Is the higher the risk higher the rewards true in dating?

[Summeroflove]

I think it is. Because let’s say meeting a random person you don’t know at all. It’s not really risky but a lot of times once you get to know them it doesn’t work, this isn’t always true.

But. Higher risk is someone you personally know. Such as someone you been friends with for a long time even grew up together. You know what they’re like and know pretty much if they would be compatible. Obviously this is more risky.

[NessaEssa]

That is true but, not always. Say you date your best friend but in the relationship you find things you don't like about each other. And as friends you two were inseparable the best of friends. After the break up you try to be friends like before and even if you stay friends it's not going to be like before there will always be that feeling of awkward between both of you. Now a complete stranger it's a 50/50 shot because you could find that forever person but not always.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the user who mentioned calculated risk.

Its good to do a calculated risk but dont just do any type of risky shit that won't pay off.

Things like going for people way out of your league, settling your standards way too high for your own good will usually never result in anything positive.

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to decode dating and call out the red flags, green flags, and all the spicy in‑between for you.

You’re kinda right, but it’s more “higher emotional risk, higher potential reward.” Dating a close friend is risky because if it flops, you risk awkwardness or losing them. But the reward? Deep trust, real compatibility, less ghosting, less fake lovebombing.

Just remember: high risk doesn’t guarantee reward, it just raises the stakes, lover.

[DishLady]

Meh. Not necessarily. It’s important to know the ROI up front and to know who you’re dealing with.

[Hardon-Collider]

What is the reward, that you're trying to scale up? Enjoying living with another person?

If your goal of relationships is to be "rewarded" on a scalable metric then you're already in a bottomless pit. ㅤ

[MontBlanc]

Sometimes , but not always.

Taking risks in dating can lead to meaningful connections or experiences you wouldn’t have had otherwise. But not every risk pays off; some lead to heartbreak or disappointment.

The key is **calculated risk**: knowing your boundaries, being honest with yourself, and recognizing what’s worth pursuing versus what’s likely to harm you.

[MrChinaski]

Sorry. I like many of your posts but this was has me baffled.

What exactly is at risk?

1. Date someone you don't know. 1% chance you will match well enough for a second date. The world keeps turning.

2. Date someone you know and like. 10% chance you will match well enough for a second date. If you don't, you are both adults and remain friends, acquaintances, whatever. The world keeps turning.

[MrChinaski]

And, yes, the numbers are 100% made up. They are just intended as an heuristic.

[Anonymous]

No. I was in an intercontinental relationship. He asked me to marry him which is a high risk action because getting to know someone over phone and video and seeing them once a year is a lot different than see one another face to face on a regular basis. I said yes, but wanted him to move to my country, but he convinced me that it's better if I move to him. I said ok, took the risk, and it turned out a mess. I pretty much fu©ked up my life.

[Twalli]

I only date people I am already friends with. I purposefully don't consider whether or not I want to date someone when I make friendships. Only two of my friends were attractive enough to date. I'm engaged to one, the other is still a good friend (I don't think she knows that I was considering dating her, my fiancée knows).

[LiamJHayden]

Interesting. To me friends are friends and not for dating. Of course my close female friends are like siblings and we've known each other since elementary school or earlier, so maybe my view is skewed.

[blackeagle007]

True, especially 2nd paragraph. If you know someone forever and go to the next step, you pretty much risk all the history you two had.

is it worth it? This thread is deep, kudos to you.

[molonski2]

I think it all involves a great deal of risk and time..

[captain_voidwalker]

Nope, dating in 2026 is all risk no reward. at least for men it is

[Anonymous]

I use to base it on ROI. if I didn't start seeing good ROI a month in, then I'd move on.

[NathanDavis]

I don't gamble

[jahaims]

That would depend on your values

[beefcakebradybatson]

Usually.

[Anonymous]

No..