HOW NOT TO BECOME THE OTHER WOMAN

Never date a married man. His wedding ring clearly says, “I’m out of bounds.” Honor that limit and search elsewhere.

If you discover he’s married, leave ASAP. He’s already got two strikes against him: He’s a liar and a cheat. Run for the door and don’t look back.

If you’re involved with a married man, get out now. It’s not too late to amend your ways. Tell yourself that what you’re doing is wrong, wrong, wrong. Then tell him it’s over and leave. It may be rough in the beginning. You’ll be much happier in the long run.

Keep your distance from a man in an unhappy marriage. He wants to share his sad story. You want to rescue him from his miserable wife. That draws you too close together and lights the spark for the kindling to ignite. Wish him well. Advise he get into therapy. You’ve done what you needed to do.

If a man is in the process of divorcing, steer clear for at least a year. Even if he’s on his way to being single, he’s still not an appropriate date. He has loads of emotional baggage to sort through. He may have a family to settle in new digs. He has a year of anniversaries to survive. Give him space to grow and heal. If you’re still interested in 12 months, make your move.

Take control of your relationships. You are not a helpless victim. You determine whom you’re with. Don’t delude yourself into thinking it’s fate. If you’re in a bad relationship, change it. You’ll reclaim a sense of personal power. Your relationships will improve.