Sex & the City's influence on dating

The Sex and the City movie that debuted this past weekend was wildly popular with women, and it showed at the box office. Perhaps one reason for its popularity is the effect the four lovely chicas have had on not only their fictional relationships but our own.

A survey conducted by the dating blog Engage, has found that eight out of 10 singles believe that Sex and the City "made it more acceptable for women to have fun dating and worry less about finding a committed relationship."

In addition, 43 percent of singles said the HBO series and movie made it more acceptable for women to be unfaithful, and 52 percent said it influenced their dating life.

Now, I've seen the show (although not all of it), and I plan to see the movie. Although I have had some bones to pick with SATC, I will agree with the statement about the show making it more acceptable for women to have fun dating. There are so many double standards when it comes to women and dating. Generally, women who assert themselves are viewed in a negative light, while some of those very same assertions made by a man would be viewed as positive.

I'm not advocating all of the women's actions. Quite frankly, I think both women and men can cross the line into inappropriateness and promiscuity sometimes. But I do think the show gave women greater confidence and equality. It showed that world that it's OK to be an assertive woman that can ask for -- and get -- what she wants.

Do you think Sex and the City has influenced modern dating? What about your own personal dating style? Which of the characters best represents your dating personality?