Should you date only one person at a time or multiple people? I think that’s a personal preference and there are pros and cons to each.

Dating multiple people:

Dating multiple people offers an opportunity to compare different personalities and beliefs to see who matches well to your own. You are able to see who would make a good potential partner and who won’t.

If you aren’t ready for a serious relationship, dating multiple people may lessen the temptation to be exclusive with any one person, yet maintaining a social life. It allows you to explore and have fun. I feel, seeing multiple people should be in the “social” category more so than dating, as it should be kept casual. When dating multiple people, the focus is lessened. You aren’t giving any one person your devoted attention and time. Not much different than hanging out with various friends.

Dating only one person:

If you are dating only one person, you appear to have a more serious interest. If you are dating multiple people, it would be difficult for one person to feel you are seriously interested in only them. But, the interest needs to be two-sided. If you want to be exclusive and your date wants to see others, chances are you are going to be disappointed.

If you are seeking a serious and long-term relationship, you need to lay the ground work. If you sense mutual interest from someone who isn’t interested in dating others, they won’t be too happy with you dating others. A serious relationship isn’t built on a threesome, but a twosome. Dating one person at a times gives you the opportunity to focus and get to know them in depth.

The right decision should be made from the right intentions. If you are dating multiple people for an ego boost, a fear of commitment to one person or to have a back-up plan, it’s probably going to backfire at some point. Choose the path that feels right for you, but choose it with good intentions and honesty.

Kathy wrote this on March 31st, 2008 and filed it under Dating, Single Life |