Getting intimate with an ex can be disastrous in so many ways, but unfortunately, many young adults have yet to realize this. Today.com reports that for them, it’s actually a typical part of breaking up.

Researchers worked with data from 792 “emerging adults” from ages 17 to 24 who have been in a relationship within the past two years and who have been part of a previous long-term study in Lucas County, Ohio, USA. Approximately 44 percent of the participants have broken up with their significant others and gotten back together, and 53 percent of them said that “make-up sex” have been a huge part in getting them to reconcile. Safe sex is commonly thrown out the window during these intensely emotional situations.

“Relationship churning,” which constitutes on-and-off commitments and physical intimacy, is more common among young adults than among married adult couples or adults who are in their late twenties and above. This may be due to the emotional instability that young adults who are still exploring their sense of self experience.

While it’s your own decision to stay physical with your ex, always remember that in the end, it won’t change the fact that you aren’t together anymore. What’s more likely to happen is you’ll be opening wounds that have just started healing or have finally been healed. Remember, a few rounds in the sack won't magically heal your relationship problems.

(Photo by David Martyn Hunt via Flickr Creative Commons)