With shows like “Scandal,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Haves and the Have Nots,” sometimes it seems as if mistresses or “side chicks” are taking over the world.

In some ways they have been glorified, in others hated. Being a side chick has even become an occupation and steady flow of income for many women. But are side chicks really winning? I don’t think so. There is no possible way for someone to win who isn’t even in the game in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong. It has benefits. You can have a guy without having to worry about all of that relationship drama. Sex, gifts, romantic dates and even kids are all in your grasp.

But here is the down side:

1. No Commitment

You can basically have everything you want except for a commitment, and one day you are going to want that. I know that many of us say that we are a “strong, independent (insert race) woman who don’t need no man” now, but what about later? What about when you start to wrinkle, sag and have to wear Depends? What about when you realize that you wasted the best years of your life on something that couldn’t last? Who are you going to spend those last hours with?

Sure, there is potential for you to pull an Angelina Jolie or Alicia Keys and get that coveted spot as a wife, but it is a very small percent. It’s more likely that you will end up like Lil Kim, and we all know how that turned out.

2. No Emotions

Are you really going to be okay with being put on the back burner only be to called in to fulfill his desires. Or are you going to feel some type of way?

It’s like you are Robin the Boy Wonder. Sure you can do some cool tricks and elaborate acrobatics, but when it comes down to the real problems people are going to call Batman. He has his girlfriend to share his life with. His thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. He doesn’t need you for that. Batman is the superhero — not Robin. She is the girlfriend — not you.

3. You deserve better.

I know; that’s so cliche, but it’s true. You deserve someone who can treat you right. Someone who can be there for you. Someone who doesn’t just call you when they want you to come through. Even if you do get the guy you are cheating with, he is already a known cheater. Do you really think he won’t do the same to you? Sure guys may sing about how “these hoes ain’t loyal,” but are they?

My suggestion is that you find a good man, a real man, a single man. Heck, just find your own man. Or maybe not date at all. But whatever you do, do not become a side chick.