There's no other way to compare it - modern day dating is like making your way through a field littered with landmines.
It's true - in a world filled with red flags, 'situationships', Insta DMs, jealous exes, casual flings, 'friends with benefits' and dating apps, it can often feel impossible to think you're making progress towards tracking down your soulmate.
Despite the difficulties that come with 21st century romance, however, one certified doctor and relationship expert has outlined one crucial tip that all singletons should be following to avoid falling head over heels for Mr. Wrong.
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While it might sound counterintuitive to finding that special someone in an ocean of low-commitment long-distance daters, Dr. Krishna Athal believes it is absolutely imperative for single people to explore all avenues of romance before setting down.
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In fact, writing for the Times of India, she insisted that there's no need to wholly commit all of yourself to one person during the early stages of courtship, and says that doing this could actually prove detrimental to your love life.
"[Dating multiple people] allows you to explore your options and get to know different people with different interests and personalities," she explained.
"This can be a great way to learn more about yourself and what you want in a partner."
And whilst other experts agree with Dr. Krishna's crucial tip about testing the waters of the dating pool before diving in, many have taken the advice one step further.
In fact, couple's therapist Linda Carroll believes that the initial period of relationships should be viewed as 'probationary', with big decisions surrounding commitment taken with much precaution before you find yourself in too deep.
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"Go slow with making any big decisions. The merge can fog your vision and make you want to dive into situations that might not actually be wise or healthy for you in the long run."
Another romance guru - Sami Wunder - also agrees with the assertion, and says that, on top of remaining open to other romances, daters should abstain from climbing into bed with someone until they're sure of their intentions.
Speaking to Huffington Post, she explained the biology behind her belief: "Take at least three months to vet people but don’t sleep with them in this timeline.
"When you have sex, your body produces oxytocin, which is a powerful hormone, and can make it harder for you to spot red flags and see that your values don’t align."
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So, basically, if they don't seem interested anymore after you haven't 'given it up' after three months, you're better off without them.
Wise words all round!
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Hacks, Health
Rhianna Benson