Balance June 2018 - 17

e
rt h r e

You are: self-

sufficiently single

▲

s ta

STUPID CUPID

Ye�

Yes- you
are
with
yourself!
Ye�

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH
THE WAY THINGS ARE?

▲

Ye�

▲

DO YOU DATE
A WIDE RANGE
OF PEOPLE
REGULARLY?

▲

ARE YOU IN A
RELATIONSHIP OF
SOME SORT?

No
▲

You are:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO
SEE MORE OF THE PERSON/
PEOPLE YOU DO DATE?
No
▲

Ye�

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Such relationships
rarely stay that way. The singles' version of the 'open
marriage' has the potential to evolve: most won't.
WHAT'S THE UPSIDE? It's not quite no-stringsattached sex, but it's the closest thing we know.
When you feel the need for sex or company (but
mainly sex), it's there ready and waiting.
AND THE DOWN? It requires as much negotiation as
Brexit. If it goes wrong, it can be almost as much fun.
TOP TIP "Make sure you're both on the same page;
check in often to avoid hurting each other's feelings."
Relationship expert Dr Dawn Michael, thehappyspouse.com

▲

insecurely single

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? You're single
and seeing people, but have a sense you want more.
WHAT'S THE UPSIDE? You've maybe experienced
the pain of a break-up and aren't in a hurry to repeat it.
AND THE DOWN? You don't buy the idea of happy
ever after, but the dating game is starting to pall.
Holidays and birthdays are getting harder, they're
reminders that you have no-one special.
TOP TIP "The fastest way to break free of insecurities is
to stop feeding them." Clinical psychologist Dr Shannon
Tran, shannontranphd.com

You are: sacrificially single

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? You aren't in a
relationship, but you aren't single, either.
WHAT'S THE UPSIDE? You cling to the idea their
feelings towards you might change.
AND THE DOWN? You've got to wise up. Spell out your
feelings and find out (brutally and honestly) how they feel.
TOP TIP "Take risks and push yourself to do what you need
to do, even if it means attending events on your own."
Relationship expert Dr Paulette Sherman, drpaulettesherman.com

You are in a:

love-hate relationship

Ye�
▲

ARE YOU STAYING
TOGETHER FOR A
SINGLE REASON,
LIKE SEX?

▲

You are in a: friends-withbenefits relationship

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? You're single
and pretty happy with it. There are people
in your life, but you're happy for them not
to be any closer than that for now.
WHAT'S THE UPSIDE? You're free of the
daily pressures of pleasing someone else,
but you're not ruling out Tinder. For now,
you are happy to please yourself.
AND THE DOWN? They mean well, but
friends and family nag you to be in a
relationship. Given 51% of adults are single,
this might change.
TOP TIP "Once you've become self-sufficient,
look for a mate that can become a companion."
Psychologist Dr Tseday Aberra, drtseday.com

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? It's what it says on the tin. Except the love
and sex bit have got confused.
WHAT'S THE UPSIDE? You are still able to express sincere feelings for
each other but the only channel for this is sex. You feel there is hope.
AND THE DOWN? The fights, the rows... You need stamina for this...
TOP TIP "Write a list of pros and cons. Depending on what your subconscious
mind wants, you'll find a majority by the end." Jessica Dawson, lovepanky.com

June 2018 BA LA N CE

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance June 2018