The breakup safety net

Nobody leaves a relationship without having another one in place.

That's the mentality of the Overlapper, a type of dater The Frisky criticizes here. It's someone who breaks up, and immediately enters a new relationship.

You know, that guy who tolerates a horrible girlfriend for a few extra months just so he has enough time to scout out another girl who's definitely into him.

Without a doubt, Overlappers are sleazy -- and extremely insecure in their singledom -- but you have to show them a little sympathy.

It's scary to leave a relationship, and specifically during your first couple days alone, you want the reassurance of knowing that somebody will give you a call just to say hi.

I've never been an Overlapper, but during my weaker moments of self-esteem I've agreed to be a breakup safety net, mistaking that role as genuine affection.

That scenario doesn't work for anybody. The Overlapper settles for a relationship with someone who's just "there," while his significant other spends too much time trying to convince herself she's something special.