. This was my first real attempt at a relationship. Suffice it to say that I failed with flying colors. We dated, went to prom, after which I dumped him (well, I made us dump the label but we continued to date and make out