What is the one piece of advice...

**snuffie** · 06-23-2010 10:56 AM

that you would give to another women or maybe a younger you about dating and relationships?

**sourpuss** · 06-23-2010 11:20 AM

Be true to yourself, know exactly what you want and what you don't want and don't settle for anything less.
That, and always be open to giving something a chance.

**SaharaJim** · 06-23-2010 11:29 AM

EXACTLY. put it another way. Be willing to compromise on everything except yourself.

**LanaBear** · 06-23-2010 11:35 AM

Remember that you are still an individual and maintain that individuality. So often, when in new relationships, you want to be with the other person every single moment of the day, that you end up losing sight of yourself. Be sure to still do your own thing, be an individual, not just part of a couple.

**Hopeless Dork** · 06-23-2010 01:23 PM

*First and foremost... be yourself. Don't mold yourself into what you THINK they want. If you disagree, say so. If you don't like something they like THAT'S OKAY... you guys don't have to be the wonder twin couple wearing matching sweatsuits that share every tiny interest exactly the same way. Respect, embrace each others differences... be open to trying new things out but don't pretend to like food you hate, or shows you can't stand... etc. I don't mean be a spoiled sport... try those new things on for size... its learning and growing! But stay you, don't lose yourself. They are interested in you because of who you already are not because they want a robot that thinks exactly like them.

*COMMUNICATE... tell them what you are thinking, what you are feeling, what you are hoping, what you are dreading. Don't stomp your feet and cross your arms when they do something you don't like.... tell them why it bothered you. Guys are not mind-readers, and chances are they want you to be happy. If they do something that makes you light up inside... tell them that too!! They can't learn you, learn what makes you tick if you don't share it. So share it.

*Do not attempt to change a man. Love them , be interested in them... for who they are the day you meet them, chances are they will be that way always anyways. I know a lot of girls will see a guy and say hmm... he'd be perfect, if only he did this or that... and try to mold them. Don't take that route. One, you wouldn't want someone to do that to you and Two, its never going to work.

*Let the relationship progress naturally, don't start planning your wedding and naming babies on the 3rd date. Enjoy the person you are dating for the time they are spending with you at that moment... get to know them, let them get to know you and always remember its the journey that matters, not the destination.

*Don't play the silly games. Follow your instincts and your heart and do what you want to do.

OPPS just read the title asking for 1 thing... math isn't my strong point i guess LOL either that or I'm just a motor mouth!

**rcoreyus** · 06-23-2010 03:05 PM

Don't settle. There are a LOT of really nice people out there - don't get into a long term relationship thinking that you are "running out of time" or, "this is as good as I'll find".

**sourpuss** · 06-23-2010 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by Hopeless Dork

*Do not attempt to change a man. Love them , be interested in them... for who they are the day you meet them, chances are they will be that way always anyways. I know a lot of girls will see a guy and say hmm... he'd be perfect, if only he did this or that... and try to mold them. Don't take that route. One, you wouldn't want someone to do that to you and Two, its never going to work.

This is super important! Also, don't let anyone try to change you. If you don't like on another as-is, then it's not a good fit.

**kygirl** · 06-24-2010 07:47 AM

Listen to your instincts. It's pretty easy to be know, early on in a relationship whether there are red flags or things that are dealbreakers. List to yourself and be aware of this so you don't stay in something that isn't good for you.