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:

1. Be honest. Tell each person you are dating that he/she isn't the only one you are seeing.

2. Don't talk about date number 2 with date number 1. That is just rude.

3. If you are having sex with any of them, use protection. Of course, this is always a given in today's society.

4. Be discreet. Don't take date number 2 to a restaurant that you know is own my date number 1's brother or something of the kind. You may end up in trouble.

Some people will tell you that dating more than one person at a time is wrong. They will tell you by doing this you aren't giving any of the people you are dating a chance.

Some other people will tell you to go ahead, have a little fun. It doesn't hurt anyone, if you are honest and responsible.

The ultimate decision is yours. But remember this. If you are dating a lot of people, you may get a reputation you don't like. This may make it harder to find that special someone and may cause them not to look twice at you. You also should take in consideration where you live. Smaller towns still live by different codes. Whereas in the bigger cities, most people don't even care what anyone else is doing.

Whatever you decide to do about dating, be careful and have fun.