When going through a difficult time or situation, it is not uncommon to repeatedly mull over the events that took place (as well as those that have yet to happen) and the things that were said (or not said). Sometimes this process can be helpful — it’s a way of thinking through things, weighing up our options, and figuring out new, creative solutions. But it can also make us feel stuck and less inclined to do anything constructive about the situation and our associated distress. The deeper you are in a cycle of rumination, the louder our inner voice starts to overpower your thoughts.
“It is all my fault, why did I say that?, why did he not reply?, what if…” I’m sure we’ve all experienced such thoughts after an argument in a relationship or even after a first date. But if you not only dwell on these thoughts but play them on repeat in your head, they can become obsessive and harder to manage.
Rumination is known to influence romantic relationship and even sabotage future relationships. Excessively talking about or rehashing problems, not only negatively impacts your emotions but the feelings and thoughts of others. This can sometimes be referred to as co-rumination. Co-rumination is a slippery road
Rumination can negatively impact your future relationships and/or current relationships in various ways:
A Negative Mind Set
Let’s say you have ruminative thoughts about your date last night. You don’t think it went well and your date did not talk much and left early. Rumination can have an unpleasant effect on our perception of optimism and pessimism. As we know, rumination can cause negative moods and increased sense of doubt.
Less Proactive Behaviour
When we are feeling anxious or stressed, we are prone to higher disengagement from problems and less proactive behaviour. This can cause a downward spiral of negativity influencing our personal wellbeing, making us less likely to engage in new relationships and also damage exciting romantic relationships.
Self-Sabotage
As humans we are programmed to focus our attention on the source of our stress, and when experiencing rumination we are more likely making things harder for ourselves. Coping behaviour such as self-sabotaging is a common response, which can make you less approachable to new people, and more destructive in romantic relationships.
It is critical to recognise rumination or ruminative thinking before you get caught in a cycle of obsession, stress, and self-sabotage in your relationships. If you think you need that extra support to navigate any of these issues, get in touch today.
