I'm just trying to maximize my profits...

According to social exchange theory, human behavior often follows the economic model of profits and losses.  Like with money, peoples' social behavior is motivated by minimizing losses and maximizing profits (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).

So before Lauren and I were together, I was dating a girl who we'll call Sam.

So be completely honest, I was pretty much miserable.  Sam did not have a car, did not have a job, was not going to school, and was pretty clingy.  The worst part?  We didn't have any interesting conversations and she never got any of my jokes.

Suffice to say, I was not satisfied with Sam. According to Rusbult, Martz, and Agnew (1998), satisfaction can be explained with the following equation:

Satisfaction = Rewards - Costs - Comparison Level

Comparison Level (CL) refers to my expectations of my relationship with Sam given my knowledge of past relationships (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).  In this context, my CL was moderate.  However, my costs were greater than my benefits, and thus my satisfaction was low. But because I thought I was being a good person and because I had already invested so much time, money, and energy, I stayed with her.  According to social exchange theory, investments are factors, such as time and money, that one cannot get back if the relationship ends (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).  Because I had already invested so much, I thought I should stay with Sam even though my satisfaction was low.

That is, until I met Lauren.  When Lauren entered my life, I was forced to consider the comparison level of alternatives (CLalt), or what I thought were the costs and benefits of dating Lauren rather than Sam and whether or not I thought a switch would be more beneficial (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).

Lauren was independent, financially and emotionally, and even had a car!  Plus, she appreciated my wit.  According to Rusbult et al. (1998), commitment can be explained by the following equation:

Commitment = Satisfaction - CLalt + investments

So, even though my investments were great, my satisfaction was very low, my CLalt was enormous (thanks to Lauren).  So, following social exchange theory, I decided to minimize my losses and drop Sam like it's hot.  

In the context of my relationship with Sam, I was losing a lot: money, normal emotional and intellectual processing, and precious time.  With Lauren, I would only have to pay for myself, we could have stimulating conversations, and she was a better prospective mate. 

In the end, I'm glad I unknowingly utilized social exchange theory.  I definitely maximized my profits/satisfaction and minimized my losses.

Rusbult, C.E., Martz, J.M., Agnew, C.R. (1998).  The investment model scale: Measuring commitment level, satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size.  Personal Relationships, 5, 357-391.

Thibaut, J. W. & Kelley, H. H. (1959).  The social psychology of groups.  New York: Wiley.