I read somewhere that there are two types of people in this world, and that they are comparable to the traditional breakfast meal of bacon and eggs.

Together they're a wonderful combination. However, when it comes down to it, although the chicken was involved, it was the pig who was truly committed to the project.

As of late, I've noticed that the same can be said for relationships. Everyone I talk to, boy or girl, has the same story.

A certain boy says, "Things are great with us. It's just that she's not as into it as I am." Another girl admits, "We're fine. I just think that he's not ready for anything serious. But I'd like it if he was."

Is this a growing trend? Do we have to find someone who balances us? Someone who will sit on one end of the relationship seesaw, carrying all the weight, while we dangle in the air, or vice versa?

In some ways, it makes sense. If people become overly committed to each other, hanging on for dear life, not letting anyone else play with them, the seesaw will eventually snap from the stress being placed on it and everyone will hit the ground, crying.

However, if neither party takes the relationship seriously, both may escape without any bumps or bruises, but they never really got anywhere in the first place.

Back to the chicken and the pig. Which is the better role to play? Involved yet casual or devotedly committed? Can you have both, and most importantly, do you get to choose your position?

I realize that most relationships evolve from the casual meet-me-at-Reckers, to the inevitable SYR invite and, if all goes well, to the eventual meet-the-parents stage.

But no matter what phase two people are merging into, one person always seems to be pushing a little bit harder for commitment.

Admittedly, for collegiate relationship purposes, people like to take the chicken's point of view. It's easier, leaves you with more options and lets a person be involved without putting in a lot of work or effort.

However, put two chickens together, and all you've got is a lot of clucking around.

Then there's the pig. Eventually, this is the ultimate goal — to find someone, someday, that you can commit to without reservation. Taking the committed route brings more of a substantial connection to someone, and with that connection comes security.

But you also have to remember where the pig ended up in the end.

Relationships aren't easy, and rarely are they safeguarded from heartache. But if both parties do somehow find that balance between overly committed and casually indifferent, the seesaw will be balanced and everybody will go home happy.

You can still have your bacon and eggs, but instead of it being a relationship of contrast and disparity, it will be one of combination — and like a great breakfast, something you can really enjoy.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

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