Have you ever been in a relationship that feels the same, although it is a different person? This is known as groundhogging. This new dating term describes a trend of dating someone new that you have dated before, regardless of their name or face.
It is like hitting replay on a dating life. You are in a loop because it is comfortable, nostalgic, or unfinished business when it comes to relationships (think of feelings, but not a prior relationship).
In other words, groundhogging is being in a loop of neutral behaviors that can create a stagnant situation rather than creating new experiences or the possibility of growth with relationships.
Groundhogging occurs often because it is safe. We all have a “type,” whether it is a certain personality, looks, or nature that feels comfortable or familiar.
When we date someone who is familiar to us and reminds us of someone we dated or loved previously, it is comfortable to us; gives us a sense of comfort.
This sense of comfort felt, especially in relationships, can feel unknown or uncertain. In addition to comfort, we may be groundhogging due to nostalgia.
Wanting to honestly recreate the true moments that exist in relationships and not finish receiving the closure we desired. To put it simply: comfort captivates us and locks us into a cycle.
While reminiscing about past relationships may feel harmless, it can also hinder our progression or learning what we actually want in a partner. If you're stuck in this loop, you may miss opportunities to meet people outside of your "type."
Going out with someone new can unlock a joy that you didn't expect, but if you're constantly connecting with the same partner, you might overlook new possibilities.
Fear of change can result in an emotional standstill and deter true evolution in your romantic endeavors.
So, is groundhogging a bad thing? Not necessarily. Everyone has their reasons for connecting with the same type of person, and sometimes it truly is comforting and familiar.
However, if you want growth in your romantic relationships, you need to step outside your comfort zone. You should try to open up to people who are not your usual "type" if you want to break the cycle. You may even discover qualities that you didn't know that you were attracted to that you need in a partner.
So, is groundhogging a bad thing? Not necessarily. Everyone has their own reasons for dating types that are like them, and at times it can feel comforting to be around familiarity.
But, if we want to see genuine growth in our relationships, it's probably best to step out of our comfort zone. If you want to truly break the cycle, try being more open to people who are not your type. You may discover new traits that you never knew you would want in a partner!
Groundhogging may feel safe; however it also keeps you from taking in all the different people and experiences out there. So now do you feel you want to stay with what you know - or do you feel that it is time to break free from that, and explore the various options of possible romantic experiences?
