1. Be honest. Being honest to your mate is very important, in a mature relationship, honesty is the best policy. Tell the truth even when it hurts! It may be difficult, but the truth will allow relationships to breathe. No matter what happens, no one can ever challenge the fact that you are truthful, which might mean that the other person also gives you the same respect. If something doesn't suit them let them know, otherwise they will not trust your opinion. But make it sound like a compliment. Suggest an alternative, and attach praise to the alternative. For example, if they ask you if you like something they are trying on (trying on, not already wearing at a party!) let them know that it might work, but you
think the blue one is your favourite so far because it shows off their great (insert their best feature here—a feature that both of you like, not just you). Also, if they ask you, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" answer them honestly, but not rudely. If you think they are pretty, then say so, but don't say " You are ugly."
2. Remember that girls are often raised to be much more emotionally oriented than men. However, remember that unless your mate suffers from physical ailments that affect their mood, the mood swings that appear to be random for you may very well have significant reasons that you're just unaware of. After all, your partner is an entire person, with a lifetime of experiences, associations and memories, and emotional expressions result from a combination of factors which they may or may not be aware of. The best thing you can do is not take it personally, and try to help them discover and understand why their mood has taken a turn for the worse.
3. Don't brush them off. People often find it exasperating when they get the feeling their partner treats them as an inferior in a relationship. Women are no exception. A lot of women have been taught that the only way to get attention when their partner is trying to ignore them is to act more emotional and be louder until the partner finally surrenders and pays attention to her, even if in annoyance. If people feel they're being given the cold treatment by people who are supposed to be important to them, they get worried. Especially as it distinguishes them from you without giving an explanation for why this
disturbance has occurred. People aren't mind readers. Your mate is not likely to be able to guess that you're cranky just because they wouldn't let you do something that they felt was very trivial, whereas you found it important. If you know that your mood might lead you to overreact, simply say "I'm feeling really irritated right now. Can we talk about this later after I cool off a bit?" (Don't forget to follow through and actually give her your time later.)
4. Communicate. Do not talk their ear off, however make sure that if you have any problems that will affect your mood, they are made aware of the reasons for your problems and mood, so that you do not appear to merely be a fickle and cranky creature. Zone out everything around you when you're talking to them. If you ask them a question, ask them because you really want to know. For example, ask them what type of movies they enjoy, or about one of her favourites. If you know it, talk about it a little bit in an honest way, what you thought of it, and make a guess at why they might have liked it. Even if you are wrong, your mate will usually love the fact that you are interested enough to try. It's also a good thing to keep in mind that for a guy, it's better to listen than to talk. Girls enjoy it when
their mate respondes to their comment, but they really just like having someone to talk to who will listen. Remember, the opposite of talking is not waiting, it's listening. Make sure you're actually listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk.
5. Give gifts as a surprise. Anyone can buy a gift for a birthday, Christmas or an anniversary. Listen to them when you are out window shopping, and if there is something they like, and it's within your price range, remember it and surprise them with it when they least expect it, for no reason at all. Or pick something up on your way home from work, and tell them you were thinking of them when you saw it. It doesn't have to be big or expensive--a book you know they will like, or a CD of their favorite band are ideal gifts.
6. Mix things up. Go to a new restaurant, try a new nightclub or go to a new part of town. Even if you both end up hating it, it's an experience you can share and that's what it's all about isn't it? Creating memories together. Surprise them by doing something offbeat--think less maudlin and more personal. This includes anything from racing them to your walking destination, dancing without music, or even bringing them a tub of LEGO and encouraging their immediate use. You two should grow to be comfortable with each other, and doing things together without self-consciousness. Ideally, they should never feel stupid around you for wanting or doing a particular thing.
7. Compliment them sincerely. Find something particular and compliment them on it, but mean it. Don't just say, "You look nice". Say "That really makes your eyes flash", "Your hair cut really suits the shape of your face" or "That makes me want to kiss your neck" ...and then kiss their neck! The more specific you are, the more unique and appreciative the compliment.
8. Be a gentleman. Even the stuff that seems silly can make a great impression. Hold doors, pull out chairs, things like that. No matter what the media tells you they want, their heart will always go to the gentleman.
9. When your mate calls you or asks you to call them back, just do it. They probably only want to ask you about your night or talk to you about something real quick. If you don't call them back, they just might keep calling which will probably annoy you. So even if it's 4:30 in the morning and you suddenly remember when you get up to go pee, then call them; they'll like the fact that you did, even if they're asleep. Now if your mate calls you obsessively, that's your own problem to deal with!
10. If you plan a date, whether you're going somewhere fancy or just to the movies and you can't make it, again just tell them. Yes, they might be mad at you (more disappointed then anything), but you not calling for fear of their response will make them even more mad. BE A MAN! If you keep canceling though, yes we understand why they're mad.
11. Show some emotion sometimes. You don't necessarily want to be all over your mate or be a whiny baby but be open about when you're happy versus when you are sad. If you have something to be mad about, just tell them. The thing about girls? They love to talk about feelings (well most of them) and they're willing to listen. Your mate will not think any less of you if you show emotion; don't worry -- you're still a man!
12. Mates have a tendency to do favors, leave notes and gifts and just be all around sweet. Yes this can be embarrassing, but realize they just want to do something nice for you, so at least act like you appreciate it. Once in a while make an effort to surprise them. Not necessarily with diamonds and rubies or with 100 dollar meals and fancy gifts, but with just taking the time to do something small and unexpected for them. Give her dog a bath or change that light bulb that's been out for weeks.
13. No need to be all romantic, some of the sweetest memories will be the things that you say or where you went or what you buy them; sure that does stick in our memory but there are more important things!
14. Don't get jealous easily. You don't want your mate to freak out if you talk to another person, so don't freak out when they're talking to another guy; besides, you never know -- it could be a brother, uncle, cousin.
15. Don't judge them by her clothes or the way they look. They may not always feel like spending an hour plucking, tweezing, clipping this, applying that. Make sure they know they can relax and be themselves with you. Don't make them feel like they always have to look like a celestial being.
16. Take care of yourself! Women want to be with someone who can successfully balance their personal life with work or school. Nothing scares them away faster than someone they constantly need to remind to do laundry, take a shower, or get to work on time. It is okay to turn the volume down on the relationship occasionally to accomplish something that needs to get done... we understand! We admire your initiative and hard work.
Tips
• Be accommodating. If there is something they like to do, but you don't really like it, do it anyway, and don't complain. You will probably find that you enjoy doing the activity because you're with them.
• Most guys are unaware, but most people love guys with manners. Hold the door for them, pull out their seat, and offer to pay sometimes (though allow her to pay if they are insistent).
• Playing hard to get doesn't work for most guys. Tell the person you love that you do and keep reminding them.
• Most women have that time of the month. Be as supportive as you can because your mate might be grumpy and/or in pain but they want your love and you have to be there for them. Nonetheless, do not explicitly mention the time of the month to her - a woman hardly enjoys knowing that the world can tell.
• If they are agitated, be nice to them, and don't get ticked off. Remember, they are not actually mad at you, or annoyed at you. They are just going through a hard time. Just let it roll off of you, like water off a duck.
• Keep in mind: the road will be difficult. As in any healthy relationship, you will have your share of conflicts, some tiny, some big. Remember to be true to yourself, and try to abandon any significant selfishness. A relationship is a matter of team work.
• Make sure you're clean and looking good... People will notice if you put some thought into your appearance.
• Call her just to say you are thinking about her.
• Don't just do things on the weekend. Make dates for during the week too. Even if it's sitting on the couch watching t.v. She will appreciate that you want to spend time with her.
• If they ask, "Does this make me look fat," and it is not flattering to them, say: "I don't think it is as flattering to your beautiful body as ___" and suggest an alternative.
• Treat them like you normally do around your friends or else they will feel like you're embarrassed to date her.
• Cook her a delicious meal. Any man can pay cash for a dinner at a fancy restaurant but it takes a special man to cook a homemade meal from the heart to his sweetheart.
• Remember, friends and family can be a strong influence on someone's decisions, so make sure you
are honest, open and interested in them and don't criticize or make fun of them! It's the
quickest way to lose someone.
• If you travel, stay in touch with them so they know you haven't forgotten them.
• When they are mad at you, take them out of somewhere.
• If you are the jealous type, keep thinking to yourself: "When guys talk/look at my mate, they are admiring me and giving me props". This might help quell any jealousy outbursts you may have.
• Never use pick up lines. They are the sign of a jerk, and no one wants to date a jerk.
• Only say you love her if you really do. Never fake anything...it is not real, nor is it cool.
• Stick up for them! If someone is ragging on them emotionally, or definitely physically, be there! Get over there and even if they're a friend of yours defend her! Don't leave her feeling alone and upset.
• Most girls like a lot of those strange complements that guys think are cheesy, like "your eyes are like the starry night." To a guy that's like "What's that supposed to mean? they're black with little white specks in them?" But to most girls it's OH so romantic. But always remember, don't overdo it. It will totally turn them off.
• Girls like it when you make them blush after you say something flattering, but don't make her blush for the wrong reason! Sometimes, if you can see their cheeks turning too red and the situation gets a little awkward, you have said something wrong. Change the subject right away to something more casual. NEVER turn away and ignore her for the rest of the day.
• If you see your archenemy snogging someone, don't kiss your girlfriend a lot.
Warnings
• If you get caught in an awkward relationship-threatening situation, such as doing *something* with another without really meaning it that way, don't say "this isn't what you think" or "this isn't what it looks like". Very cliched. Hold her hand, they will pull away, then look them in the eyes and tell them you love them, and that they are the only one for you, and it really wasn't what it looked like, then explain.
• Never buy flowers for any other girl unless it's her mother/grandmother.
• Never cheat. It remains perfectly understandable that you'll have wandering eyes, but realize where your heart is and stick to that. One time will be enough to convince someone to dump you.
• Never hit your mate. Violence is unconditionally unjustified (and punishable by law in many countries). You can hit them teasingly; mates DO NOT like to be babied all the time and never be touched.
• Never over-do something. Switch things around a lot and you'll keep the excitement that builds a good relationship, though don't be too inconsistent.
• Never tell them they can not talk to their friends, even if they are guys. In fact, become friends with her friends. They will love you even more for that.
• Give them space. They have friends, too, and don't want to be smothered. See above point.
• Try not to give them reasons to be jealous. Understand how your actions might look to them.
• Do not push them to do anything physical with you. They will most likely let you know when they are ready.
• Any boy can wait until someone is ready to do something physical, it takes a man to be chaste even when they don't seem to mind. Don't wait for them to tell you to stop: Ask them. "Is this okay?" is all it takes to make the difference between being the best boyfriend in the world and doing something you both will regret.
• Don't be too careful! A mate will appreciate that you are considerate of their limits, but they'll also appreciate a little pushiness. Know them well enough to estimate what will and won't be okay, and if they stop you or says "no" more than once, it's a no. They'll also enjoy you being just a little rough. Pick her up, push her against a wall, pull her hair a little bit. They'll let you know if there's something they don't like.
• Never hold their family's actions against them. No one can help what their family does or says. You can share with them that it bothers you what someone might have done or said but leave it alone after that.
• Try your hardest to do your part of forgive and forget and let it be. No one likes to be reminded of their mistakes.
• Never forget their birthday or other events they will remember (e.g. Valentine's Day,). Saying "Happy birthday" does not cut it; some girls expect gifts for every holiday. If you do not get them something they will remember, but if you do it continually, they'll think you're cheap! Late is better than never. Cards are better than nothing!
• Never tell them about something you almost did for them and then ended up not doing for whatever reason. Like saying 'I thought about getting you this gift, but changed my mind' or 'I was going to take the day off work to spend it with you and then decided it was a bad idea'. They will not think you were thoughtful, they will think you decided they weren't worth it. This is worse than an oblivious boyfriend, because it shows you know how to be romantic and what to do, but don't find them valuable enough. These thoughts are definitely best kept to yourself.
• Go their way but people don't like guys who apologize and ask suggestions from them all the time. Sometimes it's just okay lead the way.
• Don't embarrass them. Most people, especially if they are teenagers, get embarrassed if you talk about undergarments and things like that. Remember, those sorts of things may be attractive to you, but to them they may be something they don't want to talk about. On the same idea, never tell a funny story about them without her consent, especially if they try to stop, you DO NOT CONTINUE. This will hurt their feelings, as it shows impressing your friends and making them laugh is more important to you than them not having to feel stupid.
• Don't try to be perfect, just try to be YOURSELF, and no one else. They'll love you for that. If they don't, then they're not worth your time.
• Don't compare them to your ex mate; it will make them feel inferior.
• Never cheat on her. This will make your relationship a lot easier
