These rarely work out, precisely because we use them as a kind of bandage to get us through the emotional pain of the break up. When the pain is gone, so is the need for the bandage and we toss it away. Don't be the bandage. Arm yourself with the necessary knowledge to spot and avoid the rebound.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

When your new paramour tells you that you look just like Melissa (or whatever their old flame was called) it's a clear sign that the relationship will be a bouncy one. And you may be walking into a Stepford Wife scenario, so if you don't want to be turned into the robotic version of Melissa, get out while you can.

Haunting the Old Haunts

Speaking of the ghosts of relationships past, imagine you're out for a nice dinner and your new girl lets out a sigh, then says, "I was just remembering all of the good times Chuck and I had here. It was our place, actually." Which is strange because she suggested it -- and she took you to their favorite club the night before. Are you getting the sinking feeling that you're starring in the relationship version of Groundhog Day? Yep, if you keep revisiting places they went or doing things they used to do, you're caught up in a rebound. She can't move on, but you should.

What Are You Doing Here?

You meet up with a new guy for coffee but keep passing coffee shop after coffee shop without stopping in. When you question him, he says there's a perfect little place a little farther on. When you arrive, who should be your barista but Little Miss Ex-perfect Girlfriend? What a coincidence. Of course, he introduces you and she gives you the stink eye to end all stink eyes. The "Look How Great I'm Doing" rebound, finds you squeezed into a war of one-upmanship that has nothing to do with you and everything to do with her. You're a pawn in their sick game. Retire from the board before they do it for you.