Now you may be starting to read this and question the title — who would take advice on relationships from someone who is single? That’s simple: Someone who wants good advice. OK, I’ll admit that I haven’t been in a plethora of relationships. I’m also not older and thus, possessing more life experiences than the average college student. In fact, I can’t even legally drink alcohol. Honestly, I’ve just been a loyal source of support and lengthy observer of my friends and their interactions with the opposite sex. Thus, after much frustration and countless nights spent listening to the drone of complaints, I’ve written out three short rules for my fellow females in order to make life a little easier:
1.Don’t be “that girl.” By this, I’m referring to your relationship status. Be assured that he is ready to establish where you stand as a couple. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard this conversation:
Female 1: “So, are you two dating?”
Female 2: “Well, um, not really…er, sort of. We’re together?”
followed by a sheepish shrug.
Come on now, you’re making it way too easy for him. No female really, truly, wants to mess around and not know that she’s the only one. If that does happen to be the case, albeit rare, continue at your own risk.
2. Chances after a cheat: Now this is always an interesting subject. OK, sure, I’m all about pushing that one mistake to the wayside. I understand that “everyone makes mistakes.” Fine. Three chances? Apparently the third time is the charm. Do consider if he’s really worth it though. Fourth? I mean, really. No. Please don’t do that. You’re just giving the proverbial pathetic female stigma life. There are many more fish in the sea.
3. Be who you are. Be yourself. Cliche? Why yes, but true. My women’s image professor made an excellent point when discussing the ever-common practice of painting on the makeup and spending entirely too much time on our hair for those first few dates. It’s just the principle of the thing. He will eventually see you as you really are and while there’s nothing wrong with getting dressed up once in a while, if you don’t like eye-liner or that horribly uncomfortable yet very stylish miniskirt, don’t bother! Freedom at last.
A few pointers may not cover everything as that would certainly take me pages…and pages. The male psyche is, after all, an extensive subject is it not? Don’t answer that. Alas, the basic issues I’ve seen over and over have been addressed. Thus, you can take the advice or leave it. Smile or scoff. Either way, I feel slightly better myself after getting this all out in the open. If nothing else, perhaps my friends won’t come crying to me so much anymore. Ah, the power of words.