-
Step 1
Be alert for weird verbal slips. Accidentally calling you by the name of her ex every once in a while is perfectly normal. However, if the love of your life persistently addresses you as "Joe" when your name is really "Bill," you might want to reexamine your prospects. Consider wearing a nametag to your dates so she can keep things straight.
-
Step 2
Ask about her last boyfriend. You could ask, "So what was the deal with that last guy you dated?" Her reply might be, "Oh, he was a total yutz. Let's talk about something else." She could also answer, "Oh, gosh, if I only knew! I've been thinking about it so much I can barely sleep. We were so good together and everyone said we were such a great couple and I still can't bear to take him off my speed dial. So where are we eating tonight, Joe?" Which answer do you think indicates a girl on the rebound?
-
Step 3
Study her phone technique. When you call your beloved, does she pick up halfway through the first ring? This is a good sign that she's delighted to hear from you. However, it's not a good sign if she hesitates for a split second, sighs audibly and mumbles, "Oh, hi, Joe. What's up?" Be a nice guy. Hang up quickly, so her ex can get through if he tries to call.
-
Step 4
Keep track of her whereabouts. A gal you've caught on the first bounce is likely to arrive mysteriously late for dinner and depart mysteriously early from nights at the theater-probably so she can go home and wait for her phone to ring. Then again, she may simply have trouble managing her time, so the only way to know for sure is to ask her straight out. Good luck with that.
-
Step 5
Make reservations for three. The hands-down, most unmistakable sign that the woman you're dating is on the rebound is when she shows up on your third date toting her ex. Don't make a big deal of it, and certainly don't offer to pay for dinner. Just exit the restaurant gracefully and let the two of them catch up.
