Sex and the City grossed an estimated $55.7 million for its opening weekend, beating out the new Indiana Jones movie, much to Hollywood's surprise. No other romantic comedy has ever opened with such a lucrative box office. "There are clear reasons why thisphenomenon is occurring," says Dr. Diana Kirschner, psychologist and recurring relationship expert on the Today show. Each of the Sex & the City characters, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, struggles with a specific dating pattern that many women face or have overcome. "Because so many women identify with these four dating patterns," adds Dr. Diana,"they have made the TV series and now the movie, an institution." The Four Sex & the City patterns are:

The Crumbs Dating Pattern (like Carrie)
1. Accepting seductive & wonderful treatment from a guy who is ultimately out of reach & afraid ofcommitment (Mr. Big)
2. Fantasizing about & falling for men who put her second, behind work or other women (the Russian)
3. Cheating on a man who really loved her (Aidan) and pushing him away

The Chase Me Dating Pattern (like Samantha)
1. Endlessly claiming she did not really want to have a relationship
2. Leaving lovers & moving on for no apparent reason
3. Fearing intimacy (Smith holding her hand in public) and commitment

The Not Perfect – I'll Pass Dating Pattern (like Charlotte)
1. Fussy and a perfectionist
2. Almost passed on Harry Goldenblatt, a man who was good husband material but balding & unpolished (She refused to go to beachparty with him unless he had his back waxed)
3. Judgmental and constricted about sexuality

The Safety Net Dating Pattern (like Miranda)
1. Afraid of being alone & pessimistic about her odds of meeting a great guy
2. Dating guys she feels are beneath her
3. Attracted to a man only if other women are interested in him or he's left her (Steve).

Most single women feel they exercise at least one of these negative dating patterns. When the corresponding characters "fix" themselves and finally get it right, women feel they can do the same. Sex and the City not only gives them hope, but it entertains them and introduces them to great shoes in the process. It could be the best therapy a $10 movie ticket can buy.

Dr. Diana Kirschner is the recurring relationship expert on the Today show, has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America & hundreds of radio shows. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, USA Today, Time and People magazines. Dr.Diana's forthcoming book is Love in 90 Days (CenterStreet). She can be found online at http://www.dianakirschner.com and "http://www.mydatingpatterns.com.