I’m New to Dating. Is it OK to Date Multiple Women?

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Written by: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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Reader Question:

I’m new to dating after 10 years. Is it OK to date multiple women (but not sleep with them) and get to know them while you weed out the ones you’re not compatible with?

If they ask if you’re seeing others, do you lie to them? I’m not trying to be a player or use woman for sex, but I’m also not trying to miss out on the right one because I’ve been wasting time on the wrong ones.

-Jon (Florida)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

Dear Jon,

Absolutely date multiple women to decide which you will be most compatible with for the long run. If you are not having sex with them, you have no obligation to them to be exclusive.

If they ask, be honest but don’t gush with details. Simply say you are dating and when you’re ready to enter a sexual relationship, you will choose one woman to be exclusive with.

Trust me, this kind of talk will make you really attractive to women!


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