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What You Need To Know About Back-Burner Relationships
What is a back-burner relationship? It’s when you keep in touch with someone because you think you might want to have a romantic relationship with them someday. These connections may actually be more common than you think according to one recent study.
Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis studied a group of college students and found that those who said they were single averaged about six back-burner contacts, while those who said they were in committed relationships had almost five.
70% of the participants said they were keeping at least one potential partner in the wings.
Such interactions may be harmless if each of the adults involved is honest about their intentions and satisfied with the relationship. Unfortunately, that is rarely how things work out.
The same study also found that only 16% of the students in serious relationships told their partner about all their back-burner prospects.
Similarly, many of the men and women who are being kept on hold are uncertain about their relationship status because they usually receive mixed signals.
Is there a more kind and constructive way to pursue your love life?
