One of A Kind

Dear Christopher Tracy,

Here is what I call the Casino Dilemma: As a young man in a relationship, it's like winning big at a casino. You're happy that you've won, but you wonder if you can win more. However, you know you could lose it all trying to find out. So what do you do?

Signed,

The One Armed Bandit 

Bandit,

I’ve never been to the Bellagio, but I do know a thing or two about gambling. Your issue raises an important paradox. People always insist that in order to find love and happiness we have to put ourselves out there, take risks (YES, gamble!). But once you have the veritable “good hand” who tells you to step away from the table? The truth is, just like the game Blackjack in which you are given the option to “stand” or “hit” (or even double down) there is always the option to forsake what you have for the exciting and unknown. But, I would advise that you take only a very calculated risk—You have already declared that your girl has you feeling like you’ve hit the jackpot. And while you may or may not have a Royal Flush (greatest love of all time), you have a Queen and that’s always a good start!

Nevertheless, if you feel that you have to roll the dice, or shop around as Smokey Robinson described it, don’t feel horrible. You are young and perhaps there is someone better out there for you. But you MUST be honest about this with your partner. Don’t give her your best poker face while you peruse the deck. Why? Simple--Cheaters never win.

I’ll leave you with a quote that may help you put your dilemma into perspective, “Never leave the one you love for the one you like because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.”

Good Luck,

CT