Why Getting Back With Your Ex Could Do Damage To Your Health
As fun as it is to watch and re-watch Ross and Rachel on Friends or Carrie and Mr. Big on Sex and the City, we can't help but think about what their on-again/off-again relationship statuses were doing to their health. Falling in love, breaking up and repeating the process may make for some memorable TV — but in real life, though, it could do some noticeable damage to your health.
In a new study reported via Time, it was shown that attempting to rekindle a relationship may prolong symptoms of depression and anxiety. Study co-author Kale Monk, an assistant professor of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri explains, "A pattern of breaking up and getting back together with the same partner — what we refer to as 'relationship cycling' — was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety." He adds, "We know that breakups are upsetting in-and-of themselves, but this distress is considered normal and is often temporary. However, a tumultuous pattern of stressful transitions in and out of the same relationship might have more pervasive implications for our well-being."
Getting back together with an ex is likely to become a pattern
Health Shots also points out that by going back to an ex, you are most likely settling. The breakup happened for a reason, and if you run back to your former partner once the dust has settled from a nasty split, then you are not allowing yourself enough time to heal and achieve true mental peace. It is also stressed that if you get back together with your ex, then you will likely do it again when the next break-up happens. It's a cycle that becomes harder to get out of the longer you participate in it.
Sometimes, a break is what's needed to give partners some perspective and appreciate each other more. But as Time writes, breakups often happen because the relationship has turned toxic on some level. If you do try reconciling to avoid post-relationship distress, then you may be missing out on the personal growth that comes from the end of a relationship.
"Relationship cycling" can lead to stunted personal growth and prolonged stress, depression, and anxiety. All of these can result in damage to your overall health and well-being. Breakups are traumatic even when done just once, so do your best to avoid relationship cycling and leave the "We were on a break" arguments to our favorite TV couples.