Would you get involved with someone who is in an on and off relationship? Dating someone who is otherwise occupied can backfire.
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You’re out one night and click with a guy who openly admits that he’s “sort-of” single. As you spend the whole night talking and then swap BBMs at last call, you are happy, but there is one giant red flag you can’t ignore: he’s in an on and off relationship (à la Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake). Getting involved with a guy who is constantly in a grey area with his ex is something you should think twice about. Here’s why:
1. You might be a prop
When we first meet someone it is often easy to misinterpret their openness or including us in their plans as symbols of feelings, but it is important to see the reality of your part as a third wheel to their relationship. On-again/off-again relationships are often a sign of confusion between two people. No matter what they are going through, it seems as though the hope is that it can somehow work out, likely because they love each other to the core. In these situations, it isn’t unusual for a partner to use tactics to try to entice the other back. Don’t mistake him showing you off to others and including you in his plans as a sign that he cares. There’s a chance he’s doing it so word will get back to his ex.
2. A filler
If a guy you’re thinking about dealing with is in an on and off relationship he is likely used to always having someone by his side. Instead of dealing with his loss, he is filling that void with your company, whether he knows it or not. Though he might genuinely enjoy spending time with you, he may be hanging out with you everyday because he is used to it and it provides comfort, not because he is so into you that he always wants you around.
Two more reasons you shouldn't get involved in an on and off relationship on the next page ...
