Are you dating down—dating someone who isn't worth your time, your effort, and all that you have to offer.

Note that this isn't about dating someone with a different financial, social, or professional status, race/ethnicity, or some other outside appearance thing. In fact, people too often use such superficial things to prematurely rule out others from a dating standpoint. No, dating down here refers more to the inside stuff—not getting the kindness, loyalty, compassion, empathy, support, effort, or other deeper things that you deserve.

It's important to recognize when you are dating down because, when you get down to it, it can keep you down in many ways—including keeping you from finding the real right match—way lower than where you'd be if you just stayed single. So watch for these seven signs:

Are you finding yourself having to explain to your close friends and, more important, to yourself why you are even with this person? Note that the term "close friends" here refers to people who really know you and care about your well-being. This is contrast to close-minded friends who don't even bother asking what you truly want and would question someone simply because of that person's race, appearance, social status, or something other superficial thing.

That said, beware of any situation in which you are citing elements that should be present in any dating situation to justify why you are sticking with someone. This is........

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