Broke in the Dating Casino
- Friday, February 12 2010 @ 08:29 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 2,488
Ever play a slot machine? It usually starts out well – you put in a dollar, get ten cents here, five cents there, and before you know it, you've doubled your starting amount. It might be wise to stop here, take the money and run... but most people won't. Thinking your streak will keep going, you keep pressing on, until you're down – or flat broke.
Sometimes dating can be the same way. Online dating is the most obvious example; you're bombarded with “new matches!” every few days on most sites. Even if you're dating someone and it's going well, it can be tempting to peek at the new matches and gauge what you could be missing.
Even if you don't have an account at an online dating site, the “slot machine mentality” can still apply. Some people have been looking so long, or simply have a certain type of personality, that it can be difficult to turn off that “scan and search” mode when they're out. Sure, their current relationship might be going smoothly – but is there something better out there?
Just like in the casino, this kind of behavior can be disastrous for your relationship prospects. Looking for the elusive, fictional perfect person will keep you from completely engaging in any other relationships, ultimately dooming them.
Next time you turn back to the drawing board of potential dates, ask yourself: Have you really been unsuccessful thus far? Or are you simply looking to see if there's anything better?
Some might say it's human nature to keep pressing the button on the slot machine – a base animal instinct. However, it's always possible to walk away when you've doubled your dollar; it just takes a little self-control. Don't let primal human greed keep you from finding – or fully enjoying – a fulfilling relationship.
Sometimes dating can be the same way. Online dating is the most obvious example; you're bombarded with “new matches!” every few days on most sites. Even if you're dating someone and it's going well, it can be tempting to peek at the new matches and gauge what you could be missing.
Even if you don't have an account at an online dating site, the “slot machine mentality” can still apply. Some people have been looking so long, or simply have a certain type of personality, that it can be difficult to turn off that “scan and search” mode when they're out. Sure, their current relationship might be going smoothly – but is there something better out there?
Just like in the casino, this kind of behavior can be disastrous for your relationship prospects. Looking for the elusive, fictional perfect person will keep you from completely engaging in any other relationships, ultimately dooming them.
Next time you turn back to the drawing board of potential dates, ask yourself: Have you really been unsuccessful thus far? Or are you simply looking to see if there's anything better?
Some might say it's human nature to keep pressing the button on the slot machine – a base animal instinct. However, it's always possible to walk away when you've doubled your dollar; it just takes a little self-control. Don't let primal human greed keep you from finding – or fully enjoying – a fulfilling relationship.
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