Name: cushioning

Meaning: otherwise known as keeping your options open, cushioning is an approach to dating that involves talking to several people at once. You might have one person you’re particularly interested in, but you maintain a relationship with several others at the same time to soften the blow just in case you’re dumped or ghosted. Kind of like a dating life jacket. Very different to Blue Sky Dating.

Origin: the origin of cushioning isn’t exactly clear, but it’s been ubiquitous online for quite a few years now. In fact, it even has its own Urban Dictionary page, where it’s described as a “dating technique” used to “cushion the blow” of a potential breakup. Very official.

Wait a second. What’s the difference between cushioning and cheating? That’s what makes cushioning more than a little controversial. Despite how soft it might sound, it can quickly become toxic. Most of the time it’s something people do at the beginning of a relationship when you’re not yet exclusive, which is fine. But when it goes past that stage, it’s definitely dodgy behaviour.

I see. So, this isn’t an approach you’d recommend? From a purely selfish perspective, protecting yourself from the pain of being rejected might seem like a good idea. But that doesn’t take into account the fact that other people have feelings, too – and you’re essentially just leading them on *in case* you get hurt further down the road. So no, it’s probably not a good idea – unless you want to make yourself a whole load of enemies, which I wouldn’t recommend.

Dating Dictionary: cushioning is the tactic people are using to avoid the blow of a potential breakup