What are 'Circular relationships'?: Dating trend that advises going back to your ex

Going back to your ex is one thing every friend advises against. But according to relationship experts, it might just be the thing you need. After all, 'right person, wrong time' isn't just a phrase, it's the reality of the love story for many. Where they have left one person only to come back to them and form a relationship that is sealed forever.

So hey, going back to your ex might not be an act of shame after all. And a viral dating trend known as circular relationships is saying it may even be healthy. Here's what you should know about this.

What is a circular relationship?
A circular relationship is just a fancy term for " getting back with your ex ." Also known as a repeat relationship, it provides couples with the opportunity to rekindle their love once more after a period of separation. If pursued with the correct intentions and true commitment, it can work out in the best ways and be successful.

“When both people have reflected on their part and their responsibility in the breakup, if they’ve learned from it and developed more emotional or communication skills, then things can be different,” said psychotherapist Dr Nicole Gehl to The Independent.

However, it's less about an experiment and more about analysing if you have grown enough to come together and not repeat the same patterns.

Why do you circle back to the ex?
It's similar to how we see it in the movies. You meet someone exciting, go out on dates with them, fall in love and relish in the comfort of having a partner in life. But as time passes, you explore each other's habits and quirks, flaws and dislikes and slowly your personalities start clashing rather than complementing. Thus, leading to a mutual breakup .

But as the days go on and the anger wears off, you miss them. Their presence, smile, comfort, everything. Which is when you send those missing you texts and maybe apologise, all in an attempt to get back together.

For many, it's easier to try and work things out with someone you know rather than starting out all over again. Additionally, circular relationships can be common in people who ended their relationships on positive terms and have stayed connected to each other.

How to have a healthy circular relationship?
One of the stepping stones of a circular relationship is self-awareness in both individuals. Make sure you both have reflected, understood and outgrown the parts that caused the rift.

Don't just get back together because of loneliness. Ensure that the reason is that you want that person romantically.

Go slow. Don't put a comma on your previous end and act committed like nothing happened. Acknowledge the past, have those difficult conversations, go out rather than playing house and find the new "us."

A circular relationship can be the best thing you do for yourselves, but only if both parties are willing to take accountability for their initial and new roles. Otherwise, it can turn into a situationship so quickly you wouldn't even know.