I am no expert on dating or partners, but these are some general rules that I like to follow.
1. Follow body language. If your other does not seem to want to do something, don't go for it. If their body language is a definite go, then go for it! When in doubt, ask your partner. It's better to be safe than sorry and if you're in a relationship you really want to go somewhere, you should always be safe!
2. Let your other know what you're thinking! Speaking from the girls' side, it drives me CRAZY to not know what people I'm "into" are thinking. I want to know what they are thinking about me or what they want to do. If they hold back because they are shy or don't think you'd like something, it just drives the other crazy!
I know for a fact that males are like this too. They want to know what we are thinking. My boyfriend knows what I'm thinking (unless I'm going to surprise him with something) all the time. Don't hold back thoughts. If you don't feel you should say something, then maybe you shouldn't be thinking it either.
3. Don't SUFFOCATE your other. Yeah, love and affection are good, but too much is bad. Sometimes you will get a couple perfect for each other that will love smothering each other in cuddling, hugs and kisses, but always make sure to give your partner some breathing space. This kind of follows rule number 1; follow the body language to know whether to keep going or to stop.
4. Don't get jealous over your other hanging out with someone of the opposite sex. We all have friends of the other gender and just because you have a partner doesn't mean you should stop being friends. Learn to know the difference of when your other is flirting or just being him/herself around friends.
5. This should be coupled with number 4 as well. Don't control your other. There is nothing worse than feeling controlled. Having to tell your partner your every move, every word, every breath you take. You shouldn't have to ask him or her what you should wear or where you should go - you should still have some freedom in the relationship. Sure, it's good to know what each other is doing, but you shouldn't be able to control what the other is doing.
What do you think?
I am no expert on dating or partners, but these are some general rules that I like to follow.
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Comments (29)
I agree very much with 3 and 5.
These are pretty much on point :)
mmmmmhm, girl.
i'm big on space.
I think that this list is fantastic. It is really good to see that I am not the only one that thinks these are good ways to make a good relationship.
this all seemed pretty obvious to me...
but it's a good reminder!
They may all seem obvious, but its good to double-check yourself on occasion! I know I've been guilty of slipping up on some of these...
I'm having issues with number 4 and number 5. Those are the main things that cause problems for me...If he gets to hang out with people of the opposite sex, then I should be able to also! It pisses me off , a lot.
Great reminders!! When I started going out with my current boyfriend, i really had a hard time with #2, especially when I'm not a very open person. There are times when we have misunderstandings because we didn't know what each other were thinking. But we talked it through and now we're both a lot more open to each other.
For #4, my boyfriend actually got upset because I wasn't jealous when he talked to an acquaintance of the opposite sex. Apparently, he wants to know that I'm jealous, meaning that I care about him. I was just never the jealous type because I trust him and I knew he wasn't flirting or anything like that. He thinks it's cute for a girl to be jealous tho. But I explained to him that in the world, when we go out to work or study, we will meet people of both genders. We can be friendly to people of the opposite sex, and as long as you keep your faithfulness for your gf/bf, then that's all that counts. I believe being overly jealous (not letting each other talk to the opposite sex) just means you don't trust your bf/gf and in a sense, it's controlling.
I totally agree with your list!
great advice!
great advice!
I agree completely. My ex had issues with 3, 4, and 5. My current boyfriend and I are working on 1 and 2. (:
basically, don't get into a relationship if you are selfish, inconsiderate, overly jealous/over protective psycho, who is stubborn and in major denial about these relationship failure prone set of characteristics
Good list thought I feel that this is kind of a no brainer with regards to the basics on how to treat your SO. I feel like it all comes down to that cliche "respect" that everyone keeps talking about ^_^ but it is true! Kudos to the list and breaking it all down.
flawless
3,4,5 are spot on..maybe cuz i've been suffocated by needy girls... =\
Good stuff. Now if only people could actually follow these rules.
this is nice. simple and to the point. sometimes we just have to be reminded how.
I like the list.
If it were only that easy to follow though.
Oy. x_X"
respect and self control. gotcha.
You forgot the most important rule of successful relationships:
Don't pee in her coffee.
4 and 5 is my weakness.. T.T
Just had a light-bulb moment....I think I'm guilty of #2.
My boyfriend always asks me if I'm okay with our relationship and I've been seeing it as him being clingy - but maybe he just wants me to be more open? I'll try it anyhow...
#4 is the hardest one for me. :(
I've made the mistake of disobeying rule number four...but now I know better. :)
RULE NUMBER ONE: FOR WOMEN TO SHUT UP AND STOP MOANING AT MEN.
RULE NUMBER TWO: FOR MEN TO STOP ACTING LIKE A WOMAN.