Should You Date More Than One Person at the Same Time?

First, I will admit I am one of the lucky ones. I haven't had that much experience when it comes to dating. I say lucky because I know how tough that world of dating is. How do I know? I have friends who have been there and are back out there after a bad divorce. I also read a lot and
 watch a lot of television. So how can I write an article on dating more than one person? I can write it because of my friends, because of what I have read and watched and because I can actually imagine myself in some of these dilemmas.

When I am talking about dating more than one person, I am talking about a person who is dating one or two people at the same time. This person does not consider himself or herself obligated or committed to anyone. Why would a person date more than one person?

1. Bad dating or bad relationship experiences

2. Trust issues

3. Commitment shy

4. Hasn't found that one special person

5. Because he/she likes variety.

6. Habit.

By bad dating or relationship experiences this could be anything from cheating to abuse and everything in between the two. Trust issues could because someone has cheated on him/her. Commitment shyness could be from a number of reasons: the bad breakup rates, fear that they can't take care of a person's needs (financially or emotionally) or a number of other reasons. Finding that special person is just a hard thing to do and it seems like the more you look for this special man/woman the harder it is to find him/her. Variety is just an excuse in my book as is the habit reason.

Many of my friends think it is okay to date more than one person, especially when they first get back out there in the singles game after a break up. They say it is easier and they like feeling carefree and young. But, yet, a few friends hates the idea of dating more than one person. They say it is too hard to get to know another person if you are juggling more than one man, plus your other responsibilities in life: work, children, etc. They would rather date one man and see if it goes anywhere.

Are there any rules for dating more than one person? Yes, there are. Yet, they aren't always followed. Here is what my friends say:

Related information
  • One reason for dating more than one person may be past dating relationships.
  • Another reason for dating more than one person is that commitment shyness.
  • If you are dating more than one person, try to be honest with everyone.
 
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I agree with Carol! I definitely believe in monogamy and the advantages of marriage. Sophie

Posted on 11/09/2007 at 4:11:00 AM

Interesting article!

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 6:10:00 PM

I too am glad I am not dating any longer.I think that dating more than one person at a time can have advantages as long as there is nothing serious happening. Great advice.

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

Glad I don't have this dilemma anymore.

Posted on 10/04/2007 at 5:10:00 AM

I'm with Nikki on this one. I'm now married and no longer have to worry about this issue. But I do remember the many times that I was cheated on (and the few that I did the cheating) and I can tell you I wouldn't want to go there again.

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 3:10:00 PM

I'm so glad I'm not on the dating merry-go-round anymore!

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 8:10:00 AM

Issues like this remind me of the advantages of being married. :)

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 8:10:00 AM

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